1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray ‘GM Styling Special’
This one-off Corvette was custom-built by GM Styling under famed design chief Bill Mitchell, especially for the famed industrialist and Indianapolis racing sponsor Ozzie Olson of Olsonite fame. Among its special modifications including custom floor grates that were a trademark feature of the GM Styling specials, this Corvette received six taillights, pearlescent blue paint, modified lower front fenders, and side-mounted exhaust pipes, foreshadowing their 1965 production release.
The side-mounted exhaust pipes were originally simulations. Functional side-exit exhaust pipes did not appear as production items until 1965, but several of the Mitchell Corvette specials had a variety of such pieces that eventually evolved into the first production systems. Highly equipped with options including air conditioning and powered by a 300 hp, 327 cu. in. V8 with a Powerglide transmission, this Corvette is part of another fascinating chapter in the story of Bill Mitchell and his GM Styling Studio.
This article was originally published on Story by RM Auctions Inc.