in 1970, the Aero Coupe was reworked and renamed Scirocco.

https://i.postimg.cc/TYMzJy2Z/download.jpg

It received the slim, Manta Ray-style side pipe covers, got a new paint job with the front bumper-grille assembly painted body color, the mirrors were moved up the door pillars and the roof panel was given a rear view periscope. It had a ZL-1 all aluminum 427 C.I.D. engine coupled to a prototype 4-speed automatic transmission. For the next 4 years the car worked as the pace car at the Can-Am races.

https://i.postimg.cc/JzJtdHjZ/download.jpg

In 1974, the car was restyled again and was renamed Mulsanne. Painted bright metallic silver, the Chevrolet Corvette Mulsanne wore 1975 style front and rear bumper covers. The pop-up headlights were replaced with 4 rectangular lamps under body-fitting clear plastic covers. The hood had a raised center section with recessed, functional scoops on both sides. The interior was completely trimmed in leather with fixed seats and adjustable pedals and steering wheel. Chaparral style lace aluminum wheels were used.

The ZL-1 aluminum engine was bored out to 454 C.I.D. and was equipped with an experimental Rochester fuel injection system. Bill Mitchell called the Mulsanne “the greatest Stingray ever”.

That sure answers my question, Lee. I believe that gave that car to Bill Mitchell upon retirement.

----All the versions are cool, but I think I like the original version the best!.....Bill S

Bill drove many of the GM show cars on a regular basis - as long as they were street legal. In all the writeups, nothing is mentioned about him being given the car when he retired.

And not all of the show cars that he drove were Corvettes. This was his 1972 SD-455 Trans Am Firebird. The SD-455 became a production option in 1973. This is a 1 of 1 car. It's also the first TA with a "Screaming Chicken" on the hood

https://i.postimg.cc/xqVq002c/0.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/TYbk2GmG/00.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/v8JzNjKK/0.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/fRZvwdDj/00.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7ZVnbLLv/000.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/JhY3cdJP/0.jpg

1969 Manta Ray Concept

The 1965 Mako Shark II was sent back to the GM Design Studio for changes and was renamed the 1969 Manta Ray. William Mitchell, the head of GM Design Staff enjoyed deep sea fishing and had a profound love of nature. While on a fishing excursion, Mitchell was inspired by the manta Ray powerfully moving through the ocean, which inspired the Corvette Mako Shark II/Manta Ray “Stingray” styling “Dream Cars”. The Manta Ray sported more production realistic side pipes and twin rear-deck-mounted doors that popped up during hard braking to become reflective auxiliary brake lights.

Additional Photos:

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-...Manta_Ray.html

Looks like Randy Scism from MTI Powerboats took a page out of the Manta Ray styling.

There was also this prototype which was at the Pavilions in Scottsdale....once or twice


I think the other prototype was also at Pavilions as well-was discovered in Australia (I could be remembering wrong though?





https://www.1973-76transamconcept.com/history.html


Attachment 210500

Thanks for sharing! Love 1 of 1 factory prototypes and whatnot.

The article doesn't specifically say, but I believe it was design studio employee Paul Deesen that actually came up with the stripe package and taped up the car.

K

http://www.deansgarage.com/2012/gm-d...-sebring-1957/