A custom-built 1979 Chevrolet Corvette C3 inspired by the legendary Mach 5 from the anime series Speed Racer is now being offered at auction, blending pop culture nostalgia with classic American muscle. While the fictional Mach 5 never existed beyond animation, one dedicated builder brought the idea to life using a late-production C3 Corvette as the foundation.
The car is currently listed for sale through Hagerty, where it stands out immediately thanks to its dramatic reworking. Custom-molded body panels cover nearly every trace of the original Corvette, making the donor car difficult to recognize at first glance. Still, subtle clues remain. The sloping hood and windshield profile reveal the Corvette’s identity, while the three-pointed front end disguises fixed headlights that become more obvious when viewed head-on.
From the side, the car leans heavily into its Speed Racer inspiration. A pronounced speedster-style hump rises behind the driver’s seat, while sharp, fin-like elements guide the eye toward the elongated, pointed rear. The exterior is finished in white with bold red Mach 5 graphics, capped off by a red Speed Racer logo on the rear deck lid.
The theme continues inside the cabin. Red interior accents match the exterior graphics, and a custom steering wheel echoes the animated race car’s design. Decorative buttons are present but nonfunctional, serving as visual flair rather than working gadgets. Despite its appearance, this Mach 5 replica does not include fictional features such as rotary saws, auto jacks, or underwater equipment.
Under the hood, the Corvette retains a familiar setup. Power comes from a Chevrolet 350-cubic-inch small-block V8 equipped with an Edelbrock carburetor. A three-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels, keeping the mechanical package straightforward and period-appropriate. A white Speed Racer helmet is included as part of the sale.
As of this writing, bidding has reached $20,250. The auction is scheduled to close on January 9, 2026. Prospective buyers should note that the passenger-side door is nonfunctional and can only be opened from inside, a quirk disclosed by the seller. For fans of Speed Racer and custom cars alike, this Corvette offers a rare chance to own a rolling tribute to one of animation’s most iconic machines.
