The first-generation Corvette Sting Ray was among the most iconic American cars ever built. It was introduced in the 1950s but the Sting Ray moniker didn’t come in until the ‘60s.
This is perhaps the most revered of all Corvettes, inextricably tied to the new-found freedom of the decade.
ARES Modena’s exquisite transformation brings the Sting Ray fully up to date with modern performance, road manners and interior. The finished product is the result of more than 3,500 hours of work and is a striking, one-off creation that showcases the full range of the ARES Modena capabilities.
Externally new wheels were fitted: the custom made rims emulate the original’s Turbine wheels but in modern sizes to allow the Corvette to make use of the power from its new LS3 motor. Measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, they feature three finishes – blasted between the spokes, milled on the spoke surfaces and with polished barrels. Completing the transformation are modern LED lights hidden within the original housings. What started out as a ‘restomod’ of a 1964 Corvette transformed into an exacting restoration at the same time and the finished article is a testament to the skill and dedication of ARES’ technicians and craftspeople.
BODY
/ Original bodywork fiber glass
/ Pop-up headlight system. High output projector beam lights with white
LED halos
CHASSIS
/ New chassis with complete Corvette C7 axles, suspension
/ Design and replace entire electrical system of car
The interior wasn’t left untouched, of course. A handmade Wilton burgundy carpet was fitted and the ARES’ leather department created new handcrafted door trim panels and a leather dashboard. The car’s original seats had been completely stripped back to their frames, powder coated and then rebuilt with all new springs and bushings and recontoured to supply more lateral support to both the base and backrest while not deviating from their original looks.
ARES custom-made the Corvette’s vertical stereo system complete with Bluetooth and phone connectivity while retaining its traditional looks. A media port was discreetly installed in the glovebox with USB ports, an aux port and an additional 12v charging port. The concealed stereo includes a 500w Alpine amplifier and concealed subwoofer, while, on the centre console, new sections of trim were made to hide the speakers for the new audio system. The dials were rebuilt with a combination of old and new materials along with LED lighting while the windows were converted to electric operation along with a remote central locking system, and a new, modern A/C system was also fitted.
INFOTAINMENT
/ Design and install Alpine 500w multichannel audio system with all speakers
concealed in custom paneling and custom 8” subwoofer
The brief was to thoroughly bring the Sting Ray up to date with modern performance, road manners and interior appointments as well as fully restoring the Corvette in the process. The finished product is the result of over 3500 hours of work and a stunning creation that showcases the entire range of ARES’ capabilities. The original car was a 1964 model, that was stripped back to its constituent parts to see what needed replacing. Prior to acquiring the car, ARES had already sourced and completely rebuilt another C2 chassis frame and this was adapted to accept an LS3 525hp V8 and five-speed manual transmission along with a Viper Hammerhead rear differential.
Base Car Model Year: 1964 and 2017
Engine type: CORVETTE LS3 V8
Displacement [cc]: 6162
Power [Hp]: 525
Torque [Nm]: TBD
Transmission: 5 speed, manual
Suspension: from Corvette C7
Brake: 6 piston calipers and elctronic parking brake
Wheels: Turbine wheels. 19×8.5” front &20×11” rear
Tyres: front 245/35/r19 rear 295/30/r20
ENGINE UPGRADE
/ Build up motor (LS3 525 hp) with pumps, modern vintage A/C and belt system.
Assemble motor to built up 5 speed manual transmission unit.
/ Install complete stainless-steel exhaust system with pipes going thru chassis
and exiting in rear as original (+10cv)