C2 Corvette labelled a ‘basket case’ in 1965 is now an absolute beauty
- This 1965 C2 Corvette underwent a massive restoration
- The car was labeled a ‘basket case’ when its owner bought it
- It now has a Lingenfelter V8 under the hood and a widebody kit
Published on Mar 07, 2025 at 5:57 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 07, 2025 at 7:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A Chevrolet C2 Corvette that was once labeled a basket case by its owner is now a thing of beauty, flexing its muscles.
The C2 Corvette is a 1965 sports car whose American owner said it needed serious work when he first bought it.
Now, it’s worlds away from its former condition, with Lingenfelter LS7 power under the hood of the Chevrolet, which now has a gorgeous widebody kit.
Host Shawn Davis showcased the car on the AutotopiaLA YouTube channel in 2022, and owner Greg Thurmond recounted its story.
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The C2 Corvette needed serious work during its restoration
As Greg says in the YouTube video, the 1965 Corvette was formerly a gasser build car, modded for drag racing.
In reality, it was a broken carcass with the front end completely missing.
The C2’s hulk sat for 30 years in the desert before Greg was able to buy it and restore it.
The body had serious work done, with it widened by three inches on each side for the rear and 2.5 inches on each side at the front.
The Corvette still has the stock frame as explained in the YouTube video.
But Greg modified it to accommodate the suspension from a later C4 Corvette.
He then created some custom components, including a new rear diffuser, to prevent the car from lifting off the ground.
Lingenfelter built the massive LS7 V8 for the C2
Greg also spared no expense when it came to the Corvette’s engine.
Under the hood, it now has a massive LS7 V8 engine made by Lingenfelter Performance, producing 630HP.
The C2 Corvette requires some serious driving skills, as Greg gave the car a six-speed manual transmission from Tremec.
Inside the Corvette, the interior isn’t the flashiest, but it doesn’t need to be.
Greg built this as a pro-touring car for racing, and it has even been used on racetracks such as the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
So the interior is clean and cozy, and with all the essential dials and gauges you need to race.
Compared to what it looked like 30+ years ago, this Corvette has come a long way.
Shawn also went out with Greg in the Corvette and experienced how wild and ferocious it’s become, thanks to the Lingenfelter V8.
Even the braking performance is sensational, with the Chevrolet stopping ridiculously quickly.
Greg didn’t just save the sports car, he elevated it to a whole new level.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
