From Ocean Predator to Design Icon: Rare 1961 Mako Shark Corvette Surfaces at Saratoga Automobile Museum

One of the most legendary concept cars in automotive history is emerging from the depths of the GM Heritage Collection and heading straight for the spotlight at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. As part of the new exhibition Speed - Style - Legacy: The Corvette Story, visitors will have the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with the jaw-dropping 1961 Mako Shark I Corvette — a vehicle as bold and unforgettable as the ocean predator that inspired it.

Originally conceived under the daring vision of William L. "Bill" Mitchell, then Vice President of GM Styling, the Mako Shark I was more than a concept — it was a declaration of design dominance. The car drew direct inspiration from a mako shark Mitchell caught while deep-sea fishing off the coast of Florida, and he was determined to translate its sleek, aggressive beauty into steel and fiberglass. The result? A show car that would help shape the future of Corvette design for decades to come.

“The Mako Shark I isn’t just a piece of Corvette history — it’s a piece of American design history,” said Megan Hennessey, Director of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. “Its influence is still visible on Corvettes today. We’re thrilled to be able to give visitors the chance to experience it in person.”

With a dazzling paint scheme that fades from an iridescent blue to a silvery-white belly, the Mako Shark perfectly mimicked the countershading of its oceanic namesake. Hidden headlamps, side-mounted exhausts, and a pointed nose gave the car a fierce, futuristic look that previewed design elements later seen in the now-iconic 1963 Corvette Sting Ray.

But this concept wasn’t just about turning heads — it packed a punch under the hood, too. Over its lifetime, the Mako Shark I served as a high-performance testbed, housing multiple experimental powertrains. Its most famous configuration featured a 1969 427 cubic inch ZL-1 Chevrolet V8 — a rare, all-aluminum engine that churned out over 425 horsepower. It was fast, it was ferocious, and it lived up to every bit of the legend.

Speed - Style - Legacy: The Corvette Story opens to the public on Monday, May 5, 2025 and runs through October 2025, offering a deep dive into Corvette’s 70+ year legacy, showcasing everything from the very first 1953 C1 to today’s C8 mid-engine marvel. But the Mako Shark I is the undisputed star — a once-in-a-lifetime sight for car lovers and design aficionados alike.

In celebration of the exhibition, the Museum will host a special Exhibit Reception on Thursday, May 15 from 5–7 PM, with light refreshments served. Guests will get an exclusive look at the exhibition and a chance to mingle with fellow Corvette enthusiasts.

Don’t miss your chance to witness a living legend — the Mako Shark I awaits.