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I know this may be a dumb question but as I said earler, I am new to the vette seine.
Why are the vettes called sharks? Is it becouse of the front end? What year models does it go to?
Madrider
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K
Hey Dan,
The C3's are referred to as the "Shark" Corvettes (1968 - 1982).
I guess its the body shape. Especially the front ends with the side vents that resemble the gills of a shark.
Some of the predecessors of the C3 were the Mako Shark & Manta Ray concept cars.
Interesting stuff to read about if you Goggle the names or read a few of the books that deal with the history of the Corvette.
Two that come to mind are "Classic Corvette The First Thirty Years" & "Duntov."
Enjoy your C3 (Shark) !
Kevin
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Yes indeed...the name came for the shape...Larry Shinoda designed it, David Holis refined it, and Bill Mitchell was the inspiration for the name, as he was found of deep sea fishing, and the sleekness of Sharks in the water. One of his first "show" Corvettes was re-named "Sting Ray I" after the second marine inspired car came out in '64, named Sting Ray II. The Shark name just fits the body shape....
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I thought Sting Ray (I & II) were the design exercises that led to the C2 styling and that the Mako Shark show car was the design exercise that led to the C3 styling.
The vertical gills first showed up on the '65 or '66 model year were carried over to the '68 and '69 model years. The Stingray script did not appear on the '68s but did beginning in '69 (I don't remember what year it disappeared again tho').Norsky 2009-05-11 21:26:33
The vertical gills first showed up on the '65 or '66 model year were carried over to the '68 and '69 model years. The Stingray script did not appear on the '68s but did beginning in '69 (I don't remember what year it disappeared again tho').
Jim Olson 
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To further substantiate Bill Mitchell's love of deep sea fishing, the Mako Shark concept car was painted to resemble a shark...Dark top fading into the light gray at the base of the car.
There is no substitute for low end torque! 
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Send PMCramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I think the "Stingray" name disappeared in 1977
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Send PMOak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
What Kevin said above is true. Even Zora had a idea for the name shark but Bill Mitchell coined it first. Read Jerry's Book about Zora, Zora Arkus Duntov. Good reading.
Dan
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Send PMSummerville, SC - USA
Joined: 8/31/2005
Posts: 660
Vette(s): My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.
The Script is still on my car and it is a 1974 so the sting ray script must be past my year.
Jeremy H.
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Send PMFayetteville, AR - USA
Joined: 7/17/2008
Posts: 22
Vette(s): 1976 Corvette L82 4sp - all original, current documented mileage is 9,532 miles; previous - 63 Conv 4 Spd Red/Blk; 64 Conv 327/300 4 spd with hardtop red/blk; 79 Coupe Auto T-Tops British Green; 79 Coupe 4 Spd T-Tops Hdrs Cam Bored & Stroked
1976 was the last year the "shark" carried the "Stingray" lable on the car.
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Send PMHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
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in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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