LT1/4-Speed! 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Maco Shark
If somebody posed the question at a Corvette gathering of what’s the ultimate street C3 in terms of looks, I’d have to throw out my two cents that the Maco Shark bodies are a worthy contender. In addition to the cool exterior, this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette here on eBay also retains its numbers-matching LT1 engine and Muncie 4-Speed, so there’s sort of a party on the outside and business on the inside mindset going on here. Rathdrum, Idaho is where you’ll have to travel to check this one out, and so far bidding has reached $25,100, but it’s going to take more for it to be yours as the reserve has not yet been reached.
The Mako Shark idea actually dates all the way back to the early sixties and was originally a C2 concept overseen by Bill Mitchell, who was head of design and styling for General Motors at the time. A couple of prototypes were made, with many enthusiasts envisioning that the futuristic styling would influence the third-generation model. When the C3 arrived, some fans were disappointed that the body lines had been kind of toned down more than they anticipated.
Among those who thought the outside could use more pizazz were Joel Rosen and John Silva, who went to work on a body kit they called the Maco Shark, similar in name yet different enough to try and keep GM’s counsel off their backs. Mr. Rosen was the brainchild of Motion Performance and has supplied the seller with a letter stating that his Corvette was transformed with genuine Motion parts. The owner also floats the idea that there’s even the possibility, based on some of the one-off Motion features, that it could have actually been built at Motion Performance. As it is now, the Corvette is deemed a nice driver, but not of show car quality, as the single-stage paint is said to have some flaws.
Chevy offered two versions of their 350 for ’72, and the good news here is that the Corvette is of the LT1 variety, which was rated at 255 horsepower, more than 50 additional horses than the tamer version of the small block. It’s a bit rare too, as fewer than 10% of the ’72s were LT1 equipped, plus it’s the car’s original powerplant and is believed to have never been removed from the bay. While the seller says it starts right up and runs great, the vehicle sat for a while and the motor does smoke a bit. The Muncie 4-Speed is also a factory component.
The interior is said to be completely new, and although “completely” seems like a stretch things inside are looking good, plus the sun visor signed by Joel Rosen is truly a nice touch, sort of the same vibe as when Richard Petty signed the glove box in a Superbird. And while the seller does provide quite a few photos, there’s not a single shot of the underside and nothing mentioned about the chassis, so I’d probably at least inquire about the south side before I got too crazy with my offer. This one seems like a fun C3 that’s sure to strike up a conversation everywhere it goes, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this Maco Shark Corvette.
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now5 hours$16,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
A Hot Wheels Mako Shark for pretend grownups!
Always thought the Mako Shark was a sweet design, and this iteration is pretty darn close to the original concept IMO. It looks well kept and cared for, and it’s gotta kill the seller to have to part with it. What a beauty.
But driving it anywhere would be a nervous venture-NO rearward vision other than the passenger side mirror and you know some people are gonna get stupid close to get a closer look!
Wouldn’t push it out of the driveway though..
I remember having a car model of the Maco shark in orange in the early 70’s. It had turbine wheels. Loved this style on the Corvette. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Each to his own I guess. I can’t get into this. Looks like a cartoon car bugs bunny should be riding. Ugly? No just child like and cartoony.
It’s “Mako” shark.
Agreed.
Mike, please change the title to Mako.
The way it’s spelled now makes me want to say “Uh oh, better get Maaco”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oewXVVAooCY
From what I understand, the “Mako Shark” and “Mako Shark II” were the 2 original C2 prototype cars headed up by Bill Mitchell at GM in the early to mid-sixties. The “Maco Shark” was the later body kit for the C3 sold by Motion Performance, with a very small number of cars reportedly actually assembled by Baldwin Motion. The modified C3 cars are indeed more often than not referred to as “Mako”, but officially the company used the name “Maco” instead, probably under advice from Joel Rosen’s attorney to keep them from getting into any potential legal issues with GM over the Mako term.
Thanks for the explanation, Mike.
B.F. teaches me new things almost every day.
It’s “read the article”.
Are you sure Anthony?
https://vettesofatlanta.com/john-martin-brings-a-mako-field-find-to-life/
Anthony is correct.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/vemp-0212-history-of-baldwin-motion-corvettes/
My favorite car is the C3 Vette and I own a 68 Resto mod. Not a fan of this body style and they cut up an original LT-1 car to make this? Definitely not the route I would of gone with a rare car. But to each his own.
I actually had a ’69 427 w/4 sp. With a Mako kit on it!. LOVED THAT CAR and really wished I still had it!!!
For those gripers, what’s done is done and was a long time ago. I’ve seen other LT1 cars that were butchered to pieces. This one is a piece of history that is beautiful in it’s own way.
I hope this one makes the seller’s reserve.
I am interested to see what it sells for.
Sharp looking conversion that is still in great shape.
Me too! Looks like the current bid of $35k at 16:00 hours on 1/8/2023 has made the reserve disappear from the ad.
nice car! looks to be done right! turbine wheels make it period correct and the size of the tires complete the look, sb chevy’s that smoke are many times just the valve seals.
Joel Rosen was a master tuner, who retired to Florida many years ago. His Motion cars are among the most collectible muscle cars. He tuned the famous Ko Motion 67 Corvette which was an original 435 hp convertible, but switched to a factory L88 and almost unbeatable with Rosen turning the wrenches. The car is still around, but the car’s original owner, Charlie Snyder, was killed in Vietnam. Not a fan of modified cars, but this is one I would own.
Emmet..I agree opinions vary. I kinda like it but wouldn’t wanna own one if that makes sense. You say a c3 is your favorite?? I have an 82 red c3 dirt cheap. I like my HotRod pickup better. I love Barnfinds!!!
Why would it be wearing FORD! sport mirrors?!
Can i assume there are blinkers up front for making turns?
Wearing non DOT approved headlites & also them being TOO LOW, i don’t see how this could ever have been street legal – back in the day – with inspection every year in most states. & cops being VERY dilligent, pulling you over for ANY infraction – back in the day – unlike, of course, today – even going as far as stepping out into the road on foot to pull you over!
SOLD for $42,899.