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.
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.
The satin finish doesn’t electrify me.
Is this selling because the batteries affected Iron Man’s powers?
Poor Corvette, take it out and shoot it
Blasphemy!
This is the very definition of blasphemy! What is wrong with the real, honest, powerful sound of a V8? This is nigh sickening.