If my research proves accurate, the stretched limousine concept has been around for nearly a century, with the Armbruster Coach Company of Arkansas generally credited with building the first one in 1928. Originally referred to as “extended-wheelbase multi-door auto-coaches”, most people now just call them limos, with the Chevrolet Corvette being an unusual but fine choice to give this treatment to. An internet search shows that there have been a few lengthened ‘Vettes created with extra doors added, but an early C3 body, such as this 1969 model here on Facebook Marketplace, works exceptionally well as a starter, with the chrome bumpers in the front and rear. This one’s in Santa Ana, California, and it’s not cheap: the seller’s asking price is $98,000. Curt, thanks a lot for your great tip here!
For my limousine desires, this one would fulfill my dreams nicely, as all the custom touches have been very well executed. There’s no information about who built this or when it was transformed, but the fit and finish appear excellent, with some noteworthy features such as two sets of T-Tops. The extra fender gills added between the doors sort of bring the design together, and the American Racing wheels look right at home here. Those are some of the longest side pipes I’ve encountered, and I’m sort of a fan of how entry-level mirrors were incorporated instead of the more sporty units. A chrome luggage rack might have been a practical addition, but not everyone likes them, so it’s probably just as well this was left off.
Surprisingly, we don’t get a good close-up photo of the rear quarters, but the chauffeur’s area has received some tasteful mods and appears to be in superb condition. The standard gauges have been removed, and digital components are in their places now, along with a more recent steering wheel and an upgraded sound system. We only get to see the TV that folds down from the dash, but the seller says there are two more in the rear, with all four leather seats reported to be power adjustable.
This one’s also got a more modern engine than would have been under the hood in ’69. In the bay now is a TPI, or Tuned Port fuel-injected motor, and it’s connected to a 700R4 transmission with four forward gears, so this one’s definitely ready for some highway travel. I’m thinking the visionary hit their bullseye here, as this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette is about as well done as any limo I’ve seen in a while, in my humble opinion. What are your thoughts here?
What?! How have I not done a photoshopped four-door Corvette yet?! This is great, Mike – nice find, Curt!
A crushed-velour leisure suit and a mullet is all you need…
Unique and well done. A quality build and factory level design. Nice.
Picked a great color for it also 👍
We used to ride baby
Ride around in a limousine
We’d look so fine baby
You in white and me in green
This is really cool. I have to admit, when I saw the opening photo, for a second I thought….. What did Scotty draw up now??? It looks like a high quality job and absolutely LOVE the fact it has two sets of T Tops.
Who is going to be the first to complain that it’s not a 4 speed?
I almost was!
I’m really not into cars, but I like it!!!
Money and boredom meet… Car comes with a warning, Must be no taller then 5’10”, weight no more then 200lbs… Nice write up.
It’s a waste of a good Corvette.
“Why ruin a good story with the facts?” Yeah, cool looking without an ounce of practicality. A vanity project…”I did it because I could”. Where do you put the luggage? Where do you put the T-tops when off? What woman would want to go to a party having just done her hair with the T-tops off? Basically a 3-seater. A museum piece and nothing more. Sorry to be a wet blanket grouch, well-executed albeit not well thought out. The price matches the costs of the work but does it match the market?
this one definetly comes under the heading of”just because you can,doesn’t mean you should”…
This is one of the most unique Corvettes I have ever seen. Be a great prom/ wedding limo.
Although the car’s workmanship appears nice there are a couple things which bother me. The big one is an adult having to contort themself just to enter the rear of a ‘limousine.’ The other is the flatscreen in the driver’s compartment. When it’s in use the screen intrudes into the passenger’s footwell. How well does that work?
The absolute best thing about this car will occur when someone else asks ‘what if….’ The fact it’s been done before might prevent this from happening again.
Like they always say on Antiques Roadshow….”to the right buyer, this could be worth a whole lot more!”
I kinda’ like it. The only design change I would have made would have been to slant the forward edge of the rear side windows to more closely match the front windows.
I think it would be popular for the ‘Rent-a-Limo’ market.