Corvette Concepts: The Mako Shark II Story

When time came to think about a new style for the next generation of Corvettes, the C3 Corvette, the design studios at GM began to draw under the lead of Bill Mitchell.

What came out and was presented in 1965 was the Mako Shark II.
Many new technical and style elements went into the concept. It received at all autoshows worldwide immediate a well deserved atention.

Unfortunately that concept didn't made it into a series car. But many elements flew into the new C3 Corvette.
Like the tipped nose and the coke bottle shape.

The Mako Shark II was a radical concept that shaped Stingray years later. While showcasing distinct design cues, the Mako Shark contained many notable features for 1965. It had a one-piece front-end that hinged forward for access to the engine bay, a removable hardtop, knock-off aluminum wheels and a big-block 427.

It also featured numerous features that were more theoretical than feasible. This includes retractable rear bumpers could extend outwards to protect the bodywork while parked. At the rear, a large wing which was adjustable from the driver's seat to ensure high speed stability.

After the debut of this car at the 1965 Paris Auto Show, Chevrolet received an overwhelming number of requests to have it produced. In 1967, the 'Sting Ray' became the 'Stingray', which was updated to reflect the styling cues of the Mako Shark II.

GM also transformed the Mako Shark II into the Manta Ray included the addition of a front spoiler was added, changes to the grille and the “side pipe” exhausts were redesigned. The rear design changed, too, with a flying buttress-style appearance replacing a series of horizontal slats behind the rear window. The “new” Manta Ray also received a ZL-1 427-cubic-inch big-block V-8 engine.

source: supercars.net, cybergate-corp.ch, CorvetteMuseum, GM, Conceptcars.com, carstyling,