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Corvette Designer Larry Shinoda's Other Vehicle Designs (photos)
by Coner Fynes

theandies

Most Corvette guys know this story about the Mako Shark Corvette. Bill Mitchell, head of GM styling at the time, wanted it to be painted like an actual Mako Shark he had mounted on the wall of his office. The painters could never get it right so one night they "stole" the shark out of Mitchells office and painted it to look like the car. Mitchell was finally happy with the teams results.

Snoopysvet

One piece removable top?

Denpo

While the Mako Shark II is often praised as the origin of the C3 styling, I think we should not forget than one year earlier they made the XP819


And I'm sure some elements of the Cancelled Pontiac Banshee when into the mix also.

theandies

And it has a rear engine.

tomvr

I just watched a video on this car earlier today. The roof didn't come completely off. It was hinged on the back and automatically rose up to ease entry into the car.

Kid Vette

Fact is the C3 design was being finalized long before the Mako Shark II was shown to the public.

Easy Mike

Your pics are far more interesting than those posted by the OP. The dates are priceless.

Bocaguru

The Mako Shark is the design for the 1973 Corvette almost exactly.. no chrome bumper and turned up spoiler rear end.

Denpo

And that's why the C3 has this seemingly unpractical rear window and deck

Wee

Those pics of the clay model in the office are great....I would love to see more.

Brian

Alex66

The design with the date 12.02.64 (last three Pictures) is in my opinion straight out beautiful. With the flowing rear pillars. Why didnt they build it like this??? The louvers are like 70 - 72 louvers... all of that in 64!!!!

Kid Vette

A few more.

Alex66

These Pictures are priceless!!! Thank you for sharing

Richard Daugird

I wonder do they still style cars like this, or has 3D Modeling put an end to that?

shaun8484

Thanks for the great pictures!

theandies

They still do full scale clay mock-ups. It's the only way to get an actual perspective of the actual look. 3D computer rendering is great but it is just not the same as a full size model.

oldgto

I`m glad they lost that rear quarter window idea!

misery

The metal bumper fast back is gorgeous!