Iconic muscle car goes on sale in UK with right-hand drive for first time – & could be yours for same price as a BMW M4

AN ICONIC American muscle car with right-hand drive has gone on sale in the UK for the first time.

For the same price as a BMW M4, passionate drivers can now officially buy the classic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray without having to import it from the United States.

Leading car dealership Lumen Automotive has become the first car outlet to offer right-hand Corvettes to motorists.

The two models on offer are the standard Corvette Stringray and the sportier Corvette Z06 which is more track-focused.

Brits will no longer have to import the iconic muscle car from the US which can cost significantly more money due to taxes.

The rear-wheel-drive muscle car costs less than £95,000, which is about the same price you would pay for a BMW M4.

But the all-out American sprinter can reach 60mph quicker than the BMW racer.

Under the hood comes a roaring 6.2-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine that can produce a whopping 475bhp while churning out 637lb-ft of torque output.

And to make the driving experience even better, the engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission system that makes driving easier.

Filippo Caracciolo, European distribution manager for Corvette, said: “Bringing the C8 Corvette Stingray and Z06 in a right-hand-drive configuration to the UK is a defining moment for the brand.

“As a global icon of performance and innovation, the Corvette represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence.

"Our affiliation with Lumen Automotive will offer a seamless entry into the UK market, and we’re excited to deliver the Corvette’s unparalleled engineering and exhilarating driving experience to British enthusiasts and collectors.”

Ashley Passant, managing director of the Greenhouse Group, which owns Lumen Automotive, told Autoexpress: "With its rich legacy of innovation and performance, the Corvette is a great match for us and our customers.

"We’re proud to represent this globally iconic marque and bring its extraordinary driving experience to the UK.”

Meanwhile, a first-edition 1973 Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000, restored to its original glory, is set to go under the hammer.

The iconic classic, a symbol of 70s motoring, has undergone a £130,000 transformation, making it one of the finest examples of its kind to hit the auction block.

Known for its striking Diamond White finish with Olympic Blue detailing on the doors and bonnet, the motor will now go to auction with an estimated price of £80,000.

The Ford has undergone a no-expense-spared restoration over the past four years, aimed at bringing the car as close to its original form as possible, using authentic parts and techniques.

The interior is a testament to the car’s heritage, featuring an all-black design with fabric seats and a steering wheel proudly bearing the RS logo.

This attention to detail is matched by the extensive mechanical work performed during the restoration.

The arduous facelift began in 2019 with a full disassembly and meticulous inspection of the car’s bodyshell.

The shell was dipped and repaired before being sent to a specialist e-coating facility to ensure long-lasting protection.

Original parts and NOS (New Old Stock) components were sourced throughout the process to maintain authenticity.

The 2-litre engine, which distinguished the RS2000 from its more high-strung RS1600 sibling, was rebuilt by David Moore Engineering, while the gearbox and rear axle were restored by Copthorne Classics.

The auction, scheduled for December at the Warwickshire Event Centre, is being handled by Iconic Auctioneers.

According to the auction listing, the car’s restoration is "one of the most exacting restorations witnessed and surely the best available."

It comes after an ultra-rare iconic car with a high speed of 250mph and a hydraulic spoiler hit the market for £840,000.