Despite initial struggles in sales of Chevrolet’s new Corvette sports car and the looming threat of its discontinuation, plans for a more focused and purposeful iteration of the Corvette were already underway as early as 1957. It took a dedicated team of engineers, led by Zora Arkus-Duntov, significant effort to persuade the GM board to continue the program. Ultimately, the Corvette was granted a reprieve, leading to its iconic status in automotive history.
By 1963, Chevrolet unveiled the second-generation Corvette, marking a significant departure from its predecessor. Under Duntov’s leadership, the Corvette underwent a transformation, shedding its previous family sedan roots to emerge as a formidable sports car aimed squarely at European competition. Drawing from the experimental Q-Corvette and Sting Ray dream car, the new Corvette boasted a sleek body design crafted by the talented Larry Shinoda, under the guidance of GM design chief Bill Mitchell.
Featuring a purpose-built chassis with four-wheel independent suspension and upgraded drum brakes (later replaced by discs), the second-generation Corvette was powered by variations of the 327ci small-block V8 engine. In 1965, an optional 396ci “Big Block” V8 was introduced, followed by the formidable 427ci engine, which remained in production until the end of the Sting Ray era in 1967.
The period spanning from 1963 to 1967 is now hailed as the ‘golden age’ for the Corvette. The second-generation Sting Ray has since attained legendary status, revered by automotive enthusiasts worldwide and coveted as a highly collectible classic.
Source: Bonhams
