Ground Up Built Corvette Sting Ray Roadster LS3 5 Speed

As owners of classic cars, we're all nostalgic people. But as unique as old cars are, and as romantic as past times seem to be, there's no denying the positive effects of technology. For instance, a modern smart phone that connects you to the world in the blink of an eye is much better than some old rotary unit that's cord-bound to the wall. And I know you'll agree that a sharp, highly interactive flat-screen TV is much more entertaining than a heavy tube that's made of shadows and ghostly figures. So what's a classic car lover to do when they're torn between golden era style and modern car technology? They take a good, long look at this killer Corvette roadster! Combining classic Chevrolet form with a hot LS3, a custom Street Shop chassis and a leather-lined interior, this awesome C2 is a ground-up build that mixes the best aspects of yesterday with the best advancements of today. If you're in the market for a solid collectable that's comfortable, fast, reliable and absolutely stunning, this no-compromise Vette is your next ride!

Sealed in a striking combination of DuPont waterborne pigment, this slick roadster's incredibly straight fuselage is much nicer than anything that rolled off a 46 year old assembly line. Naturally, that body features better-than-factory alignment, reflecting razor-sharp two-stage that's been polished and wet-sanded to a stellar shine. That combination of form, fit and flash suggests the car's restorer spent many labor-intensive hours ensuring top notch finish work. And all that hard work certainly paid off, as this Sting Ray is one of the finest Chevys in our 300 car showroom!

The 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 Sermersheim clip that tucks a stainless-trimmed grille 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, a stylish bowtie mirror, and chambered and shielded side pipes. Above those gills, well-maintained stainless frames like-new glass between Satin Silver wipers and a black canvas roof. And the car's sloped decklid centers a cross-flag-branded fuel cap between flared quarters, traditional 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 480 horsepower, 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 is fitted with a Powermaster alternator and fronted with a flash of billet aluminum. A short air tube terminates with a big, reusable filter element. There's a beefy Griffin radiator that's equipped with efficient Spal puller fans. And modern power steering combines with big headers, a tough Optima battery and a familiar Wilwood 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 satin pigment and proven stainless 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!

Park this roadster on a lift and you'll find a custom Street Shop chassis that's been bolted to clean floor tubs, bathed in familiar satin pigment and fitted with a Rock Valley stainless fuel tank. Behind the stout LS3, a reliable Tremec TKO600 5-speed twists torque to a rugged Dana third member. That pumpkin spins a posi-traction differential around high quality, aluminum half shafts and moderate, 3.42 gears. That first class drivetrain rolls on a fourth generation Corvette independent suspension that's been fitted with a 1-inch sway bar, fresh urethane bushings and a sweet combination of QA-1 and Hyperco coil-overs. Turns come courtesy of Detroit Speed-supplied Mustang power rack and pinion steering. Smooth and solid stops are provided by red, multi-piston Wilwood calipers that squeeze big, drilled and slotted rotors. Exhaust rolls from the previously mentioned headers to the aforementioned chambered Allen's side pipes. Power flows through polished Billet Specialties wheels, which spin 235/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sports in front of 275/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sports. And everything, from this Corvette's Powermaster starter to its high quality Lokar brake cable, is expertly finished, superbly detailed and ready for action.

Open this C2's tossable doors and you'll find a plush red 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 traditional chrome shifter. From the driver's perch, an era-correct, Vintage Air-backed dash hangs an old school AM/FM radio below correct instrumentation that's upfitted with an electronic tachometer. Below that dash, like-new carpet is protected by color-keyed mats and fresh chrome sill plates. Above those sills, stainless-trimmed door panels hang small armrests below chrome handles, traditional cranks and twisting locks. In front of the driver, a satin-spoked steering wheel spins a brilliant cross-flag emblem around a tilting Flaming River column. 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 sinister C2 includes restoration receipts, restoration photos, component manuals and a reproduction owner's manual.

If you're looking for a razor-sharp sports car that offers vintage style and top notch performance, your search is officially over! Not only is this awesome Sting Ray faster than 95% of what's on the road, it has killer handling, it's durable, it's comfortable, and heck, it even gets good gas mileage. Why buy a finicky showboat when you can pick up this fully sorted resto-mod and enjoy the road without worry?