1963 Prototype Images

[Jack M.]

Looking at some older Larry Shinoda sketches, I couldn't help but notice the similarity to some GM Concept images.
Just wondering if these GM Prototype photos are well known to those of you in the 1963 Corvette Community?
The location of the FI emblem (below the beltline) is similar... as well as the side gills (possible brake cooling).
I like the details on the lower back fender... but what are your overall thoughts?

Shinoda Sketch (dated 5-26-60):


GM Prototypes:


Side View of Concept Coupe:


Zoomed in Details:

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Wow! That is the first time I have seen those, great history, thanks Jack!

[Dave S.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Wow! That is the first time I have seen those, great history, thanks Jack!

Jack,

Thanks for posting them. What a talented designer he was. Note the 1960 date on the sketch. That coincides with four of Shinoda's other Drawings re-printed in 1986 by Michael Bruce Associates. Of those 4 drawings that Bruce issued, three had dates of 2/22/60, 5/23/60 and 4/26/60. There was a limited issuance of 500 autographed sets of those done in 1991.

63's were built in mid 62 so these drawings are a full 2 years ahead of that.

Other interesting thing is the coupe is silver and the convertible is red just like the original dealer posters.

[Brian M.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Great stuff. Thanks

[Michael V.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Thank you so much for posting. I had never seen the pictures either. Thanks again, Mike

[Lawrence M.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

The photo with the 3 cars was in Karl ludvigsen's 1973 book Corvette Americas Star Spangled Sports Car. Note that the stylists intended the coupe to be a hatch back.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Shinoda - a styling genius..... But, not crazy about the scalloped doors - too reminiscent of the first gen Mustang doors..

[Dave S.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Shinoda - a styling genius..... But, not crazy about the scalloped doors - too reminiscent of the first gen Mustang doors..

Frank,
Shinoda's drawings are dated 1960. Mustang came out in 1964. Maybe Ford "borrowed" the idea for the Mustang. 😀

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

I have some rendetions of the GS2 I think 62-63. My pictures wont load up any longer, any Idesa? thanks Ronnie

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

this is one of 2 cars built I think RDR

[Chris H.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

That GSII looks an awful lot like what would become one of Jim Hall's Chaparrals.

[Tim G.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

I had the picture with the red convertible, silver coupe and the Bill Mitchell racer on a mirror in my room my last two years of college ('77 & '78). They were in Vette Magazine and I still have the magazine.

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Hall had 2 of these he raced, wrecked one of them.

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

Ronnie-----I notice the Nurburgring-winning 1966 Chaparral 2D in the background of pic4. You must have been a Jim Hall's garage.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 Prototype Images

If you have never been to Jim Hall's museum in Midland, you should go, one of my favorite stops when I go through town........https://petroleummuseum.org/chaparral-cars-on-display/

https://petroleummuseum.org/chaparral-gallery-exhibits/