Corvette Stingray

Corvette, having a past history of proven technologies, introduced the new coupe and convertible model, the StingRay, in 1963. Inspired in design from Bugatti Atlantique and Bertone BAT, its signature 'pop-out' headlights were concealed in the front. This model was the first hardtop coupe available as a traditional convertible from Corvette. The model was imbibed with hydraulic power steering and finned aluminum drum brakes that allowed greater fade resistance and better cooling. The car was called the XP-720 during its designing stages. Bill Mitchell, GM Vice President of styling, and Larry Shinoda, designed the Corvette StingRay Racer in 1959. Initially targeted at engineering a vehicle for an official Chevrolet race effort at the LeMans racing track, the StingRay was developed and later banned by the Automobile Manufacturer's Association for manufacturer-sponsored racing. The 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) V-8, advanced fuel-injection engine delivers 315 hp at 6,200 rpm. Lighter by 1,000 lb than the previous 1960 model, the car debuted at Maryland's Marlboro Raceway on April 18, 1959. It finished fourth in the race and won the SCCA National Championship in 1964. This boosted the manufacturer's confidence, leading to numerous technical developments such as the four-speed manual transmission, a de Dion rear suspension system, etc. by being the first test bed machine. The Stingray weighs 2,200 pounds, due to its SS underpinnings, and incorporates an independent rear suspension. The production of Stingray in the year 1963 was rated to be 10,594 coupes and 10,919 convertibles. The latest model features a 327 Cubic inch (5.4 liter), fuel-injected V-8 churning out 375 BHP.