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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Ares

1964Coachwork by ARES

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Ares

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1964
Body style
Coupé
Engine
V8
Type
One-off
Production
1

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Ares Modena is a bespoke reinterpretation of the second-generation Corvette (C2) carried out by ARES Modena, an Italian automotive atelier based in Modena specializing in low-volume coachbuilt and re-engineered vehicles. The project uses an original C2 Corvette Sting Ray as the donor platform and involves a comprehensive rebuild combining original architecture with modern mechanical systems. The process begins with complete disassembly of the donor car to the bare structure. The original chassis is retained but extensively reworked, incorporating modern suspension components and geometry derived from later Corvette generations. Independent suspension assemblies, uprights, and braking systems are updated to contemporary specifications, while maintaining compatibility with the original frame layout. Steering components are revised to improve precision and reduce play compared with period systems. Powertrain specification departs from original C2 configuration. ARES Modena installs a modern LS-series V8, typically an LS3 unit rated at approximately 525 horsepower, coupled to a manual transmission. The drivetrain includes a modern differential and revised driveshafts, allowing higher torque capacity and improved reliability. Cooling, exhaust, and fuel-delivery systems are redesigned to support the increased output and meet current operating standards. Exterior bodywork retains the fiberglass construction of the original Sting Ray but is reshaped and refined. Panel gaps, surface transitions, and edge definitions are revised through hand-finishing. Pop-up headlights are retained but internally updated with modern lighting elements. Wheel design references original turbine-style Corvette wheels, produced in larger diameters to accommodate modern tires and brakes. Ride height and stance are adjusted through revised suspension settings. The interior is fully re-trimmed using hand-stitched leather and custom materials. Original seat frames are re-engineered with updated cushioning and support. Instrumentation preserves the visual layout of the C2 dashboard while integrating modern electronics, revised lighting, and discreet infotainment functions. Climate control, sound insulation, and electrical systems are upgraded throughout.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off
Mechanical platform
Chevrolet Corvette C2 body/chassis with 2017 Corvette C7 engine

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V8
Specification notes
SOURCE/TECH 2026-09-21 — ARES official retrospective confirms the 2018 Corvette C2 Sting Ray project and the installation of a 2017 Corvette C7 engine. C2 chassis/body plus C7 powertrain is structured; exact C7 engine variant/output remains unprojected.

Design & manufacture

Manufacturer · Documented
Chevrolet
Coachbuilder / Engineering / Body Builder / Converter · Documented
ARES

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
ARES — Porsche 964 Turbo one-off / project retrospective www.aresdesign.com Manufacturer official press release

THE CONVERSATION

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