[1]The '65 Stingray, looking all '80s with its black, monochromatic paint job, pretty much gives you an idea of the times.
Nineteen eighty-five was an interesting year; a former actor was just reelected into the White House, GM had finally learned how to make Electronic Fuel Injection actually work, and there was no shortage of automotive-related shows on TV.
We had Knight Rider, Dukes of Hazzard, Hardcastle and McCormick, The Fall Guy, Airwolf, and probably one or two others we’re forgetting. Apparently, there was one show called Stingray.
Stingray was about a man, simply known as Ray, who acted as a sort of private eye helping people along the way, offering the services of himself and one ’65 Corvette Stingray. But instead of accepting cash for payment, he made deals with his clients, either on that particular episode, or at a later date (in a later episode).
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The show's hero, Ray, could change appearances by doing karate in front of lasers, dressing as a married man, dressing as a doctor, or wearing a hat.
It was incredibly cheesy (maybe even for the time), and the Vette apparently had the ability to “shape shift” at night in a manner of speaking with a series of unusual lights mounted in front of the car (behind the grille, underneath, etc.).
This made the Vette look like different types of vehicles, fooling whoever Ray wanted to follow. We’re not sure how well it would work in real life, but it sure sounds interesting. The pilot aired in 1985, and after the series was picked up in 1986, it lasted for only one season.
We did a search to find out what happened to the [reported] two cars used for the series, but came up empty. If any Corvette fans out there have any idea, we would like to hear from you!
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