1961 Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark
Diecast Model 1/18 Die Cast Car By Autoart
The XP-755 Mako Shark show car was designed by Larry Shinoda under the
direction of GM Design head Bill Mitchell in 1961, as a concept for
future Chevrolet Corvettes. In keeping with the name, the streamlining,
pointed snout, and other detailing was partly inspired by the look of
that very fast fish. The "Mako Shark" was very similar to the 1963
Corvette, with some alterations. These included adding two more brake
lights in the rear (six total), making the nose of the car longer and
more pointed, creating a clear glass roof with a periscope-like
rear-view mirror, and remodeling the interior.
A widespread story has it that Mitchell had an actual shortfin mako
shark mounted on the wall in his office, and ordered his team to paint
the car to match the distinctive blue-gray upper surface gently blending
into white underside of the fish. After numerous attempts to match the
fish's color scheme failed, the team hit upon the idea of kidnapping the
fish one night, painting it to match their best efforts on the car, and
returning it to the office. Mitchell never realized the difference and
pronounced himself pleased with the team's duplication on the car of
nature's handiwork.
What a Car BEST I have ever seen in a
Vette.
Read the review below
The 1961 Mako Shark XP-775
The 1961 Mako Shark from
Auto Art is truly a one of a kind car. Although it never made it to the
production floor the 1961 Mako Shark, first designed by Larry Shinoda,
had a far reaching impact on future Corvettes, especially the 1963 Sting
Ray. This car is a head turner from the first time you see it. The
blended blue paint with varying hues is absolutely stunning in any kind
of light. The sleek lines and bold design draw attention to this model
no matter where it is located.
I do not think it was the radical design that garnered the most
attention to this car but how well they all fit together. Auto Art has
captured all the details of this prototype Corvette. From the center
“fin” line of the hood to the side sloping trunk lid this car makes a
lasting visual impression. The attention to detail that the designers
gave to this model is amazing. All the curves of the fenders match up
perfectly as well as the spacing along the hood, door and trunk lines.
While one would expect this kind of precision for a prototype, it is
rare to find it in the model industry.
The dual sides pipes included on this model were not introduced until
1965 but it gave the Corvette enthusiast something to look forward to.
The radical design change did not wait as long, and actually this model
gave rise to the 1963 Split window coupe. If you were to compare the two
cars side by side you would see a lot of similarities.
The interior of this car is richly detailed with the inlaid wood panels
off-set by the black seats and dash. The floor covering for both he
driver and passenger is a raised rib rubber design for maximum comfort
and traction. The dash is simple but elegant with the wood paneling and
the sunken gauges in the dash panel. Each one the gauges are easy to
read and authentic in styling as well. The periscope rear view mirror
serves more function than style on this model but again it sticks with
the original design.
Auto Art has done a masterful job with its rendition of the 1961 Mako
Shark. Even though this car never made it to production, its design
features are evident on many subsequent Corvettes. If you are a serious
car collector then you must consider adding this model to your
collection. For the Corvette collector, this is a must have item. I look
forward to seeing more models from the Auto Art line in the future.
The Zl-1 engine in the model is incredible. The wires and hose are
meticulously laid out and the ZL-1 air cover looks like it is an exact
copy of the original but just miniaturized to fit into this car. It is
unbelievable how much detail the designers put into this engine. At one
point I wanted to open the radiator to see if it was full.
The under carriage of this model is pretty standard with nothing really
standing out other than the standard blue Delco oil filter. The six
lights across the back of this model add to its unique flair. They fit
perfectly across the back and do not look crowded or out of place at
all. In fact I like this look better than the standard four lights that
Chevy used on its production model cars.