1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Roadster Replica Hides V8 Shocker, Crazy Horsepower

Before we do a deep dive into what makes this particular C2 Vette special, let’s run it back a little and look at how the original Sting Ray came to be.

Its pedigree can be traced back to both the Q-Corvette as well as Bill Mitchell’s racing Sting Ray, with everything culminating in the XP-720 concept, which led directly to the production variant. The goal for the C2 was to build a more compact, yet more practical sports car, with superior ride and handling when compared to any previous Corvette models.

The styling, believe it or not, was actually influenced by genuine wind tunnel testing – a Corvette first. Speaking of styling, both the C2 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe and the Convertible are as iconic as any American classic. They’re instantly recognizable for what they are, and would go on to influence the industry in a positive way in later years.

For the 1963 model year, a slightly altered design was introduced, as well as improved handling and acceleration. Not because of more power, but rather because of less overall weight. In terms of performance, you could get 250 horsepower as standard, but variants that made well over 300 horsepower were also available.

Of course, if that doesn’t seem particularly impressive by today’s standards, it’s because you’re not taking into account how little these cars used to weigh – around 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg). But if it’s more power you want in a C2 Vette, you’ve clicked on the right piece.

This 540ci Merlin V8-powered car is putting down 715 horsepower at the crank, according to its dyno chart. That is serious muscle, and this is an equally serious piece of kit by any standards.

The first thing you notice is the custom fiberglass roadster bodywork, with its Nassau-style hood, LeMans-style fuel cap, beefy wheel arches, clear headlight covers, side exhaust pipes, 17-inch American Racing wheels, body-color mirrors, plus all those vents. To clarify, the car does not come with a roof, but there are spare roll cage parts included in the sale, so keep this in mind as you hurry up and get divorced. I mean place your bid!

Other noteworthy mods include the Hurst shifter, aluminum door panels, four-point harnesses, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Then there’s that aluminum 540ci Merlin V8 engine, which was installed circa 2008. It sends power to the rear wheels via a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual gearbox, and comes with a Holley 950-cfm carburetor, Edelbrock intake manifold, MSD electronic ignition components, plus a great deal more.

All in all, this is one tremendous-looking Corvette and there is no way in hell you’re driving down the street in this thing without turning heads.