That restomodded Corvette sale on Cars & Bids is a fascinating sign of where the enthusiast car market might be headed — especially now that the platform is expanding its reach beyond Radwood-era icons. Pulling $160,000 for a C2 convertible, even one with a modern LS3 powertrain and a raft of high-performance upgrades, suggests that high-quality restomods still command serious money. It’s a notable moment for a site known primarily for ‘80s to 2000s-era cars.
Now, if you gave me that same $160,000 budget and the freedom to splurge on something that isn’t practical, here’s where I’d land — the 2012-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia.
Why the Ferrari 458 Italia?
The 458 is arguably the last pure Ferrari supercar. Naturally aspirated V8. No hybrid system. No turbochargers. Just 562 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, a lightning-fast 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and a chassis that delivers surgical precision. It’s the bridge between analog excitement and modern reliability.
And now, thanks to depreciation, clean examples regularly trade between $150,000 and $165,000. You’re pushing the upper end of the budget, sure — but it’s achievable, especially with higher-mileage or coupe variants.
How It Compares to the C2 Corvette Restomod
| Feature | Ferrari 458 Italia | C2 Corvette Restomod |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.5L Naturally Aspirated V8 | 6.2L LS3 V8 with EFI |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic | Tremec 5-speed Manual |
| Horsepower | 562 hp | ~430-480 hp (estimated) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.0 sec | ~4.0 sec (estimated) |
| Value Appreciation | Flattening/Rising | Growing (due to restomod status) |
| Driving Experience | Supercar Precision | Muscle Car + Modern Mix |
| Street Presence | Exotic & Sculptural | Classic Americana |
The C2 Corvette wins on nostalgic charm and uniqueness, especially for American car lovers. But if you’re chasing world-class performance, artful design, and the type of scream that only a high-revving Italian V8 can deliver, the Ferrari takes it.
Other Great $160K Options
Not feeling Italian or American? There are excellent alternatives at this budget:
- Porsche 911 GT3 (991.2) – Race-ready performance with everyday drivability.
- Lexus LFA (High-mileage examples) – Rare, but under $165K if you get lucky.
- McLaren 570S or 600LT – Lightweight British tech with exotic looks.
- Singer-inspired 964 builds (replicas) – The closest you’ll get to a bespoke Porsche feel.
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R – German muscle with motorsport heritage.
Truthfully, what makes this budget range so interesting is its versatility. You can go old-school analog, high-tech modern, exotic, or pure Americana. The question becomes less about value and more about emotion. What makes your pulse rise before you even turn the key?
Personally, I’d pick the 458 for its blend of heritage, performance, and timeless design — but the best choice is always the one you’ll actually drive.
FAQs:
Is $160,000 a fair price for a restomodded C2 Corvette?
Yes — if the build quality is high, with modern performance and reliability upgrades, restomods can command strong prices due to their drivability and uniqueness.
Do restomods hold their value?
Not always. Unlike original classics, restomods are harder to predict in the resale market, though well-built examples with quality parts can maintain strong demand.
Is it better to buy a modern supercar or a restomod for fun?
It depends on your preferences. Modern supercars offer cutting-edge performance and tech; restomods blend classic style with updated components for a nostalgic yet usable experience.