Chevrolet Corvette C2

The second generation, or mid-year Corvette was designed by Larry Shinoda with major inspiration from a previous un-produced design called the "Q Corvette" by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann, under the styling direction of Bill Mitchell.

The design had several inspirations-The first was the contemporary Jaguar E-Type, one of which Bill Mitchell owned and enjoyed driving frequently. Mitchell also sponsored a car known as the "Mitchell Sting Ray" in 1959, because Chevrolet no longer participated in factory racing. This vehicle had the largest impact on the styling of this generation, although it had no top and did not give away what the coupe would look like. The third inspiration was a Mako Shark that Mitchell had caught while deep-sea fishing.

Production started for the 1963 model year and ended in 1967. Introducing a new name, Corvette Sting Ray, the 1963 model was the first year for a coupe with its distinctive split rear window , non-functional hood vents as well as an independent rear suspension. Duntov never liked the split rear window because it blocked rear vision. Bill Mitchell however thought it to be a key part of the entire design.

Duntov got his way on the 1964 model. The decorative hood vents were also eliminated for '64. Maximum power for 1963 was 360 hp (268 kW) and was raised to 375 hp (280 kW) in 1964.

1965 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe

Four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965, as was a "big block" engine option (the 396 CID (6.5 L) V8). Side exhaust pipes became optional in 1965 and continued through 1967. The introduction of the 425 hp 396 CID big block in '65 spelled the beginning of the end for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396 CID option cost $292.70 while the fuel injected 327 CID engine cost $538.00.

Few people could justify spending $245.00 more for 50 hp (37 kW) less. With only 771 fuel-injected cars built in 1965, Chevrolet discontinued the option. Chevrolet would up the ante in 1966 with the introduction of an even larger 427 CID (7 L) version, creating what would be one of the most collectible Corvettes ever. Other options available on the C2 included the Wonderbar auto-tuning AM radio, AM-FM radio (mid 1963), air conditioning (late 1963), a telescopic steering wheel (1965) and headrests (1966).

1967 Corvette Sting Ray 427 Convertible

The 1967 Corvette was originally intended to be the first of the C3 generation; however, due to quality issues the C3 was delayed until the following year. 1967 was also the first year for the L-88 engine option which was rated at 430 hp (321 kW), but unofficial estimates place the actual output at 560 hp (418 kW) or more.[3] Only twenty such engines were installed at the factory. From 1967 to 1969, the Holley triple two-barrel carburetor, or Tri-Power, was available on the 427.

Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov came up with a lightweight version of the C2 in 1962. Concerned about Ford and what they were doing with the Shelby Cobra, GM planned 100 Grand Sport Corvettes but only five were built. They were driven by historic drivers such as Roger Penske, A. J. Foyt, Jim Hall, and Dick Guldstrand among others. Today the cars 001-005 are all held by private owners. They are among the most coveted and valuable Corvettes ever built.