C O R V E T T E AT 7 0
Second generation: C2
GETTY IMAGES
1963–1967
KEY NUMBER: 50 percent – sales improvement for the 1963 model year over 1962. GM knew it couldn’t afford to make a mistake with the C1’s replacement, and as far back as 1957 prototypes were being progressed. Duntov focused on developments such as an air-cooled flat-six motor along with rear- and mid-engined layouts, while GM’s director of styling, Bill Mitchell, forged on with a coupe-only model, culminating in the 1959 Stingray concept car. In the end, the production body would be developed from the Stingray by Larry Shinoda, on a shorter wheelbase than the original Corvette. Duntov’s experiments with the CERV 1 concept saw the introduction of independent rear suspension, and this, along with steering revisions, made the Corvette handle just as well as its European rivals. The first-year Sting Ray coupes featured a split rear window, which was replaced by a single-pane item in the second year due to safety concerns. Duntov was also keen to take
‘L88 was pretty much a racing engine that ran on 103-octane fuel, believed to have offered as much as 560bhp’
ABOVE Influence of the 1959 Stingray (aka Sting Ray) can be seen in the 1967 convertible (BELOW). OPPOSITE 1963 C2 coupe featured now-iconic split window.
50
M1 MOMENTUM
the fight to Ford; in addition to producing six Corvettes for Le Mans, he conceived the Z06 project. This was a performance package that included stiffer springs, a larger sway bar, improved brakes and a bigger fuel tank. Duntov took the idea further with the Grand Sport – a lightweight version of the Corvette to battle the Shelby Cobra in Grand Touring racing. He hoped to build 125, but GM top brass strongly opposed the plan, and just five ended up being made. Chevrolet nevertheless continued to develop the C2 over the car’s lifetime, adding disc brakes, trim and body refinements, and minor styling revisions. However, the arrival of the big-block 396ci (later 427ci) engine transformed the Corvette into a monster – 425bhp and up to 460lb ft of torque. The biggest bang was saved for last – the 1967 Tri-Power engine, and the L88 package; the latter was pretty much a racing engine that ran on 103-octane fuel. Although advertised at 430bhp, it’s believed that the L88 actually offered as much as 560bhp…
