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1964 Chevy Corvette Bill Mitchell Styling Car Auction Bound

Bill Mitchell went to work for General Motors in Harley J. Earl’s Art and Color Section (what would later become known as the Styling Center) in 1936. Mitchell’s design sense developed a clean, sleek look coupled with a subtle elegance that became apparent on the Buick Riviera and second-generation Chevy Corvette.

The 1963 Chevy Corvette was a revelation compared to the previous year. The first year of the second-generation Corvette, dubbed the Sting Ray, was an all-new design, taking cues from the XP-755 Mako Shark concept. Featuring an independent rear suspension that utilized a transverse leaf spring, the new Corvette was built on a new perimeter-style frame. For the first time, the plastic fantastic could be had in either convertible or coupe configuration. There was a “spine” that ran down the center of the back half of the Corvette, and the coupe had the iconic split rear window that would last just a single production year. Available powertrains were carried over from 1962, as the 327 cubic-inch Small Block could be had in 250-, 300-, 340-, or 360-horsepower ratings, paired with a three-speed or four-speed manual transmission, or a two-speed Powerglide automatic.

The 1964 Chevy Corvette featured subtle refinements from the previous year. The coupe’s split rear window was now a single piece, and the faux hood louvers were gone, although the indentions remained.

Bill Mitchell had a special version of the 1964 Chevy Corvette coupe constructed for his personal use. Finished in Bright Blue Metallic (think 1965-1966 Nassau Blue in a bit brighter hue), the interior was trimmed in full blue leather on the seats, door panels, dash, glovebox door, and center tunnel. The Mitchell styling car was fitted with chrome wire knock-off wheels wrapped in Goodyear Speedway Blue Streak tires, single-piece side door glass without the vent windows, an egg-crate style grille, and extended chrome exhaust tips. The faux side vents were chromed, and a third taillamp was added to each side. Other equipment included air conditioning, brushed metal trim on the door panels, power windows, Soft Ray tinted glass, power steering, and power brakes.

Powering the Mitchell Chevy Corvette coupe was a 365-horsepower 327 Small Block backed by the then-new three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission, which wouldn’t be introduced in a production Corvette until 1968.

Mitchell drove this 1964 Chevy Corvette coupe as his daily driver until 1967, when it was sold to Roger Berg. It traded hands again, eventually winding up with Corvette hobbyist and dealer Bob McDorman in Ohio.

This stunning one-of-a-kind 1964 Chevy Corvette special will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Kissimmee, Florida event taking place January 2nd through the 14th.

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Comments

  1. Standing the test of time . Love the 6 taillights. Uppercase GM at its peak. Where have all the Car Guys gone?

    Reply
  2. oooh that’s a pretty blue

    Reply
  3. I never knew the 3 tailight configuration was started by Bill Mitchell. Although it never saw production, I have seen people add the 3rd and thought it was just plain wrong. Next time I see it I’ll look at it in a different light (no pun intended).

    Reply
  4. Wow, this would be in my collection, if I had the money!I bet Mr. Hendrick has his representative there to scoop it up!

    Reply
  5. Too bad it’s an automatic. I do like the grille. It gives it a mean look.

    Reply
  6. To bad the current leadership doesn’t respect the past Achievements of their predecessors

    Reply

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