Wednesday, July 17, 2013

1961 Chevrolet Mako Shark I Corvette Concept

The XP-755 concept car, also known as the Mako Shark, was designed by Larry Shinoda
under the direction of General Motors Styling and Design head Bill Mitchell in 1961, 
 a concept for future Chevrolet Corvette production cars. 
In keeping with the name, the streamlining, pointed snout, and other detailing including 
the blended paint scheme, clear glass roof with a periscope-like rearview mirror, 
was partly inspired by the sleek, fast-moving shortfin mako shark. 
The '61 Corvette tail was given two additional tail lights (six total) for the concept car. 
The concept was inspired by Bill Mitchell's 1959 Stingray racer XP87 
which also inspired the 1963 Corvette C2 Sting Ray.
The Mako Shark was a tremendous success on the auto show circuit. 
In fact, it's been noted just how closely it resembles the design of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. 
A lot of the Mako’s design elements made it into production. 
(wikipedia) 

A number of experimental engines have been tested in the Mako. 
The present engine is a production 1969 427-cubic-inch ZL-1 “big block.” 
This engine has an all aluminum block, heads and intake manifold. 
It is equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor that produces about 425 horsepower. 
(supercars.net)












































(Above L) 1961 Mako Shark I Concept           (Above R) 1965 Chevrolet Mako Shark II Concept

(Photos fromm autowp.ru, conceptcarz.com & supercars.net)