Adding a Ferrari body kit to a Chevrolet Corvette might not appeal to everybody, but you’ve got to admit it’s an inexpensive way to spruce up the looks of a C4, and a touch that’s bound to get lots of attention. This 1984 Corvette is the proud recipient of additional pieces that make it emulate a Testarossa, and while I’m not sure how much the folks at Ferrari would approve, there’s probably a crowd out there who would love to get their hands on this one. If that includes you, this one’s in Lakewood, California, and can be checked out here on Facebook Marketplace. The price of $5,000 sounds reasonable, and we owe our thanks to reader Hack M. for sending in the tip here!
It’s not specified how long ago the transformation was made from a standard Corvette body to the beautiful Italian lines of a Ferrari, sort of, but the workmanship appears to be of good quality. The seller mentions that the red paint is still in good condition, and I’m not spotting anything outside that needs any immediate attention. The black wheels work well here, and the aftermarket headlights are also a neat touch, at least when the air brakes are in the up position.
While this one scores high regarding the custom outside appearance, things aren’t quite as exciting regarding the engine, as it’s not currently running. The seller elaborates that it was running, but now a freeze plug needs to be replaced, and he hasn’t had the time to fix it. Only one motor was available in ’84, an L83 350 cubic-inch V8 with a factory rating of 205 HP. With all the Ferrari décor, it would be more fun to find a manual transmission here, but this one’s equipped with an automatic.
Just this lone photo is all we get to see from the interior, with the seller mentioning that it needs work, but assuring potential buyers that everything is in there. I think the important thing to consider here is the low cost, the uniqueness, and attention-getting capability this one has to offer for its price range. I’d probably leave the interior as it is for a while and just replace the freeze plug for starters, then drive this one around and enjoy the attention until the urge hits to address any non-mechanical issues. What are your thoughts on this 1984 Corvette Ferrari wannabe?
A non-running 1984 Corvette with a body kit that tries to make it look like a Ferrari that the seller says needs freeze plugs, windshield, AC work interior work and has paint chips for just $5,000. It’s been on the market for over 6 months (28 weeks) and is located within an hours drive of 10 million people highlights the lack of interest. There are better Corvettes out there for not much more money.
Steve R
I’d rather be seen in this than a Corvette Summer replica vette.
“When freeze plugs go bad, the most common result is a coolant leak, which can lead to the engine overheating and suffering severe damage. This typically happens because the plugs corrode over time, weakening them and causing them to fail. Symptoms include a sweet smell of leaking coolant, visible leaks from the side or back of the engine, and eventually, the engine overheating”
30 seconds on the interweb suggests skipping past this “deal”
Nice cowcatcher!
WTF is it with black wheels???? The are atrocious, on almost anything, this pig included. A rusted out core plug smacks of neglect. I’m sure there’s been more neglect than just that.
Run, Forrest, run!
It’s gone now.
Just the body kit & parts car is worth $5k.
Freeze out plugs pop in cold weather climates. Maybe a Northern car that was brought to LA? Would make a good project car!
As stated above, normally not popped out but corroded through. Caused by lack of cooling system maintenance. In most cases on this car, The engine would have to be removed for the $2- $6.00 part. The rear 3/4 view is quite pleasant. The rest of this car, in my opinion is just plain ugly. Ad the automatic transmission and it is a hard pass to me. I understand a person that physically has to have the automatic transmission. But an automatic transmission in a Corvette spells P O S E R to me. Look at me, I’m sporty. But I wouldn’t have a clue what to do at a track day or autocross. A long time doctor friend of mine drives a Corvette. You should hear the ration of stuff that I deal out to him about not even knowing how to really drive the car!
Perhaps two sides to the automatic vs. manual and “posers” story. I saw (and heard) a C8 being driven the way it was intended a few weeks ago, and apart from the fact no human could shift gears that quickly and smoothly, it looked and sounded fantastic. Each to his/her own.
Disclaimer- I have owned/own four Corvettes with manual transmissions. I prefer manual, but I would have no problem driving a C8 if forced to.
Sometimes it’s best to just let the car be itself.