Ray Fahrner' Asymmetrical “Outer Limits” Corvette

Fresh Asymmetrical - Discovering a unique car while browsing the internet is always a delightful experience. In this article, we delve into the captivating story of the 1963 Chevrolet C2 Corvette 'Outer Limits', a classic C2 Corvette model that has earned legendary status due to its distinctive asymmetrical design.

1963 "Outer Limits" Corvette, a classic C2 Corvette model that has earned legendary status due to its distinctive asymmetrical design by Ray Fahrner. (Picture from: eBay)

The narrative unfolds with the 'Vette involved in a high-speed crash, with fewer than 100 miles on its odometer. Renowned custom car builder and show promoter, Ray Fahrner, intervened and rescued the split-window car from the brink of destruction by investing $950 in the frame and salvaged parts.

1963 "Outer Limits" Corvette by Ray Fahrner introduced asymmetry to the front and rear fascia, with a distinctive fin running from below the front grille, around the beak, and down the hood to the windshield. (Picture from: eBay)

Transporting the salvaged components to his Kansas City custom shop, Fahrner embarked on a six-week transformation inspired by Dean Jeffries' Mantaray and Big Daddy Ed Roth's Mysterion. The result was a visually striking, off-kilter design, setting the 1963 "Outer Limits" Corvette apart.

1963 "Outer Limits" Corvette modifications to the body were extensive, featuring finned fenders significantly taller than stock, with radiused wheel wells to accommodate larger tires. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

The modifications to the body were extensive, featuring finned fenders significantly taller than stock, with radiused wheel wells to accommodate larger tires—a hallmark of the gasser era. Fahrner introduced asymmetry to the front and rear fascia, with a distinctive fin running from below the front grille, around the beak, and down the hood to the windshield.

1963 "Outer Limits" Corvette's interior maintained the original C2 layout, Fahrner revamped it with reupholstered seats and dashboard in white leather, contrasting red carpeting. (Picture from: BarnFinds)

This asymmetrical design drew inspiration from Chrysler designer Virgil Exner, who initiated the trend in 1960 with the Plymouth XNR concept car. Although the XNR never made it to production, it left a lasting impact on the custom car world.

1960 Plymouth XNR Concept, one-off asymmetrical unique retro car concept. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The Outer Limits continued its asymmetry with a one-piece rear light panel stretching across the right side of its sleek tail, featuring a unique license plate inset on the left side. Fahrner also incorporated aerodynamic extensions to the front and rear wheel arches, eliminated door handles, and introduced distinctive star-shaped cutouts in the wheels, along with side-exit exhaust pipes.

1963 "Outer Limits" Corvette by Ray Fahrner powered by a naturally aspirated 350 cubic-inch Chevy V8, coupled with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission and a 3.36:1 Positraction rear differential. (Picture from: BarnFinds)

While the interior maintained the original C2 layout, Fahrner revamped it with reupholstered seats and dashboard in white leather, contrasting red carpeting, a billet steering wheel, a shifter, and chrome accents throughout.

1963 "Outer Limits" Corvette by Ray Fahrner featured with a distinctive star-shaped cutouts in the wheels, along with side-exit exhaust pipes. (Picture from: eBay)

Under the hood, a naturally aspirated 350 cubic-inch Chevy V8, coupled with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission and a 3.36:1 Positraction rear differential, powers the Outer Limits. This configuration, chosen by Gary Logan, replaces a previous turbocharged setup. The suspension underwent a complete overhaul with matching red and chrome components.

The C2 Corvette 'Outer Limits' changed hands multiple times, with each owner imparting their unique vision. Consequently, the car underwent more facelifts than an actreess, evolving and adapting to different perspectives while preserving its distinctive asymmetry. This classic C2 remains a testament to automotive creativity and the enduring allure of custom car craftsmanship. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EBAY | UNIQUECLASSICCARS | KUSTOMRAMA | BARNFINDS | GMAUTHORITY ]

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