Once part of Robert Downey Jr.’s collection, this 1965 Corvette was converted to run on all-electric power. Modified on his TV Show “Downey’s Dream Cars,” it is now available for bid here on Hagerty. Located in Melbourne, Florida, bidding ends on Oct. 26th. Current bidding is $23,000 with only 11 bids and ten days left. Thank you so much to Curvette for this amazing tip!
This C2 was painted satin blue, with a tan interior and a convertible soft top. The builder redid all the trim with a brushed finish to complement the satin paint. The interior is a beautiful Plant-based leather substitute from a company called Evocative.
Two Dual Netgain Hyper 9 EV AC motors, mounted in parallel, drive the rear wheels via a Torque Solutions EV Torque Box gear-reduction unit. Unfortunately, the sound coming from this Corvette isn’t the cacophonous sound of the 300-horsepower 327 that came with the car, but the whir of a Tesla. Fortunately, when they did the conversion, they used the original motor mounts and didn’t cut the car except for minor bracket work. This is good news if you want to convert it back to internal combustion.
The J1772 charging port was engineered to fit discreetly into the original gas filler location.
They changed the gauges to show energy (kWh) instead of RPMs and battery charge percentage instead of fuel capacity. This Sting Ray has 15-inch satin-blue painted steel wheels and RideTech full suspension. The EZ electric power steering unit assists the steering. For noise other than the whir of the motors, there is a Retro Manufacturing Bluetooth radio.
I know many purists will call this conversion blasphemy, and I was once one of them. As a 300-horsepower 327 owner, I cannot get over the idea of not hearing that glorious sound of all 8 cylinders hitting their notes. However, this Corvette is already converted, and someone out there wants not only the classic looks of a 1965 Sting Ray, but also to be environmentally friendly. Plus, it’s one of Iron Man’s EV collection! Are you ready to be electrified?
I’m sorry but when the hood on a C-2 pops open to reveal what resembles the inside of a large flashlight, I pass.
And the first time I saw that motor (the only appropriate time to use this word), I thought the script said “Electrolux” LOL!
I still use an Electrolux to vacuum the interior of my cars.
Other than a celebrity owned what’s the appeal of a whirring sound and your limitations to range? As far as environmental friendly only time will tell. I know if it starts to burn it won’t stop. I am a boomer so I grew up with these cars being modified so that’s not the issue. Always did and still feel if it’s yours , do with it as you like. Agreed with 370 it’s a pass.
My employer provides an EV for work; it’s a blast with the instant torque and all the comforts.
I still have my own classics that I enjoy. And I’m always on Barn Finds looking for the next one.
This C2 has a 37.1 kW battery; that would equate to about 115 miles on a full charge. I pay .18 cents for a kW at home. 37.1 × .18 = $6.68. A cheap date, indeed…
This is great classic for Cars & Coffee, running errands and enjoying top down motoring around town.
Great way to destroy a classic! What’s next a self driving robot Corvette?
I totally agree
The satin finish doesn’t electrify me.
Nicely painted but yes, I agree. Cars to me, need a gloss finish. Of course, I am a boomer which also equates to being a dinosaur in our world today. Electric cars are incredibly fast today, but feel like being in a fast vacuum cleaner! Maybe someone will tailor a soundtrack with matching speaker that will give the sound of a muscle car motor….I said it, someone will do it!
Is this selling because the batteries affected Iron Man’s powers?
Poor Corvette, take it out and shoot it
No. Take it out and put it back to the way it should be.
Blasphemy!
This is the very definition of blasphemy! What is wrong with the real, honest, powerful sound of a V8? This is sickening.
So many cars that this ridiculous transformation could have been used for, most of them between 1975 and 1979. This must of been one of his ideas when he was in rehab for the 8th or 9th time. A complete waste on a great year, great body style, and a great car.
It’s an abomination. Yuck. Especially a plant based interior?? I wouldn’t drive it around if they gave it to me for free.
Yeah, but does it fly?
You might get laughed at in a car show, if they even let you in.
Should’ve at least gone with a Bolt motor and batteries to keep it all Chevy.
And what happened to the original drivetrain ! What a shame. and why does it still have tail pipes for the electric flow!!!
Ummm yeah, I don’t think so.
Great idea for a conversion. Electric cars are the future guys, get over it. My electric fuel cost is 1/4 my gas fuel cost.
We don’t live in the future we live in the now.. why are you here if you think this is great. also lets go on a trip I stop at gas stations and you look for a charging port.
I have a friend that we used to make mad dashes over long distances. (1,200 miles to the Daytona 24 hours race in 15 hours as aan example) Last year he bought the twin motor Tesla. His wife and him took their semi anual trip up to Wisconsin from Southern Alabama with the Tesla. So here are a few items of note that he related to me.
#1 He was never able to meet/match the proposed power charge distance that the car said he would. The reason was two fold. He has a lead foot. So exceeding the posted speed limit was his style. AND The outside temperature was in most cases in the 99 degree range.
#2 All the “recharging stops” (which each took an average of two hours) Were in places that they were able to spend some interesting time. A museum, a nice restaurant, etc. And he noted that since now being a senior citizen he actually appreciated the time out of the car.
#3 Their usual trip took them an additional 4 hours. BUT cost of recharging was about what the first tankfull of gas would have cost him driving his wife’s SUV.
So there is some electric vehicle/trip stuff to think about.
Let’s not hurry the future. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me honest gasoline (or diesel), or give me death!
There aren’t many EVs that look better than this. Very refreshing look without huge screens!
This must have been lesson #1 in learning the quickest way to destroy the value of a Corvette?
WHY?
HELL NO!!!!
I don’t know if I’m ready to be electrified, but I am certainly shocked!
I have mixed emotions about this car. I really like the C2 Corvettes and I think it’s pretty innovative what they did and the attention to detail on the Haggerty site after watching the videos is pretty incredible especially what they did with the gauges. It actually is a little loud on the inside. Sounds like I’m riding on an electric public transit bus like the ones we used to have around certain routes in Massachusetts.
I would feel really strange driving around in that car despite how beautiful it was made. There’s something inside of me that wants to be happy, but at the same time wants to vomit…
Right in my home county! Bidding has reached 31,111 KWH already!
purists, calm down there are plenty of Corvettes to go around. But whats going on with the passenger seat? Is that battery storage space?
What a shame, such a shame!!!
This makes putting a Corvette on a 4X4 chassis almost acceptable.
Nicely done.
Maybe James Bond….
Does it come with a series of files and a huge loudspeaker to make it sound like a hot rod V8??
Well, at least they made it ugly too.
I wonder how nice the doner car was? I hope not very!
To each their own. Original C2 Corvettes are one of my favorites. I even like the body color wheels. And I do like ‘Different” But having driven Corvettes since I was 10 years old. I would miss the rumble. This would be nice as already pointed out for local errands and even a car show. (although I would be concerned about people throwing rotten tomatoes) I would like it more if it had glossy paint. BUT, what I’m really interested in is WHAT DOES IT WEIGH? Does it still handle like a Corvette?
that’s 1 way to really ruin a vintage vette. what a shame.
The EV conversion bothers me less than the satin paint and the brushed (ruined) trim. Yuck.
Is it faster than the original? How about handling?
Nothing wrong with electric, as long as performance is there.
The electrics all have the speed and acceleration, but not the feel! The ‘growl’ has to be there for the full experience! ( at least for me, anyway!)
wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a lot faster now.
It’s great to see that the majority of these comments convey utter disgust on the part of their authors.
It’s not about speed it’s about the sound of the ICE something you will never get from electric motors. Personally I would rather listen to a nice engine than a stereo, especially if it has some bumpity bump.
Amen!!
A vintage Corvette that was used for this purpose is the project of a person with lots of money, notoriety and a whim for taking something beloved in its origin and turning it into an anachronism (mistake in time). it is very similar today to these attractive, beautiful women who undergo facial reconstruction and turn themselves into hideous creatures all for thinking it is in improving themselves…….what a shame in both instances……….
You just made the Eveready bunny throw up a D-Cell.
Great, creative comment! You made me laugh heartily!!
Yes that is the reason it only has 11 bidders. As Ed would say , ” Just look at it ” !
No wonder it’s being sold, awful.
Did Downey have this ‘Vette built during his “druggy” phase?
Burn it!!!
It’s worth – IS LESS THAN ZERO ….yeah we remember RDJs sketchy years
This Vet needs to be refitted with a 427 . As is scrap !!!!!
SOLD for $65,735.
42 bids.
who ever bought it is a idiot