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.
The model:
Felice built this Mako Shark II show car based on the MPC 6359
Custom Corvette.
He had a really tough time fitting and correcting the model. He
added the missing vents in the hood.
Wheels are from the Revell '67 with knock off from the parts box.
The tail lights and exhaust are made of aluminum
Paint is Testor's Model Master Copenhagen Blue 2703, fading to chrome silver and clearcoated with Future floor wax. Model Car Garage photoetch set added the finishing touch to this model.
If you would like to contact Felice on this model his e-mail address is: felilaura@cantv.net
Page updated 01/08/03