After a dozen years of the early style 'Vette, GM's chief designer William Mitchell decided to take characteristics from a shark and a manta ray, and designed the Mako Shark. It debuted in 1966 at the New York Auto Show.

Of course it contained all the bells and whistles available during that period. For Mitchell, how it handled the roads was paramount. Designs began in 1963, as soon as the Split Window hit the show rooms. It featured a tilt front end and a one piece removable roof panel, knock-off aluminum wheels, and a 427 cubic inch Mark IV big block engine. Power was delivered to the rear wheels by a turbohydromatic three speed automatic transmission, operated remotely from inside the cabin

Other features included were digital guages for speed and fuel, and stereo speakers installed in the head rests. The rear end continued the "boat-tail" theme, but now with esthetic slats. From a switch in the interior, a flush panel would become operational and block the rear license plate from view. This concept was quite popular with the 'street racing' crowd!

The rear bumper was extendible for aid in parking, and retractable for aerodynamics. Rear spoiler was also adjustable. The Mako Shark was so impressive and got so much attention that immediate plans for a 1967 introduction were put into works.

Tests revealed the car was very unstable, and visibility poor. Work was so extensive that the 67 deadline had to be backed off one year, which was the initial year for the Stingray. The body was redesigned more proportional, visibility improved, lift was minimized by adding a front air dam, and the power plant was a 427 big block engine, available in five different versions.

The new car was an instant success for street and track enthusiasts alike. The Corvette finally gave American's a true winner in the sports car class, attaining speeds of 200mph. The 'Vette became a top contender in GT and SCCA racing.