Chevrolet Corvette C2

Send This Page To A Friend
Fade To White
Chevrolet Corvette C2


Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

C2 1963 - 1967
Country:
USA
Engine:
V8
Capacity:
5356 - 7000 cc
Power:
250-560 bhp
Transmission:
3/4 spd. man 2 spd. auto
Top Speed:
189 - 233 km/h
Number Built:
45,456 s.block 72,418 b.block
Collectability:
4 star
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 4

Introduction



The second generation, or mid-year Corvette was designed by Larry Shinoda with major inspiration from a previous un-produced design called the "Q Corvette" by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann, under the styling direction of Bill Mitchell.

The design had several inspirations. The first was the contemporary Jaguar E-Type, one of which Bill Mitchell owned and enjoyed driving frequently. Mitchell also sponsored a car known as the "Mitchell Sting Ray" in 1959, because Chevrolet no longer participated in factory racing.

This vehicle had the largest impact on the styling of this generation, although it had no top and did not give away what the coupe would look like. The third inspiration was a Mako Shark that Mitchell had caught while deep-sea fishing.

Its transmission was usually three speed manual, two speed automatic, or four-speed manual. They could achieve such speeds as 0-96 km/h in the electrifying time of 5.6 seconds.

In 1966 they could be purchased with hydraulic tappers, lower-compression L36 form. Manufacture of the Stingray ceased in 1967 and it came with 300 and 350 bhp small blocks and big blocks that ranged in output from 390 to 435 bhp.

Production started for the 1963 model year and ended in 1967. Introducing a new name, Corvette Sting Ray, the 1963 model was the first year for a coupe with its distinctive split rear window , non-functional hood vents as well as an independent rear suspension. Duntov never liked the split rear window because it blocked rear vision.

Bill Mitchell however thought it to be a key part of the entire design. Duntov got his way on the 1964 model. The decorative hood vents were also eliminated for '64. Maximum power for 1963 was 360 hp (268 kW) and was raised to 375 hp (280 kW) in 1964.

In 1965 the Stingray model introduced a big block 396 cu V8 motor which packed a huge 425 bhp at 4,000 rpm. It now sported four wheel disc brakes with an engine that went up to a full seven litres.

1965 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe



The Corvette Stingray C2 was introduced in 1963 and like its predecessors had a fibreglass body but with styling that was all new with a mixture of muscled haunches and chiselled edges that resulted in unique appeal. After its first year of production, the coupe lost its split rear window with the future dictating that these models were the most collectable of Corvettes.

Four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965, as was a "big block" engine option (the 396 CID (6.5 L) V8). Side exhaust pipes became optional in 1965 and continued through 1967. The introduction of the 425 hp 396 CID big block in '65 spelled the beginning of the end for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396 CID option cost $292.70 while the fuel injected 327 CID engine cost $538.00.

Few people could justify spending $245.00 more for 50 hp (37 kW) less. With only 771 fuel-injected cars built in 1965, Chevrolet discontinued the option. Chevrolet would up the ante in 1966 with the introduction of an even larger 427 CID (7 L) version, creating what would be one of the most collectible Corvettes ever. Other options available on the C2 included the Wonderbar auto-tuning AM radio, AM-FM radio (mid 1963), air-conditioning (late 1963), a telescopic steering wheel (1965) and headrests (1966).

1967 Corvette Sting Ray 427 Convertible



The convertible was a good-looking car, with its hood raised or lowered but odd for an American car in that it possessed independent rear suspension. The 1967 Corvette was originally intended to be the first of the C3 generation; however, due to quality issues the C3 was delayed until the following year. 1967 was also the first year for the L-88 engine option which was rated at 430 hp (321 kW), but unofficial estimates place the actual output at 560 hp (418 kW) or more. Racers enjoyed the L88 engine with its 560 bhp, alloy heads and fancy forged crank, but it was deemed unusable on the road - only twenty such engines were installed at the factory. From 1967 to 1969, the Holley triple two-barrel carburettor, or Tri-Power, was available on the 427.

Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov came up with a lightweight version of the C2 in 1962. Concerned about Ford and what they were doing with the Shelby Cobra, GM planned 100 Grand Sport Corvettes but only five were built. They were driven by historic drivers such as Roger Penske, A. J. Foyt, Jim Hall, and Dick Guldstrand among others. Today the cars 001-005 are all held by private owners. They are among the most coveted and valuable Corvettes ever built.

In 1968 the "Coke Bottle" Stingray was released, and despite being a worthy successor, never really recaptured the spirit of the 1963-67 Stingrays.
Chev Corvette C2

Visitor Rating:


Click stars to vote

Also see:


Corvette Technical Specifications (1953 - 1978)
Corvette Sting Ray vs. Aston DB-5 vs. Ferrari 250/GT
Corvette Car Brochures
Chevrolet Paint Charts
Chevrolet Car Commercials
Reader Reviews page 0 of 0
Click here to add your review
There are currently 0 reviews to display.

 
Reader Rides
Sorry, we don't have any reader rides for the Chevrolet Corvette C2.
Be The First To Upload Pictures Of Your Chevrolet Corvette C2
Chevrolet's For Sale
item
Chevrolet
1958
Sedan
V8
Showroom
LHD

Dealer

Classic Cars

POA
NA
item
Chevrolet
1982
Coupe
V8
Excellent
LHD

Dealer

Classic Cars

23,750 EUR
NA
item
Chevrolet
1957
Pick Up
V8
Showroom
LHD

Dealer

Classic Cars

POA
NA