America’s answer to the European sports car didn’t come from Stuttgart or Maranello — it came from Detroit, in 1963, with a split rear window and a name that stuck for six decades. The Corvette C2 Sting Ray is the car every collector of American iron wants on a wall, not a poster. Here’s how to choose a Sting Ray fine art print, in aluminium, plexiglass or canvas, for a home, an office or a dealership floor.
The shape that made Detroit competitive with Europe
When General Motors designer Larry Shinoda drew the second-generation Corvette, the brief was simple: build something that could be cross-shopped against a Jaguar E-Type or a Ferrari 250 GT — and win on looks alone. The result was the 1963–1967 Sting Ray: a fastback silhouette, hidden headlights, and — for one year only — a split rear window so controversial that Chevrolet’s own chief engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, had it removed after 1963. That single, short-lived detail is now the most requested feature among collectors, which is exactly why it photographs so well: a shape that was already rare the year it was new.
Under the fibreglass body sat a chassis genuinely competitive with anything from Europe — independent rear suspension from 1963, a small-block V8 that could be optioned all the way to 425 horsepower by 1965. It wasn’t a muscle car pretending to be a sports car. It was America’s first real one.
Sting Ray vs. the modern Corvette: why the C2 wins on a wall
The current C8 Corvette is a genuinely great car — mid-engined, quick, closer to a Ferrari than Chevrolet has ever been. But fine art photography rewards silhouette over spec sheet, and this is where the C2 has an advantage no modern car can match: a shape drawn before wind-tunnel testing softened every edge. The long hood, the tapering tail, the split window — these read instantly at a distance, on a large aluminium print, in a way a contemporary car’s more complex surfacing doesn’t. For a wall, that clarity of line matters more than horsepower.
Choosing your Sting Ray print
| Best for | Starting price | |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette Wall Print | A classic three-quarter view — the safest choice for a first Corvette piece | €78 |
| Photo Print Corvette Stingray | A tighter, more graphic crop — strong in a smaller room or a hallway | €78 |
| Corvette ZR1 in the Raidillon #21 Prints | Motion and context — a track setting for a garage or a home office with more wall to fill | €78 |
All three are available from €78 up to €2,376, each a limited edition of 200 numbered and signed prints, on aluminium, plexiglass or canvas.
For which room?
A Sting Ray print carries a warmer, more nostalgic tone than a European supercar — it suits a den, a home bar, a garage lounge or a US-themed office better than a minimalist living room. Aluminium gives the cleanest read of the split window’s chrome detailing; canvas softens the same image for a more residential space. For a dealership or showroom wall, pair it with one of our American muscle car prints for a themed set of two or three — see our guide on choosing a dealership display for spacing and sizing.
FAQ
Was the split rear window only on the 1963 Corvette?
Yes. Zora Arkus-Duntov, GM’s chief engineer, argued it blocked rear visibility and had it removed for 1964. That makes the ’63 the only split-window year — and the one collectors and photographers chase hardest.
What’s the difference between a Sting Ray and a Stingray?
Sting Ray (two words) refers to the 1963–1967 C2 generation. Stingray (one word) is the name Chevrolet revived for the C7 and C8. Enthusiasts still use “Sting Ray” specifically for the classic.
Which material suits a Corvette print best?
Aluminium for a sharp, slightly cool read of the chrome and glass; canvas for a warmer, more traditional look that suits a den or living room. Plexiglass adds depth and gloss if the wall gets natural light.
Is this print a good gift for a collector?
Yes — it pairs well with our gift guide for car enthusiasts, particularly for someone who already owns European marques and wants an American icon to complete the wall.
Do you ship large Corvette prints internationally?
Yes, aluminium and plexiglass prints ship worldwide, packaged for transit. See our shipping guide for packaging, customs and insurance details.
Also read
- American Muscle Cars: A Complete Guide to Fine Art Photography
- Gift Ideas for Car Enthusiasts: The Ultimate Fine Art Guide
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