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From the SEQC: a Circa 1963 C2 Corvette Stingray


The 1963 C2 Corvette Stingray was an absolute stylistic tour de force - equal parts Batmobile and Darth Vader on wheels - but, sadly, the model became progressively blander with each iteration up until the C6 of 2005.  Whilst 2014's C7 and the mid-engined C8 of 2020 did step up the aesthetics significantly, there has never been a 'Vette that has quite captured the same level of showy menace that is so evident in the C2.


As luck would have it, my YouTube feed recently offered up a video from Classic Motorsports featuring an interview with the designer of the prototype C2 - known as the Q Corvette - Peter Brock.  This Peter Brock is obviously not Australia's own legendary racing car driver of the same name but there's an interesting symmetry that we'll get to in a minute.


In the video (https://youtu.be/bZ6cJjNiTh4), American Mr Brock reveals that the C2's design was hugely influenced by that of the original Alfa Disco Volante (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa_Romeo_Disco_Volante), as that's what his boss at the time, Bill Mitchell, envisaged for the project.  Whilst the C2 definitely has its own unique style, the influence of the spaceship Alfa is easy to see, especially when it comes to the US classic's aerodynamics.    


And that symmetry?  American Mr Brock eventually moved on, working in a number of roles within the US motor industry, until he found himself employed by American racing royalty Carroll Shelby, creator of the iconic Cobra.  

What did he do for Shelby?  He designed the Cobra-based Daytona coupe with its long, long bonnet, cam-tail and 180 mp/h top speed, a Western Australian built replica of which Australian Mr Brock died in when he crashed it during the 2006 Targa West rally (https://www.smh.com.au/national/brock-killed-in-hairpin-smash-20060909-gdoco9.html and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Sportscar).


On a brighter note - and one that's hopefully not too perfunctory, given the earlier subject matter - today's feature C2, photographed by Peter R at a cars 'n' coffee in Brisbane, Australia, is a sight to behold!  It is, quite simply, immaculate, from its sinister black duco, magnificent wheels - complete with spinners - and pristine interior.  It is a perfect example of one of the USA's most iconic ever vehicles!   















You're a bit of a classic car fan, eh?  How about checking out the rest of the Upper Middle Petrol Head site?  There are plenty more fabulous cars from manufacturers all around the world, brought to you from our Hobart, Canberra and South East Queensland bureaux.  And please, please share! 





U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

Photos by Peter R


















 

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