For the 1963 Paris Motor Show, Pininfarina prepared a bespoke Corvette C2 known as the Rondine. Unlike the original’s Fiberglass body, Pininfarina crafted this unique coupe in steel.

Ultimately more heavy than the original, the Rondine at least has a unique style. Compared to the C2 Stingray body, Pininfarina’s version has an increased front overhang and a much more dramatic sloping nose. This adds considerable length to the car and makes the interior appear more rearward.

Inside, the car has a stock dashboard and seats, but attention to detail around the doors is exceptional. The door jams themselves are chromed and decorated panels are fitted. The greenhouse is quite bright due to the white leather upholstery and a large wraparound rear windscreen.

At the rear, the fenders are kicked up over the wheel arches and lead to a ‘pinched’ rear end that is similar to the Fiat 124’s. Custom bumpers are included as well as the ‘Corvette Rondine’ script on the trunk lid.

Pininfarnia’s Corvette is one only a mother could love. The front grille is almost an afterthought and the stock wheels look out of place. This is one of those rare instances were American styling wins out over the Italians.

After retaining the car since new, Pininfarina held onto the car until 2008 when they decided to auction off the car at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Auction. It sold for $1.76 million to be included in the Michael Schudroff collection.

See full 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Pininfarina Rondine Gallery