Corvette Model Gallery
Mako Shark II
1965
Time does not stand still in car design and even while the mid years were still gaining new Corvette converts the GM Design Studios were working on the next generation. Head of design Bill Mitchell had always been willing to stretch the limits of car design and the Mako Shark II clearly demonstrated this philosophy.
There were three cars based on the Shark II styling:
#1 This was a non running model displayed at the New York International Auto Show in 1965. It was most easily identified by the unique external side pipes.
#2 This was the fully functional Shark II revealed first in Europe and at the New York Show in 1966. This car is the subject of the MPC kit #500.
#3 Once the Shark II had done the show circuit and the ‘68 Corvette was appearing in the nation’s driveways Mitchell had the Shark restyled and renamed Manta Ray (1969). He could frequently be found driving it and Shark #2 on the streets of Detroit.
While the entire Shark series were styling standouts, #2 was also full of as much technical wizardry as could be dreamed of. A few of these features would see production in the next generation some would have to wait for future generations and some were merely dream car gizmos. A few of the gee whiz ideas included six quartz-iodine lights designed to provide correct lighting for any weather condition, retractable spoiler in the rear tail lip, retractable rear bumper, an electrically operated removable targa roof panel and rear window louvers that opened at the push of a button. There were so many electrical gadgets that the car had to use seventeen electrical motors. Once inside the cockpit the electronic playground continued with digital gages, a fiber-optic system to tell the driver if external lights were on and even a HUD display for the speedo. Considering the complexity it’s probably a good thing that all these ideas didn’t make it into production.
Mitchell was clearly taken with the graduated paint scheme of the Shark I because he tried to recreate it for the Shark II. Starting with a black-blue roof, fading to dark blue on the sides and ending with a light grey along the rocker panels. The interior was also done in a medium blue metallic finish.
The Mako Shark II set a new standard for show cars in terms of quality of build and working features, it’s little wonder that the 1968 production Corvette was but a pale imitation.
This Mako Shark II was built by Robert Wheeler many years ago.. Robert didn't want me to post this picture.. but it is the only one I have for this Corvette concept car.
MPC kit #S 00 in 1/25th scale
Here are some of Rob's comments on the model:
Comments:
None.. but hopefully Robert will send us some more information on the model to be posted in the future.
If you have any questions or comments for Robert, you can email him at r.wheeler@sk.sympatico.ca
Page updated 07/30/99