Chevrolet’s third incarnation of its Corvette, the Stingray, was and is one of its most dramatic and distinctive. 

The long shark-like nose, the voluptuous curves of its wheel arches, the hollowed-out air scoops, all make for a shape that draws the gaze of pedestrians and other road users alike. If that doesn’t grab their attention, the burbling V8 soundtrack will.

Finished in a striking shade of yellow, and featuring all of the above, this ‘Vette also features a custom headlight option in place of the usual pop-up units. This particular example sports Chevy’s 5.7-litre ‘small block’ in the nose – a far sweeter option handling-wise than the heavy 7-litre ‘big block. 

It also features the detachable T-tops, giving you the benefit of open-air motoring when the weather is right.

Maybe not for the shy and retiring, but an awful lot of character and fun in a long low package.

Invoices outline some important mechanical refurbishing, including rebuilding the front brakes, new vales and hoses for the power steering and fuel tank sender and fuel gauge.

The Corvette also had a new tachometer fitted. Most of this work was done in 2017.

 

The Stingray’s cabin is as dramatic as its exterior. 

The black steering wheel with its polished spokes shows a fair patina, as does the well-thumbed gear selector and centre console, but all retain the original character of the car. 

The digital radio still manages to look quite period while offering modern facilities – and tuning. Talking of digital – the original speedo doesn’t work, but there is an electronic GPS-assisted replacement atop the steering column. 

There looks to have been some fairly creative wiring to power this up (there’s also a 12-volt socket), but not of this gets in the way of the controls.

The deep black seats look to be in excellent condition having been professionally reupholstered , while the door cards and furniture show the years a little more. Even so, all handles and switches are present and correct, and none rattle or pull away (as so many do) when opening and closing the doors. 

Carpets are a little worn in places, but generally retain a good colour and a good pile.

Lived in but engaging.

The Corvette has been resprayed, though exactly when isn’t known. 

The colour is certainly vibrant and the finish is consistent across the car, with the Neoprene bumpers matching the glassfibre of the main structure. 

There is some overspray here and there, such as on the innards of the doors or rubber seals, and there are one or two small, untidy patches of body-coloured tape (roof panel cavity). 

The original pop-up headlights have been replaced, and these are neatly fitted with their recesses painted black. The bonnet also features custom catches, which are fitted flush to the surface and work quite smoothly.

What few badges there are around the car remain quite presentable and the chrome presenting a good shine. There is no pitting, but one or two edges along the frame for the T-tops is a little untidy.

Again, bullet points of key points (mileage, recent work, upgrades etc) then as per interior section explain the condition, explain any work that has been done, highlight any issues etc.

The Vette’s engine bay isn’t the prettiest – or cleanest – but everything looks to be intact and in the right place. 

Some parts show surface corrosion – as do the upper wishbones – but everything looks pretty serviceable. Nothing is obscured by oil, grime or corrosion and a mechanic would easily be able to bring tools to bear on any component. Hoses and H/T leads appear tidy with healthy connectors and junctions. The (larger) radiator looks to be an aftermarket substitution.

The owner says the car drives very well and although nothing in the history suggests any engine upgrades, the 5.7 has a very determined bark, It fires up immediately and respond immediately to the accelerator pedal.

Underneath, the Corvette shows an understandable amount of weathering, though suspension parts appear robust.

The tyres are wider than standard; 235/60 R15 and 275/60 R15  front and rear respectively sitting on eight-slot alloys which may well be off a later model year stingray.

This is quite an intriguing Corvette. Cosmetically a little tatty but obviously still pretty robust – and there’s something very ‘pokey’ about that engine.

It could easily be bought and used straight away, or maybe it’s for someone who wants to continue the trend already started and take the modifications a little further.


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