Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark (XP-755) concept (1961)
Concept car · 1961 · Combustion
The shark-inspired dream car that set the C2 Corvette's tone
Designed by Larry Shinoda under Bill Mitchell, the XP-755 Mako Shark grew out of the earlier XP-700 and Sting Ray Racer work. Mitchell, inspired by a mako shark he caught on a Bahamas fishing trip, had the car finished in a graduated blue-to-silver paint scheme echoing the fish's coloring. Features included a long pointed nose, concealed headlights, a clear roof panel with periscope mirror and six taillights. It built anticipation for the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray and now resides in the GM Heritage Collection.
Key facts
- Base: Corvette platform, small-block V8
- Styling cues: Pointed nose, concealed headlights, six taillights
- Roof: Clear panel with periscope-style rearview mirror
- Paint: Blue-to-silver shark-inspired fade
- Designer: Larry Shinoda under Bill Mitchell
- Legacy: Previewed 1963 C2 Corvette Sting Ray
Production
- Status: Concept only
- 1961 Bill Mitchell show car (XP-755) that previewed C2 Corvette styling; a one-off, not sold.
- Revealed at 1962 New York International Automobile Show
Source: Wikipedia - Mako Shark (concept car)