Tag Archives: C2

Corvette Auction Preview: Four More Corvettes to Make You Drool at Mecum Kissimmee 2022

December 23, 2021 admin

Photo Credit: Mecum Auctions

Welcome back to our look at Mecum’s upcoming 2022 Kissimmee auction. The countdown to opening day is just about 14 days now. Perusing the Corvette docket, we currently see 360 Corvettes listed which is more than double the number of consignments from 2 weeks ago. Expect a few more to be added as the date draws nearer.

Past previews focused on the Corvette Super Sport, Gulf One, and the C2 Z06 equipped Corvettes from Mecum’s Once in a Lifetime Corvette Offering. This time we’re going to focus on a diverse quartet of first and second generation cars ranging from a pilot line 1966 L88 to an ultra-rare 1957 airbox fuelie.

Lot F158: 1960 Race Rat Tanker – When we think of big tank or “tanker” Corvettes, we generally think of C2’s. However, tankers were available to savvy buyers and racers on C1 Corvettes as well. In 1960, 10 big tank Corvettes were built. This 1960 fuelie was ordered through Nickey Chevrolet by George Reed to complete in the 1960 Sebring 12 hour race. In addition to the 315hp engine, Reed selected heavy duty suspension, heavy duty brakes, and a 4-speed transmission. Upon delivery to Sebring, Zora Arkus Duntov himself assisted with the final race prep. The car went on to win its class and finish 16th overall. Today the car is in excellent restored condition and has been displayed at top events such as the 2004 and 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the 2009 Los Angeles Concours d’Elegance, the 2010 NCRS 50th Anniversary display, and the 2013 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. It’s also an NCRS American Heritage Award recipient.

Lot F164: 1957 Big Brake Airbox Fuelie – This well-known straight axle is one of 44 produced with RPO 579E, the fresh airbox intake. It’s also 1 of 54 with heavy duty brakes and suspension. Other options include a fuel injected engine, 4-speed transmission, and wider 5.5″ wheels. The car was raced in SCCA events across the country throughout its early life. Since that time, it’s been restored back to stock form and lays claimed to our hobby’s top awards including multiple NCRS Top Flights, Bloomington Gold, and 2 Bloomington Special Collections. It’s been featured in Vette Vues magazine and participated in the 75th anniversary Monterrey historics. It’s being offered from the John Justo collection with copious documentation, awards, and restoration photos.

Lot S113: 8,500-mile unrestored 1967 427/435 Coupe – We first saw the “Vault Find” 1967 Corvette at the 2017 Mecum Indy auction where it sold for $675,000 from the original owner’s family. The Marina Blue on blue 435hp coupe remains in unrestored, original condition with just 8,533 miles on the odometer. The option list includes the 435hp engine, M21 4-speed, F41 suspension, and 4.11 rear end. It’s never been shown or judged and comes documented with the window sticker, Protect-O-Plate, and car shipper.

Lot S237: 1966 Pilot Line L88 Coupe – This Sting Ray is one of the “Four Kings,” 1966 Corvette factory racers. It’s the first known Corvette factory-prepared for Luigi Chinetti’s NART team, the first built with shoulder harnesses, and the second to be fitted with the cowl-induction fresh air hood. The intent was to test aluminum cylinder heads and other racing bits in the 1966 Sebring 12 hours. Pedro Rodriguez and Mario Andretti were to be the drivers, but they ended up in one of Chinetti’s Ferrari’s instead. Future pilots included Harold Whims, Don Yenko, John Finger, and John “Sam” Henderson. They completed at many notable tracks such as Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte Motor Raceway, Virginia International Raceway, Marlboro Motor Raceway, and Road Atlanta among others. The L88 engine sports a 1965-dated intake manifold and January 1966 dated aluminum cylinder heads. Other track-spec options include heater and defroster delete, radio delete, F41 suspension, Positraction rear axle, heavy-duty brakes, transistor ignition, M22 4-speed, and a 36 gallon gas tank. It’s extensively documented and has been shown at numerous national events over the last decade including 2014 and 2020 Bloomington Gold Collections, 2016 MCACN Corvette Legends Invitational, and the 2014 Corvettes at Carlisle Race Car Reunion.

Mecum’s monster 2022 Kissimmee auction will take place January 6th-16th at the Osceola Heritage Park. MotorTrend TV, MotorTrend+, and Discovery will have live coverage Wednesday, January 12th – Saturday, January 15th. Approximately 3,500 cars are expected. Keep an eye here and on the Mecum website as new additions are being added daily.

Source:
Mecum Auctions

[VIDEO] Building a Retro-Bodied C8 Corvette Project in the Driveway

December 22, 2021 admin

We first told you back in June about a guy named Jack Wendel who is bravely going where no man has gone before as he began transforming his brand-new C8 Corvette Stingray into something … well, something definitely different than what left the Bowling Green factory a few months ago.

In his latest post on his YouTube channel called ShadeTree Supercar, Wendel gives a peek at all the progress he’s made over the past few months transforming his mid-engine Stingray convertible into his own creation inspired by the C2 Sting Ray.

“The problem is, people see it as a Corvette and I’m destroying something that they consider beautiful. So from that perspective, you know, I kind of understand it,” Wendel told The Drive back in June. “But they’re not seeing the other perspective: I’m building something and I needed a good platform to start with. What better platform is there than the C8 to start with?”

Indeed, once he’s completed his “masterpiece,” Wendel apparently hopes to offer a similar kit to other Stingray owners, even going so far as to buy two coach building companies to help him with the project.

Recent photos that have been shared recently to the /r/ShittyCarMods subreddit show a barely recognizable C8, with homemade fiberglass body panels, taillights, and cutouts for pop-up headlights, all inspired by the C2 Corvette.

According to GM Authority, the original poster says they’ve known Wendel for 20-plus years and that he’s already built two C5 Corvette convertibles with mods inspired by the C1 Corvette.

Some enthusiasts would argue that the C8 is close enough to perfection that it doesn’t need any such mods, but it’s Wendel’s money to burn. Still, we can’t help but be a little sad to see a beautiful C8 convertible chopped up in such a drastic fashion, and at least in our opinion, definitely not for the better.

We’ll give the guy credit for having the stones to undertake this project as it caused us to have fits of anxiety just to have the rear bumper removed from our 2020 Stingray to have a high wing spoiler installed!

Besides the retro-flavored body changes, we’re also concerned, like GM Authority, about how the engine is going to stay cool with all the side intake vents and head exchangers covered up with said body changes.

What’s your opinion of this one-of-a-kind C8?

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Source:
GM Authority

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Our Three Favorite Corvettes for Sale from Corvette Mike in December

December 21, 2021 admin

Photo Credit: Corvette Mike

If your New Year’s Resolutions include the addition of an investment-quality collector Corvette, or perhaps you’re looking for something fun to drive in 2022, our friends at Corvette Mike in Anaheim, California can help you find the perfect Corvette for the new year!

Corvette Mike is one of the top destinations for buying high-quality Corvettes! The knowledgeable staff is there to assist in finding just the right pre-owned or classic Corvette for you. Today we hit their website to check out the current online inventory and came up with these three Corvettes as our favorites for the month of December.

Maybe at this point, you’re more of a seller than a buyer? Corvette Mike skips the auto auctions and only buys premium cars from private enthusiasts and they purchase cars from across the nation so if you have a low-mileage or rare Corvette that you are ready to part with, reach out to Corvette Mike and let them know what you got.

1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe

For the collector who wants to own one of the most iconic Corvettes in the model’s 69-year run, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe is it. Chevrolet redesigned the Corvette in 1963 and for the first time, it came from the factory as a hardtop coupe. Zora Arkus-Duntov offered three different transmissions and four different engine performance options with the fuel injected 327/360hp L84 option reigning supreme. But what made the 1963 Coupe truly unique was the split rear window offered only in the inaugural year of the C2 before Zora successfully lobbied GM Design to change it to a single rear window in 1964.

The original owner of this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe must have been wanting to drive the ultimate street Corvette when he placed his order. Outfitted in Riverside Red and a Black interior, the original buyer made sure to check the box on the 327/360 Fuelie V8 as well as the four-speed manual transmission, while power windows, AM/FM radio, and whitewall tires rounded out the options. We can imagine it was quite at home cruising the boulevards back in the day.

This ’63 Fuelie Sting Ray has been meticulously detailed, undergone a frame-off restoration, and only 99 miles are showing on the odometer. This Corvette is still equipped with the original L84 engine as certified by Al Grenning’s C.C.A.S. service and the Trim Tag has also been verified. Further documentation includes the N.C.R.S. Shipping Data Report.

The Fuel Injected 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe would be the center point of any automotive collection. For details or more information, contact Tim at 714-630-0700.

1996 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

When C4 production finally came to an end in ’96 after 12 years, Chevrolet knew they had to send it off with a bang, not a whimper. And since the ZR-1 was discontinued in ’95, there was definitely a void that needed to be filled!

The name “Grand Sport” had been used once before. It was for the fabled early ’60’s Corvette race cars helmed by legendary drivers such as Bob Bondurant, Roger Penske, A.J. Foyt, and Dr. Dick Thompson, among others. For this ’96 Special Edition, G.M. thought it fitting that the name should be brought back again!

We love the 1996 Corvette Grand Sport for what it offered to Corvette buyers – a limited edition Corvette with a unique engine to celebrate the end of a generation. Limited to 1,000 units overall, Chevrolet produced 810 coupes and 190 convertibles in Admiral Blue with a White full-length body stripe and Red hash marks on the front fenders. They also received a special black-painted version of the ZR-1 wheels with the coupes getting the import flares added to the body so the rear wheels would fit appropriately.

The Grand Sport’s LT-4 engine was rated at 330hp, which was 30 more than the standard LT-1 engine. However, the car’s performance feels considerably more powerful than the advertised increase would indicate!.

Corvette Mike acquired this ’96 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible by the original owner who only put 19,277 miles on the odometer. This GS is #117 in the series and is fully documented with all books, manuals, original window sticker, build sheet, and more. It also received a high score from the NCRS who awarded it Top Flight status. Celebrate the C4’s end of the line by adding this highly collectible Grand Sport to your stable.

This 1996 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is offered for $52,900. Call Tim at 714-630-0700 for more information.

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2016 Corvette Z06 Coupe

This 2016 Corvette Z06 with a seven-speed manual transmission, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, and the Z07 Performance Package was originally ordered from Legacy Chevrolet in Columbus, Georgia before it was acquired from the original owner by Corvette Mike in the fall of 2021. Powered by the 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine that was rated for 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, this Z06 Coupe has just under 6K miles on the odometer and is documented with the original window sticker, manufacturer’s literature, and a clean CarFax report.

The Z06 is finished in Arctic White with Kalahari leather interior and features a full-length Black racing stripe across the hood, roof, and rear deck of the car. It’s outfitted with the level three visible carbon fiber aerodynamics package that includes the aggressive front splitter and rear wickerbill across the rear spoiler. It also includes a painted and transparent roof panel. Inside you’ll find the carbon fiber trim package surrounding the center stack and instrument cluster.

The Corvette Z06 sits on staggered setup of 19″/20″ Chrome-finished aluminum wheels with Corvette logo center caps. The rubber is currently mixed with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires up front and Continental Extreme Contact tires (non-runflats) in the rear. With the Z07 Performance Package comes Brembo’s carbon-ceramic brakes and red brake calipers.

Corvette Mike is offering this low-mileage one-owner 2016 Corvette Z06 for $89,900. Are you ready to be its next caretaker? Contact Tim at 714-630-0700 today.

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To learn more about these three highly collectible Corvettes for sale or to view the other collector Corvettes offered by Corvette Mike, visit them online at CorvetteMike.com or give Tim a call at 714-630-0700 and let them know you found these Corvettes on CorvetteBlogger.com!

Source:
CorvetteMike.com

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QUICK SHIFTS: Mid-Years, C8 Reviews, 2023 Camaro ZL1, 2022 Silverado, and Classics Restored as EVs

September 18, 2021 admin

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

Get excited, Corvette fans! Quick Shifts is back for your enjoyment!

Quick Shifts is a content feature here at CorvetteBlogger featuring links to Corvette and automotive-related stories of interest. This resurrected edition of QS contains some smoking-hot Mid-Year action, new C8 reviews (spoiler: it’s still amazing), a 6-second C7, the CT5-V Blackwing & ’23 Camaro ZL1, the 2022 Silverado bows, and restoring classic cars with EV powerplants.

FIRST GEAR

We are going to kick things off with some outstanding content focused on the version of America’s Sports Car from 1963-67, starting with a trip to Road&Track.com, where Daniel Pund looks at the way the ’63 Sting Ray still looms large within General Motors and how it inspired the current Corvette. Get your desktop ready, the C8, split-window side-by-side shots in that link are 100% background material!

Next, we will kick it over to the official site of Vettes of Atlanta Magazine. The article that caught our collective eye over there is all about a Silver Blue 1964 Corvette that was purchased By Rod Davis and two of his sons to lift the spirits of a third brother, Bob, that was obsessed with America’s Sports Car while he was battling leukemia at the age of 18. The car has touched three generations of the Davis family now, and its whole story is told by Bill, the brother who currently holds the keys.

A Lifetime Of Memories With A 1964 Corvette

Photo Credit: Bill Davis

Before shifting into a more modern second gear, we want to take you back to the early days of this summer, when GMA’s Brett Hatfield realized a life-long dream of owning a Nassau Blue 1965 Corvette Convertible. His trek back to his native Kansas from the Pacific coast was chronicled in four entertaining segments. We hope you enjoy reading about the adventure as much as we did! Find part I here, this is part II, here’s part III, and part IV.

Photo Credit: Brett Hatfield

SECOND GEAR

After the longest lull of its career, the C8 is back to inspiring other publications to create original content! The first clip comes courtesy of Andy Reid (not the coach) and the Classic Cars Journal. Andy asks the question that has been haunting carmakers since 7/18/19; why spend more when you can buy the best, the C8 Corvette? If anyone figures that out, I’m sure the fine folks at Porsche, Ferrari, or even Ford would love to make you a handsome offer for your services!

We also want to point you in the direction of a pair of new C8 reviews just to remind you what a media darling the mid-engine Corvette is. In late 2019, you would have been forgiven for believing that all of the C8’s positive press boiled down to novelty, hype, and conformity, but after two years (an eternity in the modern vehicle marketplace), that position gets harder to defend with each new glowing evaluation. If you aren’t embarrassed by people gushing over a four-wheeled object, check out what Autoblog and (the notoriously tough on GM/Chevrolet/Corvette) Jalopnik have to say about the current Plastic Fantastic.

2022 Chevrolet Corvette Review | Still shining bright

Photo Credit: James Riswick / Autoblog

THIRD GEAR

The Marketing teacher in me absolutely loves this next piece from Motor Trend. It is all about eBay Motors Powers HOT ROD Drag Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive (three brands in one title(!!!), it’s like Ricky Bobby is in charge of Drag Week, and it is as excellent as what he does in the morning!). Anyway, the lead picture is what drew me in to begin with. Dave Schroeder’s Unlimited contending and Blue, White, and Red GS liveried “C7 Corvette” runs mid-6s. See it in all of its glory here.

FOURTH GEAR

Since the last running of this column, a lot has happened in the automotive world outside of our Corvette focus. The unquestionable star of this long-ish period of time was the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Even though the “final internal combustion V-Series car” didn’t receive LT5 power, a beefed-up, 668-horse LT4 and a manual transmission have rocketed it all the way up to first place on my “most-desired current vehicle list.” With the C8Z breaking cover in 38 days, it shouldn’t get too comfortable there, but the want has still reached an almost unbearable level! First tests for the swansong V arrived this week (see C&D’s excellent review here), and if you have the means, you should absolutely try to get your hands on one of these masterpieces! (Bonus read: MT did a nice writeup about the unfortunate discontinuation of the LT5 on Thursday. RIP friend, we hardly got to know you!).

Photo Credit: Cadillac

I’ve habitually lamented the way GM doesn’t seem to give half of a brown Crayola about their Pony Car in these pages, but it is a topic worth lamenting! Dodge and Ford pump out new special editions and performance enhancements for the Challenger and Mustang on an annual basis, while the Camaro’s last mechanical upgrade came as a part of the 2018 model-year. That impressive amount of neglect is a main road on the map from 2010-14 segment sales leader to a laughably distant last place, but it seems like the Blackwing is here to help its two-door chassis-mate out. According to German spy shots and Motor Trend, reinforcements are on the way for the top-tier, ZL1 models for MY 2023. The picture doesn’t reveal much, but Cadillac’s newest monster hides several features that seem like no-brainer updates for the ZL1. Expect to see revised aero, a horsepower bump of 18 or more ponies, and a Carbon Ceramic Brake RPO join the Camaro order guide next year. This is bad news for the Shelby GT500 but wonderful for those of us who still favor the era when the Corvette followed the front engine, RWD, manual transmission formula. Our perfect replacement is almost here!

2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Might Get a Cadillac Blackwing Boost

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

FIFTH GEAR

The current-gen Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra twins have been mercilessly ridiculed about their sub-par interior materials/design by journalists in a way we haven’t seen since the C6 days. Well, a mid-cycle refresh is here to fix all of that! Because of their continuing Camaro coverage above, we will let MT show you the new face, and, more importantly, guts, of the ’22 Silverado. One of the most thrilling part of the rejuvenation is the introduction of the ZR2 trim-level that inches GM’s cash cow ever closer to true Raptor territory, even if it still isn’t quite there yet (at least it has a V8!).

When the half-ton gets an update, you can bet that the big-dogs aren’t far behind. According to TheFastLaneTruck, 2023 will see a Duramax that comes from the factory with an LS7-matching 505 horsepower, and an almost unimaginable, industry-leading 1,085 lb-ft of torque! It is going to be one heck of a rig!

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

SIXTH GEAR

Speaking of crazy torque numbers; last week, Elon Musk took to Twitter to reveal that the new ultimate performance “Plaid” version of the Tesla Model S (the same one that ruined the Z06 lap attempt) set a new Nürburgring record for production electric cars with a mark of 7:35.579. So, Tesla’s best is still more than 9-seconds shy of the time set by the 2009 Corvette ZR1, but the time is extremely impressive for a four-door luxury vehicle running on bulky “alternative” power! And while I harbor a distaste for the silent and less-than-engaging driving experience offered by plug-in performance vehicles, seeing an American car topple a record that was held by Porsche warms my heart with national pride!

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Here to back me up on the “personality gap” between the all-time great internal combustion vehicles and the emission-free cars of the future is Top Gear’s Chris Harris. Read his excellent piece on the arrival of the EV resto-mod trend right here. To conclude this edition of QS, we’ve got one more on-topic piece from across the pond. EVO’s Richard Meaden has some thoughtful insights on the one-size-fits-all electric future that will seemingly be forced upon us in less than a decade’s time.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet check out Martin Chevrolet TODAY!

Corvettes for Sale: Green 1967 Corvette Convertible on Bring A Trailer

December 26, 2020 admin

This classy-looking 1967 Corvette convertible looks right at home in photos taken at a marina, presumably in California where this classic C2 is currently up for sale on bringatrailer.com.

With five days left in the bidding, the highest offer has reached $45,555.

Corvettes for Sale: 1967 Corvette Convertible on Bring A Trailer

The car underwent a body-off restoration 20 years into its life, with photos showing a replacement frame installed during the 1976-78 refurbishing.

More than 40 years later, however, the Goodwood Green paint and the fiberglass body are in need of another restoration, though most of the damage seems to be chips, scratches, and scrapes and actual body damage seems minor, mostly confined now to the wheel well lips and right front turn-signal housing. The white ragtop could also stand replacing, with tears, seam separations, and yellowing on the plastic window.

The car was sold new in Pennsylvania, eventually heading south to Florida before the current owner bought it in California in 2016.

Mechanically, the car retains its matching-numbers L79 327/350 horsepower V8 engine hooked to a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. The seller has rebuilt the Holley carburetor, replaced exhaust components, and sandblasted the exhaust manifold. The disc brakes have been refurbished and the master cylinder rebuilt with stainless sleeves during the past six years. Service in August included fluid changes, new coolant hoses, and repair of an oil leak.

The Saddle interior looks very nice against the Goodwood Green paint, with the leather seats having been reconditioned this summer and the door locks adjusted and repaired. There is a hole in the driver-side seatback leather.

Included with the sale will be service records back to 2014, manufacturer’s literature, Corvette manuals and brochures, the original warranty Protect-O-Plate, copies of previous voided titles, restoration photos, and a clean California title.

Overall, this ’67 Corvette isn’t far away from becoming a shining gem and appears to just need a little polishing to bring it to the next level.

Source:
bringatrailer.com

LAST CALL: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum to Draw the Winner of this 1963 Corvette on Monday

September 6, 2020 admin

You can win a 1963 Corvette Convertible Sting Ray with your tax-deductible donation to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. The Museum’s fundraiser ends on Monday, September 7th with the winning ticket being drawn at 5:00 PM ET. CorvetteBlogger readers have been granted 50% bonus entries with your ticket purchases, so make sure you enter today!

The 1963 Corvette is a documented, numbers-matching example equipped with a 327/300-hp V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, and an optional auxiliary hardtop.

If you like your Corvettes on the rare side, this 1963 Sting Ray Convertible has the G91 Special Highway Axle with a 3.08 gear ratio, an option that was only selected by 211 buyers. That’s just 0.98% of the 21,513 Corvettes built during the 1963 model year! And then there’s the Daytona Blue exterior combined with the Dark Blue interior that was only available in 1963 and 1964. The dark blue combination really stands out and contrasts nicely with the white convertible soft top.

This charitable fundraiser supports the non-profit Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana. The automobile museum inhabits the auto builder’s original factory showroom building and today it displays 140 vintage, antique, classic, and special interest cars to the thousands of automotive enthusiasts who visit each year. When you support the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum by making a tax-deductible donation, you help fulfill their mission of providing unique educational experiences based on the history and legacy of the automotive industry.

Source:
Win A 1963 Corvette Sting Ray

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Tag Archives: C2

Corvette Auction Preview: Four More Corvettes to Make You Drool at Mecum Kissimmee 2022

[VIDEO] Building a Retro-Bodied C8 Corvette Project in the Driveway

Our Three Favorite Corvettes for Sale from Corvette Mike in December

QUICK SHIFTS: Mid-Years, C8 Reviews, 2023 Camaro ZL1, 2022 Silverado, and Classics Restored as EVs

Corvettes for Sale: Green 1967 Corvette Convertible on Bring A Trailer

LAST CALL: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum to Draw the Winner of this 1963 Corvette on Monday

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