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  • [VIDEO] Building a Retro-Bodied C8 Corvette Project in the Driveway

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    [VIDEO] Building a Retro-Bodied C8 Corvette Project in the Driveway

    We first told you back in June about a guy named Jack Wendel who is bravely going where no man has gone before as he began transforming his brand-new C8 Corvette Stingray into something … well, something definitely different than what left the Bowling Green factory a few months ago.

    In his latest post on his YouTube channel called ShadeTree Supercar, Wendel gives a peek at all the progress he’s made over the past few months transforming his mid-engine Stingray convertible into his own creation inspired by the C2 Sting Ray.

    “The problem is, people see it as a Corvette and I’m destroying something that they consider beautiful. So from that perspective, you know, I kind of understand it,” Wendel told The Drive back in June. “But they’re not seeing the other perspective: I’m building something and I needed a good platform to start with. What better platform is there than the C8 to start with?”

    [VIDEO] Building a Retro-Bodied C8 Corvette Project in the Driveway

    Indeed, once he’s completed his “masterpiece,” Wendel apparently hopes to offer a similar kit to other Stingray owners, even going so far as to buy two coach building companies to help him with the project.

    Recent photos that have been shared recently to the /r/ShittyCarMods subreddit show a barely recognizable C8, with homemade fiberglass body panels, taillights, and cutouts for pop-up headlights, all inspired by the C2 Corvette.

    According to GM Authority, the original poster says they’ve known Wendel for 20-plus years and that he’s already built two C5 Corvette convertibles with mods inspired by the C1 Corvette.

    [VIDEO] Building a Retro-Bodied C8 Corvette Project in the Driveway

    Some enthusiasts would argue that the C8 is close enough to perfection that it doesn’t need any such mods, but it’s Wendel’s money to burn. Still, we can’t help but be a little sad to see a beautiful C8 convertible chopped up in such a drastic fashion, and at least in our opinion, definitely not for the better.

    We’ll give the guy credit for having the stones to undertake this project as it caused us to have fits of anxiety just to have the rear bumper removed from our 2020 Stingray to have a high wing spoiler installed!

    Besides the retro-flavored body changes, we’re also concerned, like GM Authority, about how the engine is going to stay cool with all the side intake vents and head exchangers covered up with said body changes.

    What’s your opinion of this one-of-a-kind C8?

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    Source:
    GM Authority

    Related:
    [PICS] Owner Begins Transformation of His C8 Corvette Into…Something Else
    Mazzanti to Build a Corvette-Powered Italian Supercar with 761 Horsepower
    [PICS] ARES Design Unveils Hypercar Speedster Based on the C8 Corvette

    Click Here!

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  • [PICS] The Mid-Engine C8 Corvette is Given a C1 Makeover Complete with Chrome and Coves

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    [PICS] The Mid-Engine C8 Corvette Given a C1 Makeover Complete with Chrome and Coves

    With the longevity of the Corvette model spanning nearly 70 years, there will always be those who love to project the classic design queues of the first Corvettes onto the latest model. But things are a bit different this time around as for the first time, the Corvette has gone mid-engine. Will a 1958 makeover on a C8 Corvette work? We check out this rendering from digital artist wb.artist20 to see what such a mash-up might look like.

    The 1958 Corvette featured several changes from the 1957 model which includes the first use of the dual headlights, a non-functional louvered hood, and copious amounts of chrome including the one-year-only twin chrome trunk spears. The ’58 also retains the trademark chrome grill with teeth and the two-tone side coves.

    For this retro design to work, the chrome grill and the side coves got to fit in their respective places and for the most part designer Oscar V. does a pretty good job of working those historic elements onto the C8. Even the whitewall tires seem to be at home with the makeover, but where I think it falls apart is trying to wrap the mid-engine with the 1958’s trademark chrome bumpers as well as the trim around the windows and headlights. I like how the rear bumpers wrap around the corners, but the front is just overkill…which is one of the original criticisms of the ’58 when it first appeared.

    But the best thing about the project is that the more you look, the more there is to see. The side mirrors are a throwback to the side-mounted versions on the C1s. The wheels feature the same platter-design hubcaps and even chrome door handles were carried over to the mid-engine.

    From wb.artist20 via Instagram:

    wb.artist20 ? By popular requests, here’s my attempt at “retrofitting” a C8 Corvette with 1958 C1 elements. I debated on what year model to use and @_frankieklassen01 suggested white walls so it intrigued me not to mention the white cove is definitely super identifiable. Let me know what you think. Btw I don’t care about what the chrome does to weight and aerodynamics! It looks awesome to me! ?

    Overall I think this was a fun project and we are looking forward to seeing what the reaction will be from the Corvette purists among us.

    Source:
    wb.artist20 / Instagram

    Related:
    [PICS] C8 Corvette Is Gifted with a Nose Swap From a Chevy Blazer
    [PIC] A Retro Corvette Stingray Rendered with a Touch of Camaro
    Retired GM Designer Creates Future Concepts Based on Retro Classics

    Click Here!


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