Chevrolet Corvette (United States of America, 1963-1967)

In 1963, Chvrolet introduced a new generation for the Corvette model, which was also named the Corvette Sting Ray. The second generation Chevrolet Corvette cars were produced until 1967.

The 1963 Sting Ray’s front V8 engine delivered 360 hp through a 5.4-liter displacement, rising to 375 hp in 1964. In 1965 the 5.4-liter engine was replaced by a 6.5-liter unit, making the car achieve its top speed at around 142 mi/h (229 km/h).   The next year, a 7-liter V8 replaced the former 6.5 L engine, and in 1967 the car received the L-88 version of the 7-liter V8 engine, now producing 430 hp (although unofficially it was estimated at 550 hp). In addition, an optional 560 hp L-88 became also available, which could go up to 152 mi/h (245 km/h).   The Sting Ray Corvette is rear-wheel driven and runs through a 3-speed manual transmission.

Steel ladder-type frame.   Platform
  Suspension Front A-arms with coil springs, anti-roll bar and tubular shock absorbers, plus rear half shafts with lateral struts, radius rods, transverse leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers   Steering Recirculating Ball steering system.   Brakes First Sting Rays had four-wheel drum brakes and then four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965.

Designer Larry Shinoda conceived the Sting Ray Corvette under Bill Mitchell’s styling direction, offering two bodywork options for the customer to choose from: a 2-door coupe and a 2-door convertible.   It is said that the Jaguar E-Type that Bill Mitchell owned at that time was one of the most important inspirations for the 2nd generation Corvette. Alongside the Jaguar, inspiration allegedly also came from a mako shark that Mitchell had caught while fishing in deep sea.   The Sting Ray couldn’t be mistaken for any other car in part thanks to its unique split rear window, which no longer existed from 1964 onwards because of its low safety. It was also recognizable for its non-functioning hood vents, which eventually were also taken off.

After Chevrolet withdrew from factory racing, Bill Mitchell sponsored a 2nd generation Corvette that was dubbed “Michel Sting Ray” in 1959.   Several Corvette Grand Sports were built for racing and received different engines. One of them was driven by Dick Thompson at the 1963 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and was the champion, becoming the only Corvette Grand Sport to win a race.

Sports Car International magazine set the Sting Ray in fifth place on its 2004 “Top Sports Cars of the 1960’s” list.