Every now and then, a listing pops up that stops you in your tracks—not because it’s rare in the traditional sense, but because it’s so unmistakably one-of-a-kind. This 1979 Chevrolet Corvette, listed here on eBay. transformed into a full-blown Mach 5 tribute, is exactly that car. The seller notes that it even took home a “Top Choice” award at the 2022 Darryl Starbird car show, which tells you right away that this build isn’t your average custom project. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
The car began life as a 1979 C3 Corvette, and according to the seller, it still uses much of its original underlying structure, including the doors, hood, and portions of the factory fenders. The rest is a collection of custom-crafted bodywork inspired by the animated Mach 5, along with pieces borrowed from various classic cars—such as early ’60s Cadillac tail fin lights. The end result is a tri-cone front end and a body painted to mimic the car from the series. That includes the stylized red “M” on the hood, the yellow “5” inside a red circle on the doors, and the white base color meant to honor the Japanese flag from the show’s fictional backdrop.
Inside, the interior carries a bold red theme throughout, continuing the visual influence of the original cartoon. Beneath the custom bodywork sits a stock 1979 Corvette chassis and powertrain. Per the seller, that means a 3-speed automatic transmission paired with the L48 350 V8. When new, this engine produced 195 horsepower, and it has been upgraded here with an Edelbrock intake manifold and four-barrel carburetor. The seller is transparent that the goal of this build wasn’t outright performance—it’s more about the attention and joy the car generates. According to the listing, it says “speed racer” across the back, but the next owner shouldn’t expect race-ready abilities.
What you can expect, however, is a conversation piece anywhere you take it. The seller makes it clear: this car would be ideal for comic-con appearances, shows, or any enthusiast who enjoys vehicles tied to pop culture. With a unique presentation and a show history already under its belt, it’s the kind of custom creation people photograph, point at, and talk about long after it drives away.
The car carries a salvage title, and mileage is listed at 10,000. The seller offers the car exactly as described: a highly customized 1979 Corvette that’s been reborn as a full-scale Mach 5 tribute.
If you’ve been waiting for something completely different, this might be the most entertaining showpiece you’ll come across this year.
Well…prolly a one-of-one at any C&C. Interesting re-use of a spent C3.
Cool?? But not my cup of tea.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s my best friend loved this cartoon. No matter what we were doing outside as kids he would always go in to watch this every afternoon brings back a lot of memories.
The 1979 was the heaviest Corvette of all time, so this is a great sacrifice of that model to make people smile…or smirk.
The band “The Presidents of The United States of America”, known for songs “Lump” and “Peaches” have a song called “Mach 5”. Keep in mind the bass and lead guitars are missing strings on purpose to create a unique sound. Very whimsical tune that immediately popped into my head when I saw this story (Thanks, Elisabeth). Here’s a link for your (non) decerning ear. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
https://youtu.be/KPRuIMl61NI?si=Z39F-hMgjxWHydD_
This may even be better than Darryl Starbird’s superfleck moonbird!”
Okay Toad!
Mark Hamill of Corvette Summer called to remind of the remind you of the upcoming crusher appointment.😜
Seriously good luck on sale but definitely not a corvette redesign type of guy.
Mark Hamill of Corvette Summer called to remind owner of the upcoming crusher appointment.😜
Seriously good luck on sale but definitely not a corvette redesign type of guy.
You can say that again!
He already did!
A stock ’79 Corvette pretty much blends in, even today. But if you really want to be noticed, this is better that standing on the street corner and dropping your laundry. And it’s legal too.
Is this the Mach 5 featured on Stacey David’s GEARS show at one time?
It’s a decent museum or show piece if that’s your flavor.
The one on Gears was much better…
That was the first thing I thought when I saw this too!
Different car, which was much better looking imo.
https://staceydavid.com/news/gearznation/iconic-story-speed-racer
Wow, 40K for someone else pipe dream. Not as I see this. Best of Thanksgiving to all. This is a real Turkey.
I would have done anything for this car… when I was ten. Now, I’d get out of the way for it, but that’s about all. Chin Chin not included. Having said that, I have to admit that someone did a good job on it. Go, Speed Racer, go!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING from sunny Palm Springs. And best wishes to you and yours for the coming year!
It’s a letdown for any fan of the anime. As many know it was a Japanese cartoon. The car should be Japanese. I could think of anything but this. What to do with a lame 79 Corvette? I get taking a ho hum car and turning into this but we know it’s no Mach 5 in any sense.
I’m still waiting for someone to do Mr. Magoo’s car…Never got into the Japanese animation as a kid. Too corny, even to my 9 year old tastes.
Happy Thanksgiving. Make sure to count your blessings!
I used to watch *”Speed Racer”* when I was a boy. At the time I’ve never heard of Anime, I didn’t know there were other Japanese animation shows.
Take a zero off that price then maybe?
I’m hoping that the original C3 was trashed. Still morally wrong.
At first glance I thought that this build was a horror show. After looking at the pics on ebay, I began to appreciate the body work that went into this car. I wouldn’t really want any attention that this car may bring, but as an advertising tool for a start up business, or custom car shop, this could be the ticket.
I’d never heard of,or seen that show until a couple
of years ago & then realized that I hadn’t missed anything.
One-of-one. Thank goodness. Just another example of how to ruin a perfectly good car.
Nice attempt at recreating a childhood iconic ride but it just looks too long and heavy. I’ve seen some nice replicas of the Mach 5 that are closer or at least looks like it could play the part. Maybe if it were shorter in the front by a foot and two feet out back it might look more spritely. Good effort though.
I enjoyed the show as a boy, this looks like a fun tribute. C3 is a fine donor, should be no trouble to keep it going.
“Adventure’s waiting just A-HEEEAAAAAAD!!!!!!!!”
This probably helped the ego of the original designer of the ’79 Corvette when he realized his design could have been much worst.
I would only want this with the GRX engine Pops Racer designed.
Isn’t it amazing that nobody ever put two and two together, that Racer X just might be Rex Racer?
The original Speed Racer cartoons are being shown on the MeTV Cartoon Network late at night. I watched a couple of them just last night. Always loved the “history and future of the automobile” segment at the end of each show. (And am still waiting for that flying car!)
As far as this customized Corvette – kind of interesting but I’m not seeing $40K here, unless maybe it includes all of the Mach 5 gadgetry, fully functional.
If you gave 100,000 people 40K to spend on a any car they wanted, I would not believe that a single person would pick this. Unless they were under the age of 10 and somehow had been exposed to 60’s cartoons.
Why?