C3 Corvette Transformed into a Real-Life Speed Racer

Cartoon Inspiration

Many of us grew up fans of Speed Racer, a Japanese cartoon that started out in print form in the 1960s and later spawned an animated series. Far ahead of its time, Speed Racer (or Mach GoGoGo as it was known in Japan) centered around a race car driver named Go Mifune and his ride, a futuristic machine called the Mach 5. And that was the inspiration behind this custom C3 Corvette build, which is up for grabs at Classic Auto Mall.

Photos: Classic Auto Mall

Massaging Fiberglass

As one might imagine, a ton of fiberglass work was required to transform this 1979 Corvette into a Mach 5 replica. At the front, the original pop-up headlights were replaced with a pair of rectangular units placed amid three sculpted pods. The original hood remains, but it has been reshaped and painted with a giant red "M" just like the original.

Photos: Classic Auto Mall

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Small Block Power

The timeless Chevy 350 V8 powers this reimagined ride, and it's been fitted with a host of chrome bits and pieces to dress up the engine bay. Mods are limited to an Edelbrock intake and four-barrel carb, and the small block is mated to a TH350 transmission and a 3.55-geared rear differential.

Photos: Classic Auto Mall

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Typical Interior

The interior is mostly what you'd expect to find in any C3 Corvette, in this case, fitted with red vinyl bucket seats, door panels, dash, and carpet, all of which provide the perfect contrast to the white exterior. 

Photos: Classic Auto Mall

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One Omission

The steering wheel is a custom piece, and the radio's missing, so no blasting out Speed Racer's theme song while you cruise around town, unfortunately. Otherwise, it's pretty much standard C3 stuff in here, including the black console that helps break up the sea of red.

Photos: Classic Auto Mall

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Capped Off

The rear of the car is heavily stylized much like the front, with a driver's side cowl, Cadillac taillights, giant fins, and a pair of pods. Speed Racer badges and the number 5 on the doors help complete the look, which is capped off with a set of 15-inch polished wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich tires.

Photos: Classic Auto Mall

>>Join the conversation about this Mach 5 C3 right here in the Corvette Forum!

Specific Audience

Obviously, this C3 Speed Racer replica will cater to a very specific audience, so we imagine that it might be a while before it sells, especially with a lofty asking price north of $86k. But we also imagine that there's at least one fan of the cartoon out there with the means and the inclination to relive their childhood dreams, too.

Photos: Classic Auto Mall

>>Join the conversation about this Mach 5 C3 right here in the Corvette Forum!

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