Corvette Timeline Tales: July 1977 GM’s Chief of Styling, Bill Mitchell Retires

“I design Corvettes around here!” – Bill Mitchell

Mitchell was a master at proportions. By itself, the Mako Shark looked BIG. But next to a production ‘68 Corvette, it looks like a 7/8s-size car.

It was probably a hot July day in Detroit when William L. “Bill” Mitchell quietly retired from General Motors after 42 years of service! Volumes could be written about this man. Mitchell looms large in the Corvette world because he was one of four key players that were responsible for setting the tone and design of the Corvette. Harley Earl came up with the concept of a mass-produced American sports car built in Detroit. Ed Cole was the inside engineer man that made it happen. Zora Arkus-Duntov put hair on the Corvette’s chest and made it the car a bare-knuckles brawler. And Bill Mitchell designed and guided the ‘63 – ‘67 Sting Ray and the Mako Shark-II-styled C3 Corvette. The Corvette would not have its signature style were it not for Bill Mitchell.

Bill was known as a “snappy dresser” that loved expensive italian silk suits. “Red” was also his favorite color.

Bill Mitchell, son of a Buick car dealer, started his professional career as an illustrator that liked to draw cars. While an illustrator at Collier Advertising, someone suggested that he show his car renderings to then VP of GM’s Art and Color Department, Harley Earl. Harley liked what he saw and hired Mitchell on December 15, 1935. Mitchell became Earl’s protégé and was eventually Continue reading “Corvette Timeline Tales: July 1977 GM’s Chief of Styling, Bill Mitchell Retires”

1963 Split-Window Coupe Corvette – Minus the Split-Window?

Corvette “Urban Legend” or FACT? What do you think?

Called by some, “The Original American Idol.” The rear split-window was one of chief of GM styling, Bill Mitchell’s pet design elements. And NOT to be messed with by a lowly engineer!

I have been writing about Corvettes and illustrating them since the mid-’70s. During that time and before then, I have read dozens of books and hundreds of articles about Corvettes. Somewhere, way, way back (I really do not recall when or in what book or article) I remember the following story about the ‘63 Split-Window Coupe Corvette Sting Ray… Continue reading “1963 Split-Window Coupe Corvette – Minus the Split-Window?”

Rebuilding His 1963 Split-Window Coupe Sting Ray Dream Machine

Stricken With Seller’s Remorse, New Jersey Corvette Fan, Jonathan Settrella Creates His Ideal Corvette… Again!

Settrella’s custom Sting Ray received the “shaved” look. See any door handles?

I met Jonathan Settrella in 1975 at an art show in Moorestown, New Jersey. We struck up a conversation and it turned out that Jon had a Corvette – a customized, ‘63 Split-Window Coupe. We hung out occasionally and used to see one another at various art shows. But as the ‘70s and ‘80s wore on, life got in the way and I lost touch with my artist/car friend.

Fast forward to September ‘09 at the Weaton Village Vettes At Glasstown Show in Millville, NJ. I looked up and saw a car I hadn’t seen in nearly 30 years! I said to my wife, “I know that car!” Sure enough, it was my old pal, Jonathan Settrella. After catching up, I said, “Jonathan, I can’t believe you STILL have the ‘63 Coupe.” He replied, “This is a replica of the car you saw way back when.” Sensing a story, I said, “Okay, so what happened?” It turned out to be a classic tale of sellers remorse. In Settrella’s case, it was MAJOR remorse. But first, lets back up about 40 years. Continue reading “Rebuilding His 1963 Split-Window Coupe Sting Ray Dream Machine”