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Here's the story:
Illustrated Corvette Series No. 29 - 1967 Corvette - "The Finished
Sting Ray"
Sometimes unexpected efforts turn out the best.
Such is the case with the 1967 Corvette. It is common for designers to
be working on the next generation as soon as a new model comes out. As
the 1963 Sting Ray was being shown, Bill Mitchell and his team of top
designers were working on the Sting Ray's replacement.
The new Corvette was supposed to be released as a 1966 model. The Mako
Shark had unexpected problems that had to be solved, in addition to
internal directional struggles. Zora Arkus-Duntov wanted a mid-engine
Corvette while Mitchell pushed his Mako Shark II design. Although the
Mako Shark II was a smash hit on the show car circuit, the car suffered
from front end lift and Duntov didn't like the reduced visibility the
sexy, budging front fenders created. Mitchell won the layout battle and
toned down the styling while Duntov's team made the Mako Shark II
styling into a real car.
Performance hounds went ga-ga over the 1967 Corvette, especially the
427 / 435 horsepower version. Visually, the '67 model was clean as can
be. Gone were the fake vents, scoops, and badges. Front fender vents
featured five angled slots and the big-block had an aggressive looking
hood scoop. Hub caps were replaced with five-slot, 6-inch, steel rally
wheels with chrome beauty rings and caps.
The 427 /435 engine was premo! Carburation used three two-barrel carbs
with a progressive, vacuum operated linkage that only used the center
two-barrel carburetor for normal driving. If you put your boot into it,
the remaining two carburetors cranked out amazing power. With the right
rears and a four-speed, quarter-mile times in the 13s were standard,
with a top speed of 140+ mph! Every possible performance option was
available. Chevy sold 22,940 cars, costing over $5,000 each.
Although more 1966 cars were sold, 27,720, the 1967 427/435 model is
one of the most valued cars in Corvette history.
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