Frame Up Built Corvette Sting Ray Roadster LS3 6 Speed

With restored Corvette roadsters being six-figure collectables in factory-correct condition, it takes quite a bit of nerve to pull the gloves off and 'frankenstein' a killer pro-tourer. But, as you'll see, the results are definitely worth the $150K it required to finish this amazing car, as few C2s possess its combination of sheer performance and classic style. Ready for a first class build that combines everything great about the storied Sting Ray with technology that's more akin to a modern Z51? Here it is!

Logging only sunny summer miles on its complete, ground up reboot, this mean Chevy drop-top is a super clean cruiser that puts the p, r and o in “trophy”. During its professional restoration, the car's solid, fiberglass body was thoroughly massaged to correct most of the typical waves and ripples that came standard from GM's St. Louis manufacturing facility. With those cosmetic semantics complete, a customization phase commenced in the addition of an aggressive Stinger hood and '67 C2 fenders. And finally, everything was layered in smooth Pewter pigment, sealed in a glossy clearcoat shell and buffed to a fantastic, wet-look shine.

Chevrolet's second generation Corvette debuted a much more assertive demeanor thanks to GM's renewed dedication to motorsports. That newfound aggression is especially prevalent in this roadster's edgy detailing. The car opens with a low-slung, stainless-trimmed grille that's tucked behind thin 'razor blade' bumpers and bright, bullet-style parking lamps. Above that grille, hidden headlights highlight a brilliant cross-flag emblem while a classic Stinger hood looks downright evil. Behind those headlights, a GT profile hangs '67-exclusive heat extractors in front of chrome door handles, stylish bowtie mirrors, and chambered and polished side pipes. Above those gills, well-maintained stainless frames like-new glass between bright wipers, a black canvas roof and a body-matched hardtop. And the car's sloped decklid centers a cross-flag-branded fuel cap between a power antenna, two-tone taillights and two more 'razor blade' bumpers.

The base model Vette has always been a highly competent, ready-made package. In the mid-60s, the car's go-to mill was GM's 327 cubic inch L30 small block. In the late-2000s, the car's go-to mill was GM's 6.2 liter Generation IV V8. That said; it doesn't seem unnatural that this roadster's classic hood veils a lightweight LS3. Widely considered one of the world's greatest powerplants, GM's generation IV LS3 utilizes aluminum construction, high flow heads, a high flow intake, an aggressive cam and an upgraded injection system to mix hours of thrills with miles of impressive fuel economy. At 430 horsepower and 424 lb./ft. of torque, the smooth revving engine is certainly no slouch in the performance department. And, as with the exterior of this Chevy, there are many well-planned upgrades that impress show goers and speed freaks alike. GM's familiar fuel rail covers sport modern Corvette graphics. The engine's bland serpentine system has been exchanged for a sea of chrome brackets and polished pulleys. A polished air tube terminates with a big, reusable filter element. There's a DeWitts aluminum radiator that's fitted with an efficient puller fan. And a chrome power steering reservoir combines with a chrome alternator, a chrome AC compressor and a polished master cylinder to detail an otherwise purpose-built performer. As you would expect, the car's tidy engine bay is an excellent mixture of clean Pewter pigment and flashy chrome hardware. The fresh motor fires up instantly and runs perfectly. And the sound of the LS3 growling through those vintage side pipes will send chills right down your spine. Trust me, with this engine's sonorous note and neck-snapping acceleration, you'll want to bury the throttle every chance you get!

With that kind of power on tap, it should come as no surprise that the bottom of this Corvette features a host of noteworthy upgrades. Behind the raucous small block, a Tremec T56 6-speed spins power through a fresh driveshaft to a completely rebuilt rear end. That stout drivetrain rides on a beefy factory suspension that's upfitted with square-tube control arms, Vette Brake Products mono-leafs and quality Bilstein shocks. Stops are provided by standard Delco calipers, which squeeze large, vented rotors at all four corners. Turns come courtesy of factory-style power steering that's built around an upgraded pump. And power flows to the pavement through polished and painted turbines, which spin 215/65R15 Toyo Extensa A/S radials around traditional chrome knock-offs. Aesthetically, this Chevy's Satin Black undercarriage is virtually spotless, with bright silver chassis and drivetrain components its only disturbance. And everything, from the car's beefy sway bars to its strengthened crossmember, is expertly finished, superbly detailed and ready for action.

Open this C2's tossable doors and you'll find a standard Black interior that was completely replaced during the car's extensive restoration. Seating comes courtesy of firm leather thrones that are anchored between new seatbelts, bright stainless trim and a small console that's centered on a chrome Hurst shifter. From the driver's perch, a traditional clock and correct Delco radio ride between Dakota Digital gauges and an aluminum-trimmed glove box. Below that dash, blue LEDs illuminate like-new carpet and fresh chrome sill plates. Above those sills, stainless-trimmed door panels hang small armrests, traditional chrome handles and stylish red accents in front of power-assisted windows. In front of the driver, a satin-spoked steering wheel spins around a brilliant cross-flag emblem. And behind the passengers, a fully carpeted storage compartment boasts enough room for two suitcases and a bag of detailing supplies.

The sale of this metallic land rocket includes a small stack of build receipts and component manuals.

This professionally restored Vette is the kind of car that runs hard and wins trophies. Everyone loves topless Sting Rays, but some are A LOT nicer than others. If you've been searching for an awesome C2 to enjoy for years to come, you're looking at your next classic!