The basic lines of the 1961 experimental Mako Shark Corvette show car where inspired by a Mako Shark caught off the coast of Florida by William L. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was at the time, vice president of General Motors Styling Staff now known as General Motors Design Center.
The Mako shark show car is finished in a vari-colored paint scheme based on an iridescent blue upper surface that blends into a white side and lower body, like the natural coloring of the shark Bill Mitchell landed.
A number of experimental engines have been tested in the Mako Shark, including a supercharged engine with four side-draft carburetors, a fuel injected engine and a V8 engine with two four-barrel carburetors. The present engine is a production 1969 427 cubic inch ZL-1 Chevrolet V8. This engine has an all aluminum block, heads and intake manifold. It is equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor that produces upwards of 425 horsepower.
