1966 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod

Description

So you like the looks of a mid-year Corvette but even the factory big block cars just don't pack enough punch? You want something that will stand out in a crowd but still pays homage to the original? Well, look no farther than this 454-powered 1966 Chevrolet Corvette that has styling cues from the Grand Sport and the horsepower to back it up.

Purists, move on, don't even bother looking any closer because this is a Corvette for the guy who appreciates performance first and authenticity doesn't even come into the equation. There's no denying that it's a C2 Corvette, and there's no way to make one of these cars look bad, although with the fender flares, oversized hood scoop, and selectively deleted trim, this one takes on a heavy-duty road race look that's very appealing. Bright red paint doesn't hurt, either, because this is a car that's going to get noticed no matter what you do. Finish quality is quite good, especially for a car with flares, and the gaps are probably better than new so someone took their time putting it together. Shiny paint looks great and while there are some signs of use, they seem to enhance the overall race vibe rather than detract. The front bumper was removed, and that simple trick alone gives the mid-year 'Vette a totally custom look, but the hood scoop certainly helps make a statement. And we have to admit that the painted rear bumper cleans up the rear end in a big way. The overall look just works.

The interior is luxurious without losing its Corvette DNA. The buckets are from a C3 'Vette, so they look right and are more comfortable and supportive than the original 1966 chairs. Factory gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel, again from a later model, all help with the Corvette look yet add a custom feel that's functional as well as stylish. You'll note that this car originally carried a manual transmission but now uses a trick B&M shifter (dig the built-in power window controls!) to manage a 3-speed automatic instead. There's an AM/FM/cassette stereo in the stock location, and it's kind of cool the way they modified it to fit the C2's vertical orientation, and it appears that all the lights and gauges are working properly. The interior is showing some age, but nothing stands out as too worn, so leave it as-is and enjoy!

There's a lot of power on tap complements of a built 454 cubic inch V8 with all kinds of good stuff inside. It's based on a 1974 CWR suffix block with a decent cam inside, an Edelbrock intake manifold, a big Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and, of course, those thundering side pipes. All together, they belt out considerably more power than anything you could buy in 1966 and make this car seriously fun on the street. Edelbrock finned valve covers add a traditional performance look, and it's assisted by an electric fuel pump that makes starting quick and easy. Chevy Orange paint is a nod to tradition, but this one is pretty far from stock. Underneath, it's in good order, not detailed for show but not a car that needs extra work, and the lowered suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes make it formidable in the corners as well as on the strip. Period-looking American Racing wheels are just the right touch for the road race look and carry fat 245/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Fast, handsome, and with a ton of potential, this is a car that needs the right guy to tame it. Get in, hang on, and have fun. Call today!