Restomods aim to combine classic style with modern performance hardware, but this 1976 C3 generation Chevrolet Corvette takes this concept a little further than most. This is because under its fiberglass skin is actually the hardware of a C6 Corvette from the early 2000s.
First seen by Corvette Forum, this generation “Vette” comes from Hardcore Engine Builders (HEB) in Hungary. It has a complete chassis and running equipment from a C6 Corvette, with the body from a C3.
Under the hood is a 6.2-liter V-8 LS3, which drives the rear wheels through a 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The gearbox is mounted in the rear as part of a gearbox, just like in stock C6.
The car also has anti-lock brakes, traction control, C6 steering components, C6 Z06 brakes and a custom exhaust system with long stainless steel tube headers.
In addition to modifying the C3 body to fit the C6 chassis, HEB offered some improvements for a more modern look. Hidden lights are hidden behind the grille, and the Corvette runs on larger wheels and tires than the period dictates, and the wheels also have custom inscriptions. Given how badly things like this can go, it’s also worth noting that the C3 body and C6 chassis fit pretty well.
This combination of two generations of Corvette is more impressive than the simple engine changes that many other restorations do and did not put out of circulation cars with big dollars. A basic Corvette C6 is even more of a used car than a vintage one, and a 1976 C3 is unlikely to ever fit the most valuable classic Corvettes.