Is This Rebodied C5 Hot or Not?

Modern Classic?

Ask anyone what their favorite Corvette of all time is, and more than a few will point to the second-generation model - easily one of the best-looking vehicles in the history of the automobile. But with C2 prices on the rise, some have tried to mimic that particular Corvette's looks while also using newer underpinnings, which is precisely the case with this rather interesting rebooted C5 that recently crossed the block at eBay.

Photos: eBay

C2 Like

This particular car started life as a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, but now features C2-inspired body panels from the folks at Chattanooga Rod Design of Tennessee. All of the familiar styling cues are present and accounted for, including split bumpers and a very C2-like front and rear end, but the center of the car gives a good indication of what it used to be.

Photos: eBay

Matter of Taste

As such, this conversion looks, well, a little bit off, if not awkward. However, looks are obviously subjective, and there's a reason why these kits exist - some folks like them, and see it as a bit of a shortcut to building a full-blown C2 restomod.

Photos: eBay

Upgraded Powertrain

At least, in this case, this C2/C5 isn't just powered by some stock engine, but rather, a Magnuson supercharged 5.7-liter V8. Power flows to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, though the seller doesn't state how much power it's making.

Photos: eBay

Refreshed Cabin

Inside the cabin, this C5 has received a few upgrades as well, namely, with reupholstered black and red leather seats that give it a nicer, more upscale look. Otherwise, it's pretty much stock yet complete with plenty of amenities including a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a head-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Bose stereo system with an in-dash CD player.

Photos: eBay

Acquired Taste

It reportedly cost over $120k to put this particular build together, which isn't terribly surprising given the scope of work. However, it wound up selling for just shy of $67k, which is a pretty big loss by any measure. Regardless, we aren't terribly surprised by that result, given how much of an acquired taste these conversions truly are.

Photos: eBay

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