And now for something completely different, check out this chrome bumpered C3 with a BMW V-12 crammed under the hood. Vette enthusiast “Richard454” over at Digital Corvettes decided to take on this project. Our initial thoughts were, why? But after checking out the build, it’s cool indeed.

The valve train wars peaked years ago aided in part by GM’s constant small block evolution that proved the added complexity and fussiness of multi-valve motors wasn’t a necessary path to high RPM, reliable horsepower. Additionally OHC motors are notoriously “tall” and a challenge to package under swoopy sports car hoods.

Undaunted, the owner not only chose to move forward, but picked the swoopiest of all Corvettes to “accept” the 7- Series V-12.

The mid-nineties German motor’s specs are ultimately unremarkable: all aluminum, 60-degree design, 12 cylinders, 322 hp, 10:1 compression, a single overhead cam, all of which weighs in at around 500 pounds. It’s all backed up by a Richmond overdrive six-speed and a custom BMW E31 flywheel spinning a Chevy 10.4″ clutch.

Be sure and check out the cardboard templates created to fabricate motor mounts and the packaging challenges making bell housings and oil pans clear cross members and steering racks. A GM crate motor weighs at least 100 lbs. less, would bolt right in and could be dialed up well over the output of this V-12, minus the fabrication gymnastics of  making it fit.  Just sayin’.

Aside from unholy motor swap, this build has some very cool mods including; full coil overs front and rear (with offset trailing arms) from Vansteel and cool Boss 338 wheels, 18×8 front and 18×9.5 out back. Body mods include lowered stance, roll bar and radiused rear wheel wells.

This C3 will be the star of the show at the next Vette meet when completed and will create quite a stir amongst purists. The owner will soon find out if the notoriety was worth the fuss of the swap.