1966 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod

Description

Even at a glance you can tell this 1966 Corvette is no ordinary resto-mod. Taking one straight, clean, matching-numbers car and adding fuel injection, big brakes, and a spectacular $10,000 stereo and the result is a car that's more than the sum of its parts.

The way this car fits together, there isn't much doubt that it has always been a well-maintained car. The doors fit well and don't need a heavy slam to close, the fiberglass shows no stress cracks or major repairs, and that black paint looks better on the mid-year Corvettes than just about any other color. Most of the 'glass is stock Chevrolet, although the hood has been tastefully modified with a vented "stinger" in the center, and the result is aggressive, functional, and sure to generate a ton of conversation at the next show. All the original styling cues are still in place, ranging from the folding headlights to the ribbed rocker panel trim to the split rear bumpers that have been brightly rechromed. Original badges and emblems reinforce the fact that this Corvette is more of an evolution of the factory look rather than a total remake, although the overall vibe is far more predatory than any original.

The makeover given to the interior pulls the 50-year-old 'Vette firmly into the 21st century. New ivory leather has been wrapped around the bucket seats, using stock-style patterns and optional head rests. The door panels were crafted to match, and new black carpets anchor the interior so it's not too bright. A woodgrained steering wheel and rebuilt gauges look fantastic from the driver's seat, and aside from the custom stereo controller centered in the console, it's fairly stock when you're behind the wheel. You'll also note that this is a factory air-conditioned car, and the system has been upgraded with modern hardware behind it. A glance in back reveals that the C2 has plenty of room for stereo gear, and a reported $10,000 was spent on the custom installation. A fiberglass enclosure, AM/FM/CD head unit, CD changer, amplifiers, and a variety of speakers deliver an awesome soundtrack for cruising. There's also a custom lighting system inside that gives it an otherworldly look inside, all of it visible through $1,200 worth of fresh glass.

Mechanically, that's the original, numbers-matching 327/300 under the hood, although the 4-barrel carburetor has been replaced by a Holley fuel injection setup. The show-quality engine bay is dressed up with billet valve covers and a trick Billet Specialties serpentine belt drive system, and functionality is improved by an aluminum radiator and MSD ignition system. The two-speed PowerGlide transmission was rebuilt and reinstalled behind the warmed-over small block and framed by a beautiful Stainless Works exhaust system. Just about everything under the car is new, from the suspension to the gas tank and everything has been detailed for show. With only 274 miles on the build, everything still looks fresh, and with the oversized brakes and upgraded suspension, it rides and handles like a much more modern piece. Big 18-inch Billet Specialties wheels look like vintage Torque Thrusts, and wear staggered Hankook performance radials.

The detailed build sheet that accompanies this car suggests more than $120,000 went into the build, and it shows in every way. For non-purists, this Sting Ray represents the pinnacle of C2 evolution. Call today!