Vehicle 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 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!