1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Electric Conversion
Previously owned by Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr. of “Iron Man” fame, this unique 1965 Chevrolet Corvette was won by the seller as part of the multivehicle RDJ Dream Cars sweepstakes. Best known for its wide range of potent internal-combustion power teams, the 1965 Corvette also featured the first use of leading-edge 4-wheel disc brakes. RDJ replaced the factory 327 CI small-block Chevrolet V-8 internal-combustion engine with an EV powertrain featuring two Hyper 9 electric motors, with Rich Benoit and his Electrified Garage team leading the charge. The Corvette’s interior was reupholstered with mushroom-based leather supplied by Evocative, yielding an alternative interior treatment with the added benefit of no animals having been harmed in the process.
Retaining the original frame, the Corvette’s iconic body is refinished in Satin Blue paint with a tan convertible top and the aforementioned beige mushroom-leather bucket seat interior from Evocative. The original dials and interior setup were repurposed for the EV conversion; the fuel gauge now shows EV battery charge and the tachometer shows the power output from the electric motors. Other upgrades include updated rack-and-pinion steering gear. Lightweight knock-off style wheels and radial tires deliver road contact. Filmed with Robert Downey Jr. upon presentation by RDJ to the seller, this event is documented online at rdjdreamcars.com. According to Robert Downey Jr., “We changed the heart of an American classic, but we left the soul intact,” a statement that’s evident when examining this gorgeous 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible.
Equipment
• 2x Netgain Hyper 9 AC motor
• 2x Netgain Hyper-Drive X1 controller and inverter
• 7 standard Tesla Model S modules, each at 232 Ah/5.3 kWh capacity for a total capacity of 37.1 kWh
• Torque Solutions EV Torque Box gear reduction transmission
• Battery full charge voltage of 175V, low charge voltage of 147V
• J1772 charge plug type
• Typical charge time of 4-6 hours, average driving distance of 60 miles
Highlights
• Previously owned by actor Robert Downey Jr. and won by seller as part of the RDJ Dream Cars sweepstakes
• RDJ converted the car to an EV, reworked the interior using mushroom-leather and refinished the exterior
• Retains the original frame
• Original dials and interior setup repurposed for the EV conversion
• Fuel gauge shows EV battery charge
• Tachometer shows the power output to the electric motors
• Refinished Satin Blue paint with a Tan top
• Ecovative Beige mushroom-leather bucket seat interior Updated with Ridetech suspension
• Color keyed knock-off style wheels
• Includes a standard battery charger and a 110V EV battery charger (standard socket)
• New owner’s and maintenance manual
• Seen with Robert Downey Jr. upon presentation by RDJ: https://rdjdreamcars.com/pages/1965-chevrolet-corvette
This Electric 1965 Chevrolet Corvette is being auctioned at Mecum Glendale 2025 on Saturday March 22nd. Visit mecum.com for more information and to register to bid.
Lot S234 // Saturday, March 22nd// Glendale 2025
