The first-generation C1 Chevy Corvette was introduced for the 1953 model year, and although it was undoubtedly a very pretty thing to look at, the underpinnings left much to be desired, with a solid rear axle and a 150-horsepower inline six-cylinder dampening what was otherwise a very enticing vehicle. As such, some enthusiasts have sought to reimagine the C1 Vette with fresh underpinnings, and now, one digital artist is dropping that classic body on top of the Pontiac Solstice.
Coming to us from automotive designer Abimelec Arellano (@abimelecdesign), this new rendering keeps the style of the first-generation Chevy Corvette intact, while adding modern bits under the skin to make the driving experience match the flashy exterior. Arellano states that while some have applied C1 Corvette body kits to the fifth-gen C5 Corvette, the proportions never really worked to his liking. Instead, Arellano saw the Pontiac Solstice as the perfect alternative.
The first thing to grab Arellano was the somewhat similar wheelbase, with the C1 Chevy Corvette measuring in at 102 inches, and the Pontiac Solstice measuring in at 95.1 inches. As the artist puts it, “the body of the [C1] Corvette just kinda falls into place over [the Pontiac Solstice].”
Granted, fitting a C1 Corvette on top of a Pontiac Solstice isn’t without a few refinements here and there. For example, the dash-to-axle ratio is shorter in the Vette’d Solstice, and the rear overhang is also a little bit shorter. However, overall, the proportions are pretty close. Further upgrades include new plus-sized wheels that nicely fill the wheel wells, as well as a single roll bar placed behind the driver and finished in chrome.
As for the powertrain spec, the Pontiac Solstice was offered with two engine options, the first of which was the naturally aspirated 2.4L I4 LE5 gasoline engine, rated at 177 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Later, the Pontiac Solstice GXP made its debut with the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LNF gasoline engine, rated at 260 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Of course, as the artist points out, you could simply swap in an LS as well.
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Comments
ABSOLUTELY UGLY!!!
Personally, I think it looks nice! Kind of like what the 86 Pontiac Fiero GT owners did when they converted their vehicles using the Ferrari 328 kit packages.
Looks like an old TR6. Otherwise everything is possible digitally. Design is everyone’s taste.
It’s ok except the seats.
I doubt there’s much you could do about it but two things kind of ruin this for me. Of course that roll bar looks way out of place…and the windshield/A-pillars are hideous. Ruins the ‘lightness’ look of the original. Try again.
The answer to the question nobody asked