General Motors(GM) entered their All-American Corvette into the world of sports cars in 1953, and the iconic Chevy has been highly favored ever since. Automotive companies are known to create concept cars to increase awareness and draw consumers into what to expect. It gives the design team a chance to show off every visually compelling attribute of a specific vehicle. With this concept opportunity offered to the designers, the Corvette Mako Shark, also known to GM as the XP-755, was designed to bring shame to every other car during the time.
The Birth of a Beast
The Shortfin Mako Shark is the fastest in the ocean and amongst the fastest of all fish. Their razor-sharp teeth and the ability to swim up to 45 miles per hour make the Mako shark one of the most fierce oceanic predators. The tag-team duo responsible for the overall design and concept of the Corvette Mako Shark was Larry Shinoda and Bill Mitchell. Miraculously, Bill Mitchell caught a Mako and mounted it in his office, which sparked a new Corvette design.
These two innovative minds were determined to create something new for the consumers and the GM family. They made the general design and foundation of the Chevrolet Corvette for many generations after the second-gen. Fans raved over the 1961 Mako Shark concept advertised to give an idea of the 63’ model Corvette. Its unusually sharp yet gorgeous front end was impossible to ignore. The shiny header pipes and exhaust expelled from the car’s side, not the rear; this Corvette concept car was the epitome of American sports cars in the 1960s.
The 1961 Mako Concept was initially manufactured without a powerhouse and was meant for display only. However, the Mako Shark II concept built-in 1965 was equipped with Chevy’s notoriously powerful ZL1 V8 engine. The 427 cubic inch motor is comprised of an all-aluminum block, intake manifold, and heads. Creating roughly 425 horsepower, Chevy’s ZL1 is the perfect powerhouse for the Mako Shark.
Although it was not the fastest of its time, the Mako Concept is an American sports car with a top speed of 120 miles per hour. With such lightning speed, and a glossy dark blue, white paint finish, the car’s name is rightfully justified. Inevitably, by popular demand, the ZL1 was put into the Mako Shark I as time progressed. These rare beasts are tough to find, and if an owner is interested in selling, the asking price can be astronomical.
Final Thoughts on Chevy’s Mako Shark Corvette Concept
The original Mako concept cars reside in the GM Heritage Center located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, along with other GM automotive phenomenons. Chevy’s Mako Shark Corvette Concept is probably the most sought after Corvette of them all. With such an innovative style and luring characteristics, the Mako Shark will forever be legendary.
Although Europe primarily controlled the realm of sports cars in the automotive world with globally recognized brands such as Ferrari and Aston Martin, General Motors Company found a way to ensure America has a well-respected and competitive sports car on the market.