Representing the third year of the iconic C2 Sting Ray, this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette restomod convertible has been comprehensively reimagined through a ground-up build that integrates a modern LS3 drivetrain and custom chassis beneath its original design. The result is a fully sorted restomod built with carefully selected components, including a Chevrolet Performance LS3 V8, Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, and a custom Street Shop chassis. Accompanying the build is a collection of modern upgrades that position this Corvette as a purpose-built driver with contemporary capability.
Finished in metallic silver, the car's exterior maintains the unmistakable proportions and design cues that define the mid-year Corvette, including its sculpted fenders, functional-style side vents, and distinctive chrome bumper treatment. Body fitment appears precise throughout, with consistent gaps and well-aligned panels that reflect the quality of the build. A black Al Knoch Stay Fast convertible top complements the paintwork, while chrome 18" C7 Z06-style wheels wrapped in 255mm Toyo Proxes 4 Plus redline tires provide a modern interpretation of period-correct styling. Side-exit exhaust with heat shields preserves the factory aesthetic while integrating with the car's upgraded mechanical package.
Power comes from a Chevrolet Performance 6.2L LS3 V8 rated at 430 horsepower, equipped with electronic fuel injection and a modern accessory drive system. That engine is paired with a Tremec TR3550 5-speed manual transmission, delivering power through a Street Shop chassis. The chassis incorporates independent front and rear suspension systems with QA1 coilover shocks, front and rear sway bars, and power rack-and-pinion steering, resulting in significantly improved handling characteristics. Braking is handled by a four-wheel disc system with drilled and slotted rotors featuring red-painted calipers.
Inside, the cabin has been fully retrimmed in custom Al Knoch red leather with silver piping and matching headrests, creating a cohesive and high-quality presentation. The interior retains the original design language while integrating modern functionality, including Dakota Digital gauges housed within a factory-style cluster and a Bluetooth-capable Antique Automobile Radio head unit. A wood-rim steering wheel fronts the updated instrumentation, and a chrome shifter rises from a matching, red console. Door panels, dash surfaces, and carpeting are all finished to a consistent standard, reinforcing the build's attention to detail, while the Vintage Air system provides modern air conditioning within the period-inspired layout.
Combining a ground-up build approach with a modern LS3 drivetrain, custom chassis, and professionally executed interior, this LS swapped 1965 Corvette Convertible restomod represents a thoroughly designed and developed street machine. With its blend of classic midyear styling, contemporary engineering, and high-quality materials, it is the epitome of a well-executed performance-oriented custom Corvette focused on driving enjoyment.
Key Highlights
Ground-up built C2 convertible restomod
Chevrolet Performance 6.2L LS3 V8 (430hp)
Tremec TR3550 5-speed manual transmission
All new Street Shop chassis
QA1 adjustable coil over shocks front and rear
Front and rear sway bars
Side exit exhaust
Modern air conditioning
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Four-wheel disc brakes
Drilled and slotted rotors with red calipers
Al Knoch Stay Fast black convertible top
Chrome 18" C7 Z06-style wheels
255mm Toyo Proxes 4 Plus redline tires
Custom Al Knoch red interior
Silver piping and matching headrests
Dakota Digital gauges
Digital Antique Automobile Radio with Bluetooth connectivity
