The Chevrolet Corvette has been called America’s Sports Car since its introduction in 1953. Eight generations later, it has evolved to be the way to get a mid-engined supercar beater that proudly flies the red, white and blue. The second generation, which ran from 1963 to 1967, adopted the now-famous aquatic design elements, hence its new Sting Ray designation. This particular second-generation Corvette has been recently modified from its original factory spec, while largely retaining the looks that the model is so well-known for. Under the hood is a new 427 CI LS7 V-8 crate engine with all the bells and whistles to make it shine like a newly minted quarter. A black engine dress-up kit, complete with a matching Vintage Air Custom Black plenum, Hydro-Carbon coil pack covers, and intake covers, adds an ominous, understated look that contrasts with the sparkling Razzleberry paint job. That V-8 is mated to a new Tremec 5-speed manual transmission with a period-correct shifter and a high-performance dual-fan DeWitt aluminum radiator to handle the sweat from all that horsepower. Ensuring the appropriate rowdy V-8 sound is achieved with 4-into-2 custom-fabricated wrapped headers and new period-correct side pipes. Before being refinished in a multilayer coat of Hot Hues Razzleberry CFX High Gloss Siebert custom paint, the fiberglass was resealed, underbody heat and sound treatment was applied, and the frame was electro-cleaned, zinc-coated, powder-coated black and stiffened to handle the power of the new crate engine. New chrome badging was applied, a new grille and chrome bumpers were installed, a 1967 model Stinger hood was dropped on and color-matched to the interior, and the rear fenders were modified to fit the wider and deeper U.S. Mags wheels. Behind those wheels is a Positraction differential with 3.55 gearing, ensuring you make the most of the V-8’s ponies, Ridetech coilover 4-wheel independent suspension and oversized drilled brake rotors with Wilwood 6-piston calipers to bring the fun to a safe and speedy halt. Speaking of the interior, the two-tone tan leather affair is a delicate blend of modern and old-school, complete with adjustable high-back seats, covered storage access behind said seats, a new vintage-looking radio, power windows and new Classic Instruments electronic gauges and clock. It looks right at home, yet all-new at the same time. Look at this second-generation Corvette from any angle, and it’s hard to argue that it’s a no-corners-cut, high-dollar build. Everything is polished to a mirror finish, everything that could be customized is customized, and the performance under the hood backs up the head-turning looks. If you’re looking for a second- generation Corvette that is both visually stunning and has the power of a screaming 427 CI V-8, this modified 1966 example has what you need.
