Daily Slideshow: Vilner's 1976 Stingray Brings Out the Evil Within
Vilner is known for customizing everything from modern to classic cars and even motorcycles with amazing leather craftsmanship. However, the Bulgarians have turned their sights on this C3 for a midnight makeover.
A striking demeanor
The interior specialists at Vilner have gone and tricked out this classic Corvette Stingray with the utmost care and respect for the American archetype. The exterior, which appears black, is actually a Pearl Brown varnish while the wheels stayed original with their nickel-plated finish. New daytime running lights were installed along with turn signals, both in LED. The form of the taillights was kept intact in order to not disrupt the lines of the muscle car.
>>Join the conversation about the Vilner C3 Stingray right here in Corvette Forum.
This C3 comes with baggage
Two chrome-plated grilles were built in the opening of the front fenders meanwhile the rear bumper was reimagined to better suit the Stingray's lines. The rear of the car has an original chrome-plated boot to remedy the issue of the cramped cargo space inside the vehicle. On it sits a vintage suitcase made using camel leather.
>>Join the conversation about the Vilner C3 Stingray right here in Corvette Forum.
Styled for a new generation
Once inside is where you'll really see what Vilner can do beginning with the Targa roof that has a calf-leather upholstered trim with decorative stitching. The dashboard has been reworked and now the seats feature calf-Nappa leather upholstery. The speedometer, tachometer and the rest of the dials have been given new life with a redesign for an extra step of setting the Stingray apart from the rest. The three amp audio system is by McIntosh, while a three-band system is by Ground Zero and the two subwoofers come from Peerless.
>>Join the conversation about the Vilner C3 Stingray right here in Corvette Forum.
Check it out
The upholstery in the car comes from a combo of calf-Nappa leather and box with leather engraving. To replace the wood veneer elements in the cabin high-tech Corian material was brought in for the job.
"Our latest project, a classical 1976 Chevrolet Corvette, has received a fine makeover, which refreshes the forms of the legendary Stingray C3 and at the same time keeps the classic lines of the U.S. muscle car," Vilner boasts on its Facebook page.
>>Join the conversation about the Vilner C3 Stingray right here in Corvette Forum.
Should classics be left alone?
Last but certainly not least is the heart of the machine underneath the hood. The 5.7-liter V8 was the recipient of a new head, shafts and two twin carburetors from Edelbrock Performance. The engine now produces 300 horsepower which is a hell of an upgrade from the base 180 horsepower that the Stingray had back in 1976.
What do you all think of what Vilner has done? Is it just the right mix of old and new or do you think more could have been done?
>>Join the conversation about the Vilner C3 Stingray right here in Corvette Forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
