‘Black Manta’ C6 Wins “Best Extreme Custom” Award At MAS

The idea of the C7 face-transplant is becoming more and more popular amongst Corvette fans. And, after seeing the completion of one of the first Corvette ‘C67s’, it’s obvious that we can anticipate some seriously spectacular builds using the same facelift.

While the cross-breeding of two generations may not sit well with diehard purists, there is still something to be said about the creativity of the idea and the craftsmanship that goes into the project. But for those who can appreciate the C67 conversion, don’t be surprised if you find it making the top of your modification list.

It really isn’t difficult to fall in love with the look; the C7’s eyes do look fantastic on the C6, giving it a sharper, more aggressive demeanor.

And, this is accomplished with only a headlight conversion – everything else on the ‘Vette belongs to the C6.

Imagine the result if the entire front end of a C7 was fitted to a C6.

Well, someone did! That someone is Ian King, a member of the Car Porn Racing coalition. CPR specializes in air suspensions and quite radical body kits, transforming already-legendary cars into completely unique machines.

While CPR’s orientation is a bit more tuner-cult than muscle, the Black Manta is a car that just about anyone can appreciate.

This Corvette was three years in the making, and turned out to be one of CPR’s wildest projects yet. The car is in fact a C6, but with a “C7 facelift”, as Ian calls it.

Whereas the C67 build we already highlighted was sporting C7 headlights, CPR’s Black Manta received the entire face of a C7. This, along with an extensive body re-design, done by collaborator Jon Sibal, transformed the car into an incredible eye-catcher.

The Black Manta saw its debut on the 12th of this month at the three-day Manila Auto Salon, held at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia. The annual Manila Auto Salon, organized by Tradeshow International Inc., is one the largest and most prestigious automotive aftermarket shows in the Philippines.

A combination of three shows- the Custom Car Show, Sport Truck Show, and Tuner Auto Show- the primary goal of the Manila Auto Salon is to bring together the illustrious supercar market with the more informal tuner market. At this year’s show, the Black Manta was undoubtedly the focal point.

It was truly unlike any other car on exhibit. Crowds gathered to admire the unique bodywork and soak in the Batmobile-like aura. However, the low stance, flashy aero and incredibly wide body were not solely for aesthetics. According to Ian, the Black Manta is a working prototype.

Following its debut at the Manila Auto Salon, CPR had plans to track test the car. The testing would be to ensure that the current body will be the perfect layout from which the future carbon fiber body can be molded.

While the bodywork is still a work in progress, the internals are all as they should be.

The ‘Vette is making use of the 6.2-liter LS3 with an Edelbrock E-Force supercharger, Pfadt swaybars and engine supports, LG Motorsports long-tube headers, X-Force Exhaust Systems‘ Varex exhaust, DPE Wheels with Nitto tires, Airrex Airstruts, and quite a few other perks.

The Black Manta is far from your average Corvette customization and it means business. What really makes it stand apart though, aside from being the first of its kind, is the fact that it’s been so extensively modified and yet, still maintains- and even improves- its performance capabilities.

It’s a bit refreshing to see the ‘Vette being placed outside of it’s comfort zone and still do so well.