Chevrolet's Corvette has been America's favorite sports car for almost 60 years. Being the first mass-produced, fiberglass-bodied automobile, its first-generation bodywork was modern, in line with "envelope-styled" offerings like the Nash Healey and MG "A", but not too outrageously flamboyant. That was to change in 1961, when the futuristic-looking XP-755 concept car was shown to a thrilled public.
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Styled with great flair by Larry Shinoda, it was inspired by GM design department head Bill Mitchell's ocean-fishing adventures and thus acquired its moniker, Mako Shark. Star of the '61 Auto Show circuit, it predicted major elements of the second generation Stingray 'Vettes, due to appear in showrooms shortly thereafter.
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Incredibly, four years later, Chevrolet's design division matched the success of the first Shark by launching another dream car, the Mako Shark II, this one predicting the look of the next Sting Ray generation, the C3.
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Today, both of these trailblazing cars are prominently displayed at the GM Heritage Museum. Notice GM Futurliner way in the back.
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The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible presented here is one of the first C3s manufactured. Early on, it was re-styled in the image of the Mako Shark II, driven just a few miles, and subsequently allowed to languish in a garage for almost 30 years.
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VIN *194678S400479*, one of 7,717 390HP big block Corvettes built during the model year, is a genuine matching numbers car, factory equipped with the L36 427 cubic inch engine and M20 four-speed manual transmission. During the past year, the Shark has been lovingly re-commissioned and is ready to be enjoyed now.
Let's take a closer look.
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Undercarriage is super clean. The frame is free of damage or corrosion. We spot many newly installed parts, such as shocks, brake hoses, gas tank, and suspension bushings. Disc brake calipers were rebuilt. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Photos above show the undercarriage in more detail.
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The genius of a Mako Shark: the car looks much more organic, more savage than a regular Sting Ray, and yet it is instantly recognized as a Corvette by admiring passers-by. The 'glass body is in excellent condition, with no hairline cracks or warping anywhere. Doors open via hidden solenoids. Functional, chrome side pipes are brand new. Note authentic details like the polished aluminum shark emblems and the flowing lines of the -- removable -- hardtop.
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Mako Shark can be used as a hardtop Coupe or a convertible, depending on the weather and your preference. The swoopy hardtop, unique to this Shark, is in excellent condition, with a crystal clear back window. Correct black convertible top is brand new. It disappears into its original compartment behind the seats when the hardtop is mounted.
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Here's a bit of fun history, courtesy of Larry Shinoda, regarding the Shark's paint job:
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Huge "bonnet" tilts forward to reveal Chevy's mighty Big Block motor. The beast presents itself clean and dry, with perfect chrome valve covers, air cleaner, and brake reservoir lid. Options include 4-wheel power disc brakes and power steering. Engine received the attention it deserved after the long slumber, including carb, plugs, wires, belts and hoses, as well as a complete fluid change and tune up. Eliminating overheating tendencies, a thermostatically controlled, electric fan was added.
Transmission was checked and resealed. A new clutch disc, pressure plate and throw-out bearing were installed.
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Great care was taken to fit the rolling stock perfectly into the front and rear wheel wells, for that perfect Mako Shark stance. A set of new Corvette steel wheels was sourced and topped with the extra-cost, amazing-looking, optional '68 spoke hubcaps, made from unobtainium. Brand new raised white letter COOPER COBRA Radial GT tires of the size 235/70R15 up front and 275/60R15 out back complete the perfect picture.
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Apart from the addition of a nice, wood-rimmed steering wheel, Shark's cockpit remains bone stock -- you can't improve upon perfection. Lights, gauges and windshield wipers are fully functional.
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Body-hugging Mako Shark seats feature 33 degrees of rake. Majority of car's weatherstriping has been replaced. Door panels are in excellent condition, window cranks are new.
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Seat closeup shows the super comfy velour inserts. Console is free of cracks, as is the dash.
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Cavernous luggage area behind seats. Note clean carpeting and dual storage compartments, the right one one housing the (new) battery.
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Smooth Kamm tail with enlarged lip spoiler and single taillights, a Mako Shark trademark.
Let's go for a drive!
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Recovering from a storm front that hit perennially sunny SoCal, we took the opportunity to take the Shark for a test drive once the skies cleared up again.
The big beast starts at the first turn of the key and idles with a pleasant rumble.
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You cannot go anywhere in the big, candy-colored Road Shark without capturing the undivided attention of every man, woman, and child you encounter. Jaws drop, necks snap, fingers point, cell phone cameras flash, arms shoot up to wave. The child-like expressions on the faces of grown men -- and women -- in the presence of this car will make you smile. It's the ultimate crowd pleaser!
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Thanks to full power, Mako Shark is easy as pie to pilot. Effortless is the word here. With superior torque, the car accelerates like a freight train practically from any rpm, in any gear. There are no bad habits to report, no smoking or (oil) drinking.
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Returning home after an exhilarating adventure behind the wheel of this amazing one-off, we are thankful to have had the opportunity to travel back in time behind the wheel of the mighty Mako Shark. It's truly the Über-Corvette!
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This phenomenal, unique 'Vette has just been carefully sorted and is ready to be driven anywhere. Be it as a fun investment, a Sunday driver, a participant in Pro Touring events, or simply as a show stopper and quintessential conversation piece at any gathering of automobile aficionados: the Mako Shark offers unlimited opportunities.
Addendum:
We sold this amazing Mako Shark in fall of 2012.
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