1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

Corvette Sting Ray Pro Touring LS7/505 HP V8 5 Speed C4 Suspension w/AC

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Jet Black paint reflects an excellent shine that literally glows when crouched under the sun. That modern two-stage covers a clean body, which displays no sign of botched repairs or historic damage. The body’s razor-sharp fenders appear completely free of major sanding and harsh surface treatment. And the result is one stunning, arrow-straight showpiece that has no gremlins, suffers no thin spots and displays a level of finish that’s worlds above assembly line fodder.

The great thing about building a pro-touring C2 is: the aggressive look most enthusiasts strive for is pretty much standard factory fare. At the front of this striking Sting Ray, a stainless, body-width grille is caged between red, white and black cross-flags, chrome-trimmed parking lamps and a traditional ‘razor blade’ bumper. Above that grille, an aggressive Stinger Hood frames a brilliant red stripe in famous “427” emblems. Behind that hood, bright wipers, fresh stainless trim and chrome bowtie mirrors shape factory-tint glass. Below that glass, simple heat extractors ride between chrome door handles, ornate “FUEL INJECTION” scripts and correct rocker guards. And behind those guards, four traditional tail lights reflect two ‘razor blade’ bumpers, two stainless exhaust tips, a chrome-trimmed fuel filler and a familiar “Corvette STING RAY” emblem.

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That slick combination of classy paint and shiny trim certainly is pretty, but now it’s time to get serious. Twisting 505 SAE-certified horsepower into a massive 470 lb./ft. of tire-shredding torque, the lightweight LS7 rumbling beneath this car’s hood is a technological testament to the old rule: more cubic inches equals more horsepower! Founded in GM’s very successful Corvette racing program, the brutal mill utilizes a forged crank, titanium rods and hypereutectic pistons to flat out whip pretty much anything with four wheels. A perfect amount of oxygen flows from a Spectre reusable filter element through a polished air tube to a familiar GM throttle body. That wind mixes with fuel in a factory intake and progresses to CNC-ported cylinder heads that are built with lightweight titanium valves. Immediately following combustion, spent gases roar through 2.5-inch pipes via coated shorty headers. Items like an aluminum radiator, dry-sump lubrication, Taylor plug wires and an electric puller fan ensure rocket-like acceleration. And polished hardware, stainless fluid lines and a Wilwood master cylinder enhance traditionally conservative aesthetics.

Photo:EBay

Photo:EBay
With a featherweight body and monstrous power on tap, it should come as no surprise that the bottom of this coupe features a host of noteworthy upgrades. Jamison’s Custom Corvette’s hand-made, tubular frame was a perfect foundation for the car’s inspired resurrection. Behind the stout LS7, a fresh Tremec 5-speed twists torque to a rugged, aftermarket third member. That first class drivetrain rolls on a fourth generation Corvette independent suspension that’s been fitted with fresh QA1 coil-overs and high quality Vette Brakes & Products control rods. Turns come courtesy of modern power rack and pinion steering. Smooth and solid stops are provided by a winning combination of bright red calipers and big, vented rotors. Exhaust rolls from the aforementioned headers to aluminized pipes, small, glasspack-style mufflers and bright stainless tips. Power flows through mirrored, ZR1-style wheels, which spin 245/45ZR17 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs in front of 245/45ZR18 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs. And everything, from this Corvette’s braided brake hoses to its factory tire tub, is expertly finished, superbly detailed and ready for action.

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Open this C2’s tossable doors and you’ll find a plush red interior that’s founded on Stinger Roadkill sound-damping. Seating comes courtesy of firm leather thrones that are anchored between new seatbelts, bright stainless trim and a small console that’s centered on a traditional chrome shifter. From the driver’s perch, an era-correct, Vintage Air-backed dash hangs an integrated iPod Touch below correct gauges, satin trim and a modern Pioneer head unit. Beneath that dash, like-new carpet is protected by color-keyed mats and fresh chrome sills. Above those sills, two-tone door panels hang small armrests and traditional chrome handles in front of factory power windows. In front of the driver, a satin-spoked steering wheel spins a brilliant cross-flag emblem around a tilting column. And a custom upholstered storage compartment behind the passengers boasts enough room for two suitcases and a bag of detailing supplies.