Taking its moniker from one of the ocean’s most generally passive, beautifully contoured creatures, the Corvette Stingray was more than just a beautiful design, much like its namesake.

At a stoplight in the early 70s it could have easily been rolled up on by any number of hulking monsters that mistook its gorgeous lines for being “soft.” But, those folks did so at their own peril. As they would quickly discover the Stingray coupe was, indeed – a fearsome animal when provoked.

So, picture yourself in a similar scenario at that stoplight, late night in 1971 or ’72, but imagine you and your buddies happened upon a Stingray coupe equipped with a modern ZR1 LS9. It’s a safe bet you’d have been shakin’ in your collective bell-bottoms by the time that sleeper left you frozen stiff, mouths wide open.

From the moment we laid eyes on this 1971 “War Bonnet Yellow” Stingray, it was love at first sight. And in doing some research, we discovered it was built by Houston-based speed shop.

Nicknamed “Golden Rod”, this car has been upgraded with a new crate motor LS9, upgraded brakes and suspension, power ZR1 seats and a bluetooth radio. It made 536rwhp through an automatic transmission.

Now, while we can’t take you back in time to that scenario in ’71, this video may provide a glimpse of what it might have looked like had you mistakenly challenged this monster.