Vehicle Description
1968 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
"The Mako Shark concept car was inspired by a fishing trip taken by
Bill Mitchell, who was at the time GM's head of design. On this
trip he caught a shortfin mako shark, and was so inspired by the
appearance of this ocean beast, that he launched a project of
designing a concept car Corvette to look just like it. Designer
Larry Shinoda took the lead in this project, and succeeded in
meeting Mitchell's expectations." Thankshobbycarcorvettes.com
For consignment, a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe with 1,038 miles
since the engine build, retaining its numbers matching transmission
and adorned with a Mako concept front end, making it a unique
Corvette with a piece available from a number of fabricators who
have been producing transformational pieces for many decades. This
is a one family car that did a little time at Maple Grove raceway
some years ago and has since received a new engine.
Exterior
The pointy nosed apex ocean predator is well represented by the
front clip here and it doesn't hurt that the car is painted in
Shark Gray Metallic which clings to the exaggerated fenders, down
into the valley of the hood, and over two purple power bugles that
define the Maco hood. In front, like the gaping grin of a real
shark, the grille cants rearward with two headlights positioned
like giant shark molars on the ends. Chrome side pipes run under
the rockers between 15-inch A/P wheels with 225/70R15 tires. The
streamline body continues back to meet a smooth rear fascia,
seamless and without bumpers or exhaust cutouts, topped by flying
buttresses around the narrow rear window and flow through vents.
The paint and body are in nice shape and we could not find any
glaring exterior imperfections.
Interior
Standard Corvette door panels with angular features and
minimalistic hardware on a charcoal plastic base and both present
cleanly. Over to the bucket seats we go and while they won't win
awards for side support, they are period correct, clean, and fit
handsomely. A wood rimmed and chrome spoke steering wheel front the
dash leading to digital instruments in the circular gauge coves
both in front, and in the cluster of five found in the center
stack. The radio is also updated with a Sony AM/FM/CD unit, then
it's back to 1968 for the center console housing the white knobbed
shifter, shift diagram, and finger wheel vent controls. Black loop
carpet covers the floor and rear cargo area and is in excellent
shape.
Drive-train
Per our consignor, we're looking at a crate 350ci V8 with 300
horsepower. It's mated to a GM Performance Parts intake manifold
and an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. Behind it, the numbers
matching Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission that routes power
to the 3.70 gears in back with Positraction. Disc brakes are found
on all four wheels. The bay is accessed by pulling forward the
entire front end and condition is mostly driver quality with some
added bling in the form of chrome valve covers and air cleaner, and
headers that have been blued by heat.
Undercarriage
Fairly clean underneath with some surface rust but dry conditions.
The polished headers flow underneath and head to the sides where
the collector meets the side pipe. Suspension consists of coil
springs up front and a more complex set in the rear with a frame
anchored differential, tubular driveshafts, transverse strut rods,
and transverse leaf spring.
Drive-Ability
Definitely a different vibe looking over rising fenders of this car
and the 350 starts up with a substantial exhaust note as we row
this fish onto the test loop. Normally we honk as a warning but the
horn is not working so this car might catch parking lot swimmers by
surprise. Plenty of power under that front end, straight tracking,
and nice handling. Beyond that horn, all other functions work
swimmingly. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
It's a decent tribute, not nearly as outlandish as the original
concept, but certainly different from your average '68 Corvette
with visual cues that are immediately evident. This is a clean car
and instant originality winner at any car show, and who wouldn't
want to see one at Corvettes at Carlisle? We're putting out some
chum and hoping the right buyer is lurking just under the surface
to snag this shark and give it a good home!
194378S419972
1-Chevrolet
94-Corvette
37-Coupe
8-1968
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
419972-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
J21-May 21st
TRIM STD-Black Vinyl
PAINT 983-British Green
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
