Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray 1966 - World Of Classic Cars -

Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray 1966

The Corvette Stingray had grown to be America's most popular sports car since its debut in 1953 but it was time for a change for the 1963-1967 models. Even the most superlative design grows whiskers after a decade and Chevrolet chief, Bill Mitchell, and stylist, Larry Shinoda, faced a tough task; to improve a living legend.  Not only did they succeed but their creation turned into a modern classic and they created the most collectible Corvette of them all sending sales soaring to record levels. Seeds were planted by the Stingray Special racer and experimental XP-720 which displayed a smooth fastback profile and split back window. These and other styling details such as pivoting hidden headlights, doors cut into the roof, and a swage line dip all wound up in the production Sting Ray. The four headlights aligned with the pointy frontend when shut, rotating open when needed. Luggage space grew, though lack of a boot lid earned few plaudits. There was less fibreglass but nearly twice as much steel in the sculptured body, which rode a shorter 98-inch wheelbase.