Anyone well-versed in hot rodding and customization knows all about the wild and wonderful world of art cars. Often existing on the fringes of our hobby, art cars are generally created for one purpose: to make a statement–even if that statement is simply “Why?” Today, thanks in part to wraps, using your favorite car for a platform of unique self-expression has become much easier and much more common. That said, covering a perfectly good mid-year Corvette in pennies seems peculiar both now and in the vibrant glory of the 1980s.

Chuck’s Penny Car

Known as the Penny Car, this 1965 Sting Ray was created by Charlie ‘Chuck’ Regini back in 1982. Regini spent a solid six months meticulously glueing roughly 35,000 coins to this Chevy’s fiberglass hull, creating one of the most unique art cars in the muscle car realm and perhaps the automotive hobby. Every coin was placed by hand using LOCTITE and, contrary to its name, the Penny Car also displays dimes, nickels, half dollars, silver dollars, and Susan B. Anthony coins.

Done For Dimes

Why coin-bomb a perfectly good Corvette, you ask? Initially, Regini just thought it was a cool idea. But eventually the car became a core showpiece for March of Dimes, a non-profit organization that’s focused on the health of mothers and babies. Most notably, the Penny Car was showcased at the O’Neill State Armory in Hartford, Connecticut.

No, It’s Not A 327

While every hardcore Chevy fan knows the 1965 Corvette featured 327 cubic inches of small-block power, the Penny Car currently features a low-maintenance 283. That engine plays well with a traditional Powerglide 2-speed. The interior is traditional black vinyl, and the car rolls on a factory suspension. While the coins do add about 170-240 pounds to the Sting Ray’s weight, we’re banking on that trusty 283 having no problem carrying the loot.  

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Chuck Regini’s Penny Car is one of the most memorable takes on Corvette customization. Straddling the fine line between art and absurdity, it’s the kind of build that makes people stop, stare, and argue about whether it’s genius or madness. But that’s exactly what makes hot rodding great: the freedom to take something iconic and make it your own, no matter how shiny or strange the result may be.