For Sale: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette in Ft Worth, Texas

Even at a glance you can tell this 1966 Corvette is no ordinary resto-mod. Taking one straight, clean, matching-numbers car and adding a fuel-injected V8, a 5-speed, big brakes, and a spectacular 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 big block 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 those modern 'Z06' emblems on the front fenders might raise some eyebrows.

The makeover given to the interior pulls the 50-year-old 'Vette firmly into the 21st century. New black leather has been wrapped around custom high-back bucket seats, using stock-style patterns and Z06 embroidery on the head rests. The door panels are stock replacements, and new black carpets anchor the interior so it's not too bright, although the cool blue LED lighting gives it a modern twist. A thick steering wheel and retro-looking Classic Instruments gauges look fantastic from the driver's seat, giving you more control without erasing the 'Vette's soul. You'll also note that this is an air-conditioned car, and the system has been upgraded with modern hardware behind it so it's particularly effective. A glance in back reveals that the C2 has plenty of room for stereo gear, and it's anchored by a Rockford-Fosgate head unit in the dash. The chrome shifter knob now manages five gears instead of four and another Z06 badge on the glove box makes it seem almost OEM.

Mechanically, the old small block is long gone, replaced by a modern tech LS6 from a late-model C5 Z06. It's a neat fit in the C2 engine bay, and still carries all its original equipment, including the red coil covers that make the Z06 stand out. The throttle body is now cable-operated and the air cleaner is a custom unit that wraps around the side, but otherwise it's very much the way GM built it. That's good news, because the C5 LS motors have proven to be virtually indestructible yet still deliver big performance and surprising economy. Just about everything under the car is new, including a rack-and-pinion steering system, Magnaflow exhaust system, and beautifully painted frame. With only 491 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. While it comes with the stock 15-inch knock-off alloys on Michelin whitewalls, it rides on a brand new set of American Legend Racer wheels wrapped in new 225/45ZR17 front and 255/40ZR17 rear Nitto tires which finish it off with the perfect look.

Preserving everything that's cool about a mid-year Corvette and adding select parts to enhance the performance, this Corvette gets everything right. For non-purists, this Sting Ray represents the pinnacle of C2 evolution. Call today!