When we achieve a milestone in life, it's common to reward ourselves with something special and uplifting. Occasionally, our loved ones also acknowledge our accomplishments with thoughtful gifts. Such was the case for Benny Flores, the original owner of this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray. Benny received this car as a gift upon graduating from high school. Over time, he drew inspiration from a renowned group of racing Corvettes, transforming his vehicle into a unique street machine the roads of Southern California had rarely seen.

Front of the 1965 Corvette Sting Ray

In 1965, Benny Flores proudly joined his fellow classmates to walk across the graduation stage of Azusa High School. This celebration marks a significant transition for many, symbolising the passage from childhood into adulthood. Upon completing his walk with his fellow classmates, Benny's mother, Ramona, would take Benny to Harry Mann Chevrolet and purchase a brand-new car—a sporty 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray—as a gift to commemorate his achievement.

Benny enthusiastically embraced his newfound American sports car, frequently driving the high-performance vehicle to Citrus Community College. During his time there, he pursued his passion for automobiles and earned a degree in automotive mechanics. In 1973, armed with his acquired skills and expertise, Benny embarked on a transformative journey. He set out to honour the legendary Grand Sport Corvettes of 1963 by meticulously converting his beloved Sting Ray into a fitting tribute to these iconic vehicles.

Rear of the 1965 Corvette Sting Ray

Together, Benny and his mother, Ramona, collaborated in his garage to undertake the transformation of the Sting Ray into a formidable street machine. They incorporated Grand Sport-inspired wheel arches, expanding the wheel well area for a more aggressive stance. This modification facilitated the installation of a set of wide American Racing Torq Thrust wheels on all four corners, complemented by a full set of robust tires, evoking the appearance of early 1960s racing cars.

Their modifications didn't stop there. They meticulously crafted a custom ducktail spoiler and integrated an additional pair of brake lights, bringing the total count to six—a popular enhancement during that era. Furthermore, they opted to replace the original power plant with the renowned Chevrolet 427 engine, elevating this already attention-grabbing machine to a formidable competitor against any challenger.

Front wheel of the 1965 Corvette

Benny cherished his Corvette for decades, even bringing it back to Azusa High School where he taught the high school mechanics program and coached the Aztecs football team for over 20 years. Throughout his tenure, the Sting Ray remained a symbol of his passion for both teaching and automotive excellence.

Tragically, Benny's ownership of the Sting Ray came to an end with his passing in 2009, following a year-long battle with health issues. The Corvette then passed into the hands of his son, Nevin Flores. After heartfelt discussions with his mother, Janess, Nevin reached a difficult decision. Recognizing his current limitations in both means and expertise to properly maintain or restore his father's prized Grand Sport, he made the poignant choice to allow the car to seek a new home—one where its legacy could be preserved and honoured by a new custodian.

Close up of the ducktail spoiler and extra taillights added

In 2011, Janess reached out to her cousin, Ted, who had long admired the Corvette, to discuss their decision to part ways with the beloved sports car. Ted eagerly travelled to the Los Angeles area to meet with Nevin, and after negotiations, the two reached an agreement. Ted then journeyed back to Alberta with the Corvette in tow. Upon returning home, the restoration process of the Corvette began in earnest, with the assistance of numerous highly skilled individuals.

At the urging of his friend Mark Zizoff, Ted recognized that the only way to truly honor the unique Sting Ray was through a meticulous frame-off restoration. Ted entrusted the Corvette to renowned establishments such as Heighton Auto Restorations in Beiseker, Alberta, and Shorty's Garage in Crossfield, Alberta, where extensive bodywork and paintwork were expertly executed.

Inside of the Corvette

Throughout the restoration process, Ted also received invaluable assistance from Darryl at Crossfield Automotive Centre and Burt at Competition Motors, who contributed their expertise to various aspects of the project, ensuring every detail was handled with care.

The necessary parts for the restoration were predominantly sourced from reputable suppliers such as Western Corvette, Corvette Central, and Mopac Auto Supply, ensuring authenticity and quality in every component.

Originally owned and crafted by Azusa resident Benny Flores, this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the street machine era in the automotive world. Remaining faithfully by Benny's side throughout his lifetime, the Corvette eventually found its way into the hands of his son. Recognizing the significance of his father's cherished Sting Ray, Benny's son entrusted it to family member Ted, here in Alberta, Canada. Ted wasted no time in awakening the Corvette from its slumber, embarking on a restoration journey to breathe new life into this unique sports car. With the unwavering support of friends and remarkable businesses, Ted meticulously restored the Corvette, ensuring that it once again graces the roads it once conquered with its unparalleled presence.

Under the hood of the Corvette

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics