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

By
Mitch Talley
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6
4022

[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?


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

 



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6 COMMENTS

  3. Clearly it’s because Wendell gets better reception to all those voices in his head outside away from, you know, metal structures and stuff…. Wendell keep it going (looks like you’re well past the point of no return anyway) and don’t forget to let us know before your kit car company goes public

  6. sometimes passion over rides intelligence. But more power to him if he can afford it. I think a unique wrap job might have gotten him most of the way there without the butchery

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