fcoppola

How is it that we call our Stingrays sharks? OK there is the mako shark that looks like a shark that I understand - so where does stingray come from? Why are stingrays called sharks? I'm confused.

Desertdawg

You know what, I was going to answer your question. But it was just way to confusing.
And now my head hurts..... :crazy: :D :D :D

Marks69BB

The one-word Stingray is a carryover from the C2 ('63-'67) Sting Ray which was the original influence for the C2's styling and appeared on the right rear deck. You are correct, the Shark nickname comes mostly from the Mako Shark II which was the show car influence for the C3 ('68-'82). The 2 word Sting Ray of the C2s last appeared on the '66s. The last year '67 of the C2s and first year '68 C3 didn't have Stingray or Sting Ray anywhere on the car. In '69, Stingray reappeared as one word in script above the 'gills' on the front fenders and remained until the mid '70s and never returned again. :nonod:

stingray72

67's had Corvette Sting Ray on the glove box door, and the rear deck.

George

Oldguard 7

I agree with 69bb with a few additions. As we all know Bill Mitchell was the father of this design. In addition to being a car nut he also was an avid fisherman and loved marine life. If you notice the fender vents on the 63-69 vettes resemble the gills on a shark. His concept cars the Mako Shark I was originally painted in the colors of a Mako shark(I) and the colors of the Manta ray ( Mako SharkII). The 'sting ray' script of the 63-66 and the 'stingray' script from 69-early 77 Bill said that he meant it to be only two words he also said he didnt know how the one word designation came into existance. I found this suprising because he was definitely a QC man. I guess he liked the way it looked and allowed it to be put into production.


[Modified by Oldguard 7, 7:48 PM 12/7/2002]

Marks69BB

Oops - my bad! Was going on what someone had told me. :rolleyes:

NorthVette

[QUOTE]I63-69 vettes resemble the gills on a shark. His concept cars the Mako Shark I was originally painted in the colors of a Mako shark(I) and the colors of the Manta ray ( Mako SharkII). QUOTE]

According to what I have read... The guys in the shop painted the fish on his wall to look like the car they painted up... :lurk:


[Modified by NorthVette, 6:08 PM 12/7/2002]


[Modified by NorthVette, 6:10 PM 12/7/2002]

Oldguard 7

Yes Ive heard that story too but the info I posted was culled from an interview with Mitchell in 1986.

Desertdawg

I hope that we didn't miss the meaning of his original question....

Whay are they called stingrays?


And Sharks?


We use 2 different names for the same car, and they are two different fish...


[Modified by Desertdawg, 12:20 AM 12/8/2002]

Oldguard 7

The meaning of the question was not missed. I posted the reply in addition to Marks69bb's reply to the question, talk a little about the extent of Bill Mitchells influence on the design of these vehicles and the origin of the sting ray and stingray script that apppeared on the vehicles. BTW the picture of the ray you posted is called a manta ray and is often mistakenly called a stingray. The stingray is a smaller creature. You see the parallels? :yesnod:


[Modified by Oldguard 7, 11:28 AM 12/8/2002]

Yeller81

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Now I am confused . But I am a Senior Citizen so it is allowed.
Now is my 81 a Stingray or a Shark. ???????????????????????????


[Modified by Yeller81, 12:07 PM 12/8/2002]