The second generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, which ran from 1963 to 1967, was born in the form of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. The Sting Ray represented an entirely new body design and was unique in 1963 for several reasons and the model produced several upgrades for the Corvette in general. But perhaps most fascinating about the car was how it became to be.

The designer Larry Shinoda developed the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray out of his distinct inspirations. He took ideas from several sources and when they were all put together the legendary Corvette was built. Shinoda’s boss, Bill Mitchell, influenced the designer in more than one way to help shape what would become the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray:

1. Mitchell’s Previous Designs: Mitchell had previously overseen the design of an unproduced ‘Q-Corvette’ which Shinoda took careful notes of. 2. Mitchell’s Vehicle: Shinoda found more inspiration from his boss by way of what Mitchell drove, which at the time was a Jaguar E-Type. 3. Mitchell’s Adventure: On a deep sea fishing expedition Mitchell had caught and landed a Mako Shark. Shinoda took several key points from this majestic creature of the sea and incorporated them into the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. 4. Mitchell’s Racing Involvement: In 1959 Mitchell sponsored a racing car called the ‘Mitchell Sting Ray’ because at that time Chevrolet had pulled out of factory racing. Though it had no top and did not give away what the eventual 1963 Corvette Sting Ray would look like, it is widely speculated that this was the biggest influence on Shinoda’s design.

There were some new developments that were unique to the year and the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. While some of the developments stayed, others did not. The split rear window and non-functional hood vents were produced in the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray for the first and last time. These features were dropped the very next year because of safety issues. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray was dubbed the “Split Window Coupe” because this was the only year the split window was featured and it is a highly sought after Corvette among collectors.

The introduction of the independent rear suspension was one innovation that did stand the test of time. This technology was not new but it was to the Corvette. This proved to be a technology that would last. The implementation of the Wonderbar auto tuning radio and air conditioning in mid 1963, were features that proved to be a foundation in the Corvette family.

Powering the 1963 Corvette Stingray was a small-block 327 V-8. In 1963, the maximum output for horsepower was 360 and increased in 1964 considerably. While not much by today’s Corvette standards, the output was quite significant for the time.

The C2 generation of the Corvette and later models will begin to take shape but it all started with the Larry Shinoda’s design on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. Bill Mitchell’s true inspiration helped shape the Corvette that is enjoyed today and will live in the hearts of Corvette lovers forever. The Corvette will always remain an iconic symbol for the now famous brand.

For additional information or queries in regards to a 1963 Corvette please visit us at www.smokinvette.com