Ross Spurling is a Corvette enthusiast through and through, and what makes his passion even more impressive is that he lives in Australia, where these American icons are a rare sight. He bought his first Corvette at just 23 years old and has spent the last two decades bringing custom builds to life.
Each project reflects Ross’s signature style: blending the classic design and charm of vintage Corvettes with the power, tech, and performance of newer generations. The result? Well-rounded cars that offer the best of both worlds—without compromise.
Meet the C36
Image Credit: Ross Spurling.
If Ross’s name sounds familiar, you might remember his Prodigy build—a striking C3/C6 hybrid we featured recently. But before that came the C36: the ambitious fusion that put him on our radar in the first place.
The name “C36” comes from the build’s DNA—a blend of his favorite elements from the third-generation (C3) and sixth-generation (C6) Corvettes. Ross told us he’s always loved the C3’s iconic silhouette, but not so much how it drives.
“I’m a super fan of the classic design, but not how they drive,” he explained—a growing sentiment among builders, as seen in the popularity of resto-mods that marry vintage looks with modern drivability.
From Vision to Execution
Image Credit: Ross Spurling.
The idea of merging two generations into one seamless build is exciting—but pulling it off? A whole different story. Ross invested thousands of hours in the C36, beginning with a meticulous plan.
“I firmly believe every big build needs a rock-solid plan,” he said. “Too often I see projects materialize that reflect the builder’s wants, but they don’t work or flow with the overall concept. I took great effort to have a solid vision that made sense before I even started.”
Two Cars Become One
Image Credit: Ross Spurling.
The C36 started life as a 2008 C6 Z06 donor chassis and drivetrain, with the body of a 1969 Corvette convertible heavily modified to fit. But Ross didn’t stop at building one for himself—he set out to recreate it multiple times.
“Four of my friends wanted a C36, too,” he said. “So that meant I had to create a master plug of the whole car, and then produce around 80 molds to replicate it. That’s where the thousands of hours really added up.”
This level of dedication is typically reserved for elite custom shops like the Ringbrothers, known for their comprehensive and precise builds. Yet Ross tackled it as a personal project, driven purely by passion.
The C36’s Design: Classic Meets Modern
Image Credit: Ross Spurling.
The final product is a true fusion: the side profile retains the classic C3 shape, while borrowing modern touches like C6 side marker lamps and Z06 brake vents. From the rear, it keeps the C3’s ducktail but stretches it by 9.5 inches and integrates C6 taillights and a custom valance for a modern finish.
Inside, the cabin is all C6—converted to right-hand drive to suit Ross’s home roads in Australia—and modified to match the angle of the C3’s windshield.
Under the hood, Ross kept the heart of the Z06: the beloved 427 engine. But how does it feel to drive something that looks like a ‘69 Stingray and performs like a modern Z06?
“It drives exactly like a C6 Z06,” Ross says. “Because that’s what it is, under the skin of a heavily modified, C3-inspired body.”
Breathing New Life Into a Million-Unit Icon
Image Credit: Ross Spurling.
With over a million Corvettes built over the decades, the platform is beloved by purists and customizers alike. It’s no wonder we continue to see inventive spins on this American legend, each one with a spirit all its own.
“I wouldn’t change a thing on either of these builds,” Ross told us. “They’re truly unique. And given how complex they are, you’re not likely to see anything like them again. It’s not that nobody else could do it—it’s just, nobody else is that stupid.”
We love to see builds like this come to life from true automotive passion, especially from something as iconic as the American Corvette.