Inspirational Fish – Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupé

Larry Shinoda was responsible for the design of the second generation (C2) Corvette which took styling cues from the 1959 (Bill Mitchell) Stingray Concept Car.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

Bill Mitchell is also credited with catching a Marko Shark which is said to have provided further inspiration for the C2’s design details.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

Production of the C2 ran from 1963 to 1967 with numerous detail changes introduced during the run. This one is powered by a 360 hp 5.3 litre / 327 cui V8.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

Featured here is a 1963 model distinguished by the twin horizontal air vents behind the front wheel.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

The very first 1953 Corvette Logo was going to include the US flag on the left, however this plan was deemed an illegal use of the flag on a commercial product so the flag was replaced by one bearing the GM bow tie and Frances fleur-de-lyes which symbolizes peace and purity.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

The bobtail on the 1963 Coupé would be reprised on the back of the 1971 Buick Riviera.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

Independent rear suspension replaced the solid axles used in the original (C1) Corvettes.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

The split rear screen was replaced in 1964 for a single screen.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

Farther of the Corvette, program, Zora Arkus Duntov is said not to have been impressed by the split screen while his boss Bill Mitchell overruled him.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

“Sting Ray” and “Stingray” logo’s were only applied to the C2 and C3 Corvettes from 1963 – 1982 except in 1968.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé, Brooklands Auto Italia

The most valuable Sting Ray’s are five light weight examples built in response to the Shelby Cobra project, all five are in private hands.

Thanks for joining me on this “Inspirational Fish” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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