1967 Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet Corvette C2 'Sting Ray' 1963 - 1967

The second series of Chevrolet Corvette, offered to the public for the first time in 1963, was a significant departure from the original Corvette C1. The design was a development of Larry Shinoda's Mako Shark show car that, working with GM chief designer Bill Mitchell and Corvete chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, Shinoda developed into the new Corvette 'Sting Ray', also known as the 'mid year' Corvette.

Like the Corvette C1, the bodywork was fibreglass, although the design was markedly different and now a coupe was offered which, for the first year of production, included a notable split rear window. The car initially featured the 327 CID V8 engine carried on from the final Corvette C1 models, but in 1965 the 'big block' 396 CID V8 was offered, followed by the 427 CID V8 in 1966. The ultimate iteration of the model was the 1967 427 CID L88 high-performance engine option, of which only 20 were produced by the factory, and is very highly prized by collectors today.

Hagerty have produced a Chevrolet Corvette C2 Buyer's Guide video. Notable issues are rust in the steel frame and substructure (birdcage) around the cabin, often noticeable by water ingress under the windscreen or water damage to the headlining. Rear trailing arms also suffer from rust. Look for cracks in the fibreglass panels and evidence of poorly-repaired accident damage. Headlamp motors may also wear. Like all Corvettes, make sure the numbers match - this can make a big difference to value. Options also make a big difference too, especially handling options and big 36-gallon fuel tanks (the 'tankers'.)

Purists would argue that the Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray has no alternatives, but period sports cars would include the Jaguar E-Type, Maserati 3500 Spider and Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider.