Jim Dillon

I guess I am a bit surprised that I haven't seen any reference on the forum to this car on ebay. It has been on a few days. States it is one of the mules with matching engine and frame numbers. The prices so far seem a bit anemic unless there is more to the story. Looks like it would be a fun project no matter what-Jim

62Jeff

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2010679

Jim Dillon

Sorry Jeff I guess I haven't read thru the forum enough today to spot that post-at least I got some work done in the shop tonight so I have a good excuse. Figured at those prices there may be more to the story but like I said looks like it might be a fun car nevertheless.-Jim

KyleDallas

Hey Jim... not related but read that the Offy 4 cylinder put out
400hp in Indy trim when I was reading up on some early Indy stuff
yesterday...
Early 60's destroked stock type block Ford V8's made to compete with them (255ci I believe) were doing about 380hp... and were made to run between 6000 to 9000 rpm... The little V8's got up to speed
w/in a year or two though...

sub006

There were only two SS chassis built. The original SS survives in its original form with the magnesium body.

The mule chassis was acquired by GM Styling chief Bill Mitchell in '58 or '59. He had Larry Shinoda design a new fiberglass body for it, and they took it racing in '59 and '60, winning an SCCA C Modified championship. The car was called the Sting Ray and it was a preview of the '63 production car.

Modified over the years with a big block and other transplants, it survives in the GM collection. To see it in action, watch the first 10 minutes of the Elvis movie "Clambake".

The car in the pictures looks like the Sting Ray racer copy body produced in the early '60s for C1 owners who wanted to update to the new look. It was made by Fiberfab, better known for their GT40-style bodies for VW chassis. Never saw one of their "Sting Rays" with two headrests 'til this one. Note the tilt front end, true to the original design.

53 Blue Flame Brett

I about fell over when I saw it on ebay. I have been fortunate enough to inspect the real SS at the Indy 500 Museum. This copy is really neat. I have to wonder if it's not just that though...a copy. I'd like to see the suspension under the ebay car.

What's the real story?? Fiberfab or???? Does anyone really know? I did see what looked like a MG kit car next to the SS in the ebay ad.

scovette

It's definitely a Fiberfab car - the body looks identical to what I started with....then getting that to look anything like the Bill Mitchell Stingray took a couple of years.

Jim Dillon

Kyle don't want this thread to go astray but the Offy 4 was pretty much the same as the early 20s Miller DOHC so it may have been a little long in the tooth. The Novi 8 ran real strong so the Ford 8 was a no-brainer. I do miss the sound of those old engines though-manly noise.

I bet timing the cams in your avatar would be a treat. -Jim

53 Blue Flame Brett

That car is just gorgeous! I had never heard of the car. I had heard of Fiberfab but never knew that the car was offered. WHat years was it offered?

scovette

Around 1969 - apparently only 12 were sold - there's a few still around. I imagine the poor sales were in part due to the lack of quality in the product, eg the doors can't open; there's no support for the dash, etc. You also sit a foot or so further back than in a standard Vette, which further complicates matters.
For mine the original body was just used as a basis and a whole new body was created to address some of these problems and better replicate the Stingray - as it stands the Fiberfab body looks a little odd and out of proportion.
(The guys that did mine have a site: www.corvetteuk.com If you go to "Gallery" and flick through the pages you can see pics of the build.)

jerrybramlett

Your car is absolutely beautiful.

Jim Dillon

Scovette your car is stunning, makes one want to build one, but I guess i have only one lifetime and not enough time and money to barely finish what I have now-Jim

53 Blue Flame Brett

I'd like to investigate about building one for myself. Can these guys that did yours, do another?

Mike Terry

Brett, you need another toy !!!!!

john neas

Great looking car! How about a story about a UK car taking a trip to Rockingham. I assume NC.
Regards

53 Blue Flame Brett

Yeah, I know, I know......

i'm doing this stuff full time now too, Mike. I need a labotomy OR maybe a cold beer!

scovette

I wish! Unfortunately it's the Rockingham here in the UK. Hope to get the car to the States at some point but lack of $$$ at present.

(Brett - pm sent)

427-390

There was an article in Corvette Enthusiast about scovette's beautiful creation. I love that car.

achapman

Jim Dillon

Just got an email from Meadowbrook that they are having a Mitchell Concept Class at this years event (August 3) to go along with the 100 year history of GM, so if you want to see the real Sting Ray it will be there along with the Mako Shark and the Manta Ray. _Jim