The second generation of Corvettes, known as the C2 or the “Mako Shark” generation, was produced from 1963 to 1967 and is considered one of the most iconic American sports cars. Over the years, enthusiasts have uncovered numerous stories and secrets about the C2 Corvette, but there are still mysteries surrounding this beloved model that have yet to be fully explained. From limited production models to design changes that were never fully documented, the C2 Corvette continues to intrigue collectors and experts alike. Some mysteries have only deepened over time, leaving fans to wonder if they will ever be fully solved.
The Missing 1963 Split-Window Coupes
One of the most iconic aspects of the C2 Corvette is the 1963 Split-Window Coupe. While around 10,594 units were produced that year, it’s rumored that a number of these cars were never documented or have disappeared over time. Many enthusiasts wonder where these missing cars are and why some were never recorded, adding an element of mystery to their history.
The “L88” Engine Story
The L88 engine was one of the most powerful and mysterious options offered in the C2 Corvette. While it was officially rated at 430 horsepower, enthusiasts believe it was significantly more powerful. The fact that only 20 cars were made with the L88 engine has added to the intrigue, leaving enthusiasts wondering just how much power this engine produced.
The 1964 “Mystery” Rear Window
The rear window of the 1964 Corvette was changed from the split-window design of the previous year to a single-piece design. The reason for this change has never been fully explained, and many enthusiasts still debate whether it was a design choice, a safety concern, or a response to public criticism of the split-window design.
The 1967 L89 Aluminum Heads Option
The 1967 Corvette offered an L89 option that featured aluminum heads on the 427 engine. However, the exact number of L89 Corvettes produced is unknown, as it was a rare and expensive option. This scarcity and lack of definitive production numbers have kept enthusiasts guessing about just how many of these special cars exist today.
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The “M22 Rock Crusher” Transmission
The M22 transmission, commonly referred to as the “Rock Crusher,” was a heavy-duty option offered in some C2 Corvettes. While it’s known to be one of the most durable transmissions, there are still questions about which exact cars were equipped with it. Some enthusiasts have speculated that more Corvettes had the M22 than originally reported, adding to the mystery of its availability.
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The 1965 Corvette with the “Big Block” Engine
The 1965 Corvette is famous for introducing the 396 cubic-inch “Big Block” engine, but there’s still confusion about exactly when this engine option was available. Some early 1965 models were shipped with the 396 engine before it was officially listed as an option. The timing of this early availability has left many enthusiasts wondering if there were factory mix-ups during the early production process.
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The “Tuxedo Black” Option
Tuxedo Black was a rare color option offered on the C2 Corvette, especially on the 1963 model. Despite being listed as a factory option, very few Corvettes were painted in this shade. Some enthusiasts wonder if Tuxedo Black was a limited-production color that was offered to select buyers or if it was part of a special promotional effort.
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The “Mysterious” 1965 Air Conditioning
In 1965, Corvette began offering factory-installed air conditioning as an option. However, the number of cars equipped with this option is still unclear, as many of the records from this period are incomplete. Some believe that air conditioning was a rare option and that fewer cars were made with it than originally thought.
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The “Z06” Option
The Z06 option was introduced in 1963 and became one of the most legendary performance packages for the C2 Corvette. While the exact number of Z06-equipped cars is known, the details of the cars equipped with this option are still a topic of debate. Some enthusiasts believe that there were more Z06 cars produced than originally documented.
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The Early “Stingray” Name
The name “Stingray” was used for the C2 Corvette starting in 1963, but there is still confusion about when it was first used in official documentation. Some believe the name was used as early as 1962, and there’s debate over whether the 1962 cars were unofficially referred to as “Stingrays” before the official name change in 1963.
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The “Mysterious” 1963 Convertible
The 1963 Corvette is famous for its split-window coupe, but very few 1963 convertibles were made. The mystery surrounds why such a limited number of convertibles were produced, as the model was expected to be a top seller. Some enthusiasts speculate that production issues or a limited time frame for the car’s release led to the low numbers.
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The C2 Corvette is full of stories that continue to baffle enthusiasts. From engine options to rare color codes, the mysteries surrounding these cars add to their allure and make them even more desirable among collectors. Despite decades of research, there are still unanswered questions that make the C2 Corvette an ever-fascinating subject of discussion. These enigmatic details only enhance the legacy of the C2, ensuring that it remains one of the most iconic and mystifying cars in automotive history.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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