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.

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  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.  1:18th below

                

 

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.

 

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

 

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.