These Corvette concept cars remain to be a legend forever

Rare ONES Because some time ago we discussed about such a unique American legendary muscle car named the 1976 Corvette Greenwood Sportwagon. Well, on this occasion we are back to discuss other more famous Corvette variants, namely the Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I and Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II.

The Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II (foreground) and Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I (background) designed by Larry Shinoda in 1961 and 1965, under the direction of GM's Head of Design Division then, Bill Mitchell. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)

Both are known to be a concept car series created by automotive designer Larry Shinoda in 1961 and 1965, under the direction of GM's Head of Design Division then, Bill Mitchell. These concept car series were originally intended to be the base concepts of the Corvette's future cars. As quoted from OtoBlitz, these Corvette Mako Shark designs are said to have been inspired by a mako shark that was caught by Mitchell off the coast of Florida which was reportedly later displayed on the wall of his office.

The Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II (foreground) posed along with the Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I (background) outside the GM Technical Center. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Later, the Corvette Mako Shark I concept along with the Corvette Stingray race car (also designed by Mitchell and Shinoda in 1959) influenced the sleek styling of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, including the bulging fender design. Meanwhile, the Mako Shark II influenced the redesigned Corvette C3 of 1968.

The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I is built on the platform of the 1958 Corvette XP-700 'double-bubble' concept, with a slightly modified chassis equipped with cast magnesium wheels. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)

However, as a concept, the Mako Shark design does look more 'dramatic' and different from all other Corvette models. The Corvette Mako Shark I prototype is built on the platform of the 1958 Corvette XP-700 'double-bubble' concept, with a slightly modified chassis equipped with cast magnesium wheels.

The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I featured with six taillights, a longer and sharper muzzle similar to the appearance of a real shark, and a wide glass roof with side mirrors designed like a periscope. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)

Furthermore, the Corvette Mako Shark I is featured with six taillights, a longer and sharper muzzle similar to the appearance of a real shark, and a wide glass roof with side mirrors designed like a periscope. The Mako Shark prototype is covered in mixed color paint, which is based on a blue top surface grading to white on the underbody, exactly resembling the natural color of the mako shark.

The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I after modification with the hood and front facia were modified and the interior was updated, and the car also lost the distinctive "double-bubble" canopy. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)

As quoted of Wikipedia, like many show cars, the Mako Shark I underwent styling and detail changes over time. As You can see, the hood and front facia were modified and the interior was updated, and the car also lost the distinctive "double-bubble" canopy. The car was retroactively dubbed the Mako Shark I when the Mako Shark II debuted in 1965.

The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I is powered by a very powerful Chevy ZL1 V8 engine capable of spitting out around 425 horsepower. (Picture from: GMHeritageCenter)

For its drivetrain, the 1961 Corvette XP-775 Mako Shark I concept was originally built without an engine and intended for display only. However, that doesn't mean the automaker never thought of a balanced engine pair for the concept car, as a number of experimental engines had tested on the Mako Shark, including a four carburetors super-charged engine, a dual four-barrel carburetors engine, and a fuel-injected V8 engine.

The Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II had a heavy Italian accent, no wonder if the car was one of those designs that is perfect from every angle of view. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)

Eventually in 1965, the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II concept was then equipped with a very powerful Chevy ZL1 V8 engine. The engine has dimensions of 427 cubic inches and a capacity of 6,997 cc consisting of an aluminum block, intake manifold, and head. 

Since the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II was used as the basis for the 1969 Manta Ray, so currently there're no-real models (in pictured was the replica built by Hanspeter Boehi). (Picture from: MotorTrend)

The engine is capable of spitting out around 425 horsepower, and it seems the Chevy ZL1 engine is a perfect paired for the Mako Shark. Inevitably over time because of the popularity of the concept car, then many automotive enthusiasts and enthusiasts at that time asked to install the Chevy ZL1 engine under the hood of the Mako Shark I as well.

The replica of the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II built by Hanspeter Boehi based on the GM's official U.S. Patent illustrations of the original Mako Shark II model. (Picture from: CorvetteReport)

Although not the fastest of its time, the Mako Concept was an American sports car with a top speed of 120 miles per hour. Well, with lightning speed, as well as a glossy dark blue white paint finish, thus fostering a match between the name and performance of the car. 

Since the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II was used as the basis for the 1969 Manta Ray, so currently there're no-real models.😢 As quoted of CorvetteReport, now there's the most similar replicas ever, it built based on the GM's official U.S. Patent illustrations of the original Mako Shark II model by a Swiss automotive enthusiast named Hanspeter Boehi.

While the Mako Shark I concept cars now reside in safe at the GM Heritage Center located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, along with other GM automotive phenomenas. The Chevy Mako Shark concept is perhaps the most sought after Corvettes of all. With its unusual innovative style and captivating characteristics, it is certain that the Mako Shark series will remain a legend forever. 😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GMHERITAGECENTER | WIKIPEDIA | MOTORTREND | CORVETTEREPORT ]

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