We say this with the utmost respect to the new Corvette, the C8, because most of us have an undying love for classic cars, especially when it comes to America’s longest-lasting and most popular sports car, the Vette.
While the new Vette is a mid-engined modern marvel and everything that a modern car is supposed to be, the classics still blow us away. If you like the oldies in the Vettes, we have some gorgeous classic restomods any Vette-fan would love to lay his or her hands on.
In its 60-some years of existence, the Corvette has undergone many design changes. So much so that if you don’t know the history of the car, some of the classics may not even look like a Corvette to you.
But all the Corvettes through the years came with their specific beauty needed for the times, which turned them into bestsellers. Some, of course, came with stellar power while others were muted to suit the oil-embargo and emission control changes.
Here are 10 classic and stunning Corvette restomods anyone would love to drive, even over the new C8…
10 A Specific Specvette
Specvette is a name given to a modified Corvette according to customer specification by Heartland Customs, and this model belongs to Rod Halsell. At heart is a 1963 classic Vette Stingray coupe that runs on a 525-horsepower LS3 engine mated to a Tremec five-speed manual transmission.
The paint is a Merlot pearl shade with custom Italian leather used in the interiors. This is one car that will pull glances everywhere it goes and we are pretty sure that it’s a pleasure to drive with its switchable exhaust system with side pipes that actually work.
9 A Vette In Navy & Red
At heart, this is a 1972 Corvette Coupe, in its third generation at the time. Painstakingly done by Verillo, the Vette here was first completely dismantled, piece by piece, to judge what needed replacement, modification, or could be used as-is.
Each constituent piece was then carefully refinished or replaced and the car was built back up. Clearly, many man-hours went into this, which is why this is one perfect car to see and to drive, with a bright red interior and gorgeous blue outside.
8 One Heavy Duty Track Vette
A 1969 Corvette, this beauty in blue was converted into a pro-touring restomod, and yet inside, it has all the creature comfort builds required for a pleasurable drive. The stock C3 frame was retained but lots of extra were bolted on.
The suspension was beefed to a Detroit Speed SpeedRay kit and the engine was swapped in favor of the LS7 with 675 horsepower with no need of any forced induction other than cylinder heads by West Coast Customs, the top-tier vehicle modification shop. This gorgeous Vette runs on a six-speed manual transmission by Tremec.
7 Sleek & Silver Classic Vette
A silver fox is what we call this gorgeous 1967 Chevy Corvette C2 Restomod, so designed by Jeff Hayes of American Speed Shop. The looks have been kept as close to the original as possible and it runs on a custom-built tubular chassis for added strength.
The front and rear suspension on this have been sourced from a C5 and a C6 respectively, and an LS3 V8 powers it up with 525-horsepower mated to a TREMEC five-speed manual transmission. Driving this has to be sheer pleasure, as we are sure the owner can gloat at all the envious looks thrown his way.
6 The Perfectly ‘Preserved’ Classic
This one is so beautiful, it could make any classic car fan cry. This is a 1956 C1 and looks to be in fantastic shape although it's full of many classic and modern parts. The whitewall tires with that matching ‘Cascade' Green strip makes this car look like a million bucks.
It may look like an avuncular classic but under the hood sits a 6.2-liter LS3 V8, good for more than 500 horses, mated to a four-speed manual transmission from GM. An upgraded suspension and steering as well as power brakes, coupled with a beige interior make this Vette the star of this list.
5 A SEMA Showstopper
Anyone who is a Corvette fan would probably give an arm and a leg to just take this beauty for a spin, let alone own it. Shown at the SEMA 2015, this is a 1971 Vette Stingray powered by an LS7 engine with a supercharger on top, making a fantastic 700 horses.
Plus, that red paint has our heart and has been named Georgia Red to honor the customer’s granddaughter. It may not be noticeable straight on, but this Vette carries more than a hundred body modifications to make it look this good and give it a new lease of life.
4 A Breathtakingly Black Vette
The first and foremost emotion that comes to mind at the sight of this black beauty is envy. A 1960 Corvette, this is a beautiful restomod with black paint and silver coves, coupled with a red leather interior.
The current owner, Michael Suppo, got it from someone who had altered the suspension and raised the car too high but all of this was easily fixable. Better wheels and tires went with the turbocharged engine that makes 440 horses and 402 ft-lb torque.
3 An Italian-Designed Vette Restomod
Corvette restomods are a big thing in the US, so big that now there’s an Italian player in the midst. ARES Design from Modena Italy used to work on the De Tomaso Pantera but now it’s made this midnight black Vette that so gorgeous, we cannot stop ogling it.
It’s a 1964 Corvette Stingray C2 and carries a bright red leather interior that offset that deep black exterior, though the insides are from the C7 itself. The engine is the 6.0-liter LS3 V8 that makes more than 500 horses and runs on gorgeous silver spoke wheels.
2 A Jigsaw Puzzle Vette
This is a 1964 Corvette at heart but carries a lot of bits and pieces from the 1967 model as well, like a very well-put-together Frankenstein. The motor is a modern 6.0-liter LS2 V8 that makes 495 horses on a specializes induction and comes with a Tremec five-speed manual.
The silver exterior and the red interior make for an attractive foil, and there is air-conditioning for hot days. Oh, and it boasts speakers hidden behind the seats as well for some added cool factor on an already icy-cool classic.
1 A Gorgeous Blast From The Past
Another gorgeous Specvette from Heartland Customs, this is a 1958 Corvette that keeps its appearance very similar to the original classic. The washboard hood, the trunk spears, and the side contrasting coves have been retained for originality.
That said; it rides on a custom chassis and comes powered by the legendary C6’s 505-horsepower LS7 engine. There’s electronic ride control added in, with automatic headlights and a button ignition. The wheels are custom-made to look like the original hubcaps back then for a retro effect.