1963 would see the preamble of the new
Corvette
Sting Ray coupé with its distinctive
split rear window and fake hood
vents as well as an independent rear suspension. The split rear window was
discontinued in 1964 due to a danger concern. Because they made the intend
too busy, the hood vents were also cut. muscle for 1963 was at 360 hp (272
kW) hitting 375 hp (280 kW) in 1964.
Corvettes
Four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965, and the "Big Block"
engine alternative: the 396 in³ (6.5 L) V8. surface exhaust pipes
appeared on the
1965 Sting Ray.
Chevrolet would up the gamble in 1966 with the opening of an yet larger
427 in³ (7 L) version of the "Big Block," creating one of the
most collectible
Corvettes
yet. 1967 saw an L88 adaptation of the 427 introduced, at 430 hp (321
kW), estimates place the actual harvest at 550 hp) or more. Only twenty
such engines were placed in the
1967
Corvette, and
the cars can fetch US $600,000 or more at auction today. From 1967-1969,
the 1282 cfm Holley triple two-barrel carburetor, or Tri-Power, was
available on the 427. The 1967 model was originally intended to debut
the
C3 generation
Corvette, however due
to delays, the C3 had to be put off until 1968; as such, the C2 carried
over for an additional model year. Other early options available on the
C2 included AM-FM radio (mid 1963), air conditioning (1963), leather
upholstery (1963), telescopic wheel (1965), head rests, presumably to
prevent whiplash (1966).
