The ’70s! That about sums up the visuals on this custom, wide-body Corvette convertible. It’s said to be a 1968 model, but if that’s the case, it has been altered to not only resemble a mid-’70s version, but it has been “wide-bodied” too, much like an IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) competition car. A one-time star of Car Craft Magazine, this ‘Vette now resides in Carlsbad, California and is available, here on craigslist for $39,995. Thanks to T.J. for this tip!
Constructed in the image of a John Greenwood-modified Corvette, this Chevy is oh-so seventies looking and that’s expected as the transformation occurred over a six-month period in 1976. And perhaps because of the era in which the transformation occurred, the modifier chose to use the then-current Corvette nose and tailpiece. I find it curious that the mods were performed on a convertible, I would have expected that a coupe would have been a more authentic subject to glean a race car vibe. The listing claims a recent restoration and from what can be seen, the entire package presents quite well. The modifications look well executed – hardly tacked on, and the lines, in profile, flow well. The straight-on shot of the rear of the car will give you an idea of how extended the widened body is. The images aren’t close-up enough to see small details but there’s no reason to suspect an issue.
Powering this rig is a 383 CI “Stroker” (bored and stroked 350 CI) working through a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission. The provenance of the engine is not stated and there’s no word regarding operating prowess though it’s hard to imagine that it’s a slacker. The engine compartment is exceptionally clean and the motor gives off an early ’70s LT-1 visual impression.
Other than the steering wheel, the interior looks like a stock ’68 Corvette environment. It’s clean and in seemingly perfect condition – no modifications apparent and it belies the external visuals. The wheel is similar enough to the original Corvette piece that it works fine and blends in.
Obviously, a lot of work went into this car but it was not for the purpose of building an actual IMSA GT competitor, it was strictly for appearances – and that might be the challenge of moving it on. While the customization seems to have been excellently facilitated, the seller is going to have to find the right buyer that will appreciate the visual statement that this car makes. The fact that it has been subject matter for Car Craft, Motor Trend, and Car Freaks, probably won’t matter – it’s like celebrity ownership, it seems that most auto enthusiasts don’t give a flip about such matters. Ultimately finding a buyer probably won’t be a difficult ordeal, but finding a $40K buyer might be the challenge, wouldn’t you agree?
The body mods looked good and functional on the Greenwood cars. Not so much on this one.
Got blocked by “Page not found” to the point of not being able to get out of the post. had to go completely out of BF and back in to see other cars. No problem with them.
Hi Bob, it is mostly Log in problems here.
Had a log in problem last week.
Even though it’s for sale in California,looks like you couldn’t register it
there (Arizona plates),or another tax evader.
You too can pay almost $40,000 to drive an ugly car.Lots of nicer
stuff out the for less money.
Doesn’t get much uglier than this.
I think I remember that car in Car Craft when it was built, except at that time I think it was red. Always intrigued me why someone would do something like that to any car, let alone a Corvette? I could just see those rear flairs being stripped off trying to get it through a garage door or through some drive-up. Top it off, I don’t remember that spoiler in the article.
Not something I’d do nor want.
Nah, it was built pretty much like that. Wheels are different. Uglyness the same.
Well, to me the automatic makes it a no deal, why not a four speed? It would likely handle well but still is fugly, ugh.
🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌
Yeah but it’s a wide body, ok didn’t do much for me either. Road course maybe, street aaaaa why?
Keep in mind that if you were driving you wouldn’t be able to see how ugly that rear end treatment is. Front is ok, but the rear is just criminally bad
how do you spell huaahuhah (vomiting sound)? The front and side look OK, but that rear is hideous.
I assumed the doors were open in the rear view. Boy, was I wrong.
Hurts my feeble head….
The word Buick will work.
I remember these “greenwood” styled Corvette’s. At the time they were incredible looking. I often wonder if rear wheel bearings were a problem with those deep offset wheels? I had a 69 C3 Corvette. To put it politely, my girlfriend and I spent some “quality time” together in the cabin on a few occasions. I/we were quite limber then. Now it hurts to tie my shoes.
that was on bring a trailer a couple of weeks ago, bid to 28 grand, reserve not met
I have the issues in which this build was covered. Car was a wrecked ‘68, the build Used promo parts from sponsors, a practice that was made legend by later magazine staffers.
I liked it back then and I’m glad it’s still around!
Now where’s the Capri II S model that was tricked out by John Dianna in the pages of Hot Rod in 1976???
Apparently, I’m in the minority, as I generally like the wide-bodied C3’s. Probably from building all the MPC model kits in the ’70s of them, and Corvette Summer is one of my favorite movies.
This one’s ok, but the back (as others have said less politely) is overdone. And, since this one started out as a ’68, and not a ’70s model, I’d prefer this one to be a stock ’68.
Oh well. I’ll be real surprised if they get 40k for this.
Perhaps the chassis could be a donor for a proper Corvette? Can’t think of many other uses for it. To paraphrase Colin Chapman, “…add lightness.” LOTS of lightness is needed here.
Paint it red, white and blue and put a full cage in it. Drop in an all aluminum big block and 5 speed. Modern center lock wheels with new rubber and this thing would be a blast.
I read a lot of people passing judgement on a car that was built in the disco 70’s and the car represented those times. Can’t judge by the 2022 standards other wise we would have to put an electric motor in a bar of soap.
I mean it’s not for me, but at least it represents a bygone era AND it’s not a pile of rust ……
When I grow up I wanna be a Ferarri!