Tag Archives: Mitchell

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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Exploring The Limits Of Handling and Performance – Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept Car (Replica)

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept Car (Replica)

The 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept car was based on the tubular steel chassis 1957 Corvette SS racing car that was abandoned after the 1957 Sebring 12 hours as a result of an agreement between members of the Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) not to build factory developed racing cars.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept Car (Replica)

Vice President of GM Styling William (Bill) L Mitchell is credited with designing and building the Stingray Concept Car featuring a fibreglass body which weighed in at 2,200 lbs around 1,000 lbs lighter than a contemporary production Corvette.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept Car (Replica)

The one off concept was entered by Bill in numerous races from at least April 1959 to at least October 1960 mostly for Dick Thompson and a couple of races for John Fitch, by early 1960 Dick had clocked up several class BM wins.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept Car (Replica)

Powered originally by a fuel injected 4.6 litre / 283 cui which was good for 315 hp at 6,200 rpm the car was used as a test bed for a four speed manual transmission once it’s racing days were over. Today the car which resides General Motors Design Center has a 375 hp 5.5 litre / 327 cui motor fitted.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept Car (Replica)

Styling of the Stingray Concept Car heavily influenced the styling of 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray production car. The strong line around the mid rift would become a feature on many vehicles of the 1960’s the Chevrolet Corvair, Alfa Romeo GTV 2000, almost the entire 1960’s BMW range, the Hillman Imp / Singer Chamoise and NSU Prinz to name but a few.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept Car (Replica)

This particular replica which I have seen at Silverstone many times over the years appears to be based on a 1977 Chevrolet (Corvette ?) chassis and is powered by a 5.4 litre 283 cui engine.

Hope you have enjoyed today’s Concept edition of ‘Gettin’ a lil’ psycho on tyres’ and that you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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