autoevolution
 

C3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Blends Mako Shark II Looks With LS7 Power

One of the coolest concepts ever produced by General Motors, the Mako Shark II takes inspiration from beasts of the ocean, such as the manta ray and great white. Unleashed in 1965 when Chevrolet was already working on the third-generation Corvette, the one-off work of wonder has also served as inspiration for a pro-touring build valued at $200,000.
C3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomod 12 photos
Photo: Mecum Auctions
C3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomodC3R Widebody 1968 Chevrolet Corvette restomod
Based on a 1968 model, the C3R widebody Corvette in the photo gallery took more than 1,800 labor hours from start to finish. Painted in the same Mosaic Black Metallic as the Z06 from the seventh generation, the no-nonsense restomod sweetens the deal with carbon-fiber wheels from Asanti.

The 20- by 13-inch wheels are matched with Michelin rubber, and if you look closer at the car, you will notice that carbon-fiber touches extend to the front bumper, rear bumper, and side vents. TMI leather racing seats with red stitching and four-point harnesses are featured inside, where you’ll also find three pedals and the gear knob of a six-speed manual transmission.

Designed by Tremec, the T-56 stick shift is connected to a 427 pushrod V8 in the guise of the LS7. Indeed, it’s the hand-built plant that Chevy used to offer in the Camaro Z/28 and the sixth generation of the Corvette in Z06 flavor. Mecum Auction mentions “over 500 horsepower” from the 7.0-liter plant, which mirrors the output of the Chevrolet Performance crate engine.

Big brakes from the C7 Z06 provide stopping power, and the Street Shop chassis is said to feature independent suspension from the seventh-generation Corvette. In other words, this Coke Bottle-style build handles in the twisties as well as it looks. As far as creature comforts are concerned, Dakota Digital gauges and Vintage Air climate control are the highlights.

Side-exiting pipes for the exhaust system and two cone filters for the induction system pretty much round off this impeccable machine, which is listed as a “star attraction" of the Mecum Kissimmee 2021 auction.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories