Phoenix-based workshop American Legends has announced its newest project — wedging a 5.2-litre Lamborghini V10 into a 1964 Corvette, dubbed ‘Deception.’

The C2 was purchased for US$28,000 (AU$37,000) as a partially-stripped, but running, vehicle, while the new powerplant came from a wrecked 2014 Gallardo LP560. In stock form, it’s good for 552hp (412kW).

High on the agenda is a manifold change for the Italian-designed, German-built V10, with a port injection Huracan-type unit to replace the original direct injection manifold.

Being considerably larger than a small-block Chev (and intended for mid-mounting), other engine modifications will inevitably be needed.

It will remain naturally-aspirated for the foreseeable future, with a diet of E85 planned.

A T56 manual gearbox will be hooked up to the V10 via a custom adaptor plate. Tony Arme of American Legends told Street Machine it has been a difficult aspect so far in comparison to his Ferrari V8-powered ‘68 Mustang.

“It’s proving hard to adapt a trans,” he admits. “Like the Mustang, we’re taking a mid-mount engine and moving it to the front.”

On the other hand, he expects engine management for the V10 will be more straightforward than the Mustang.

“It’s much more common to do work on these so there’s much more info, which should be helpful,” he added.

While numerous Lamborghinis have received Corvette-spec LS V8s, Tony believes his C2 will be the first Lamborghini-powered Corvette.

Excessive means the factory Corvette chassis is unusable, so it will be replaced with a Roadster Shop Fast Track unit. That will allow for an IRS set-up, alongside a few other handling improvements planned by American Legends.

There’s plenty of work to be done on the fibreglass body, too. Most sections will be replaced with aftermarket parts, including widened quarters from Corvette Dynamics. One-off custom fibreglass parts will also feature heavily. Tony says a few concept renderings of the Corvette have been completed, though he’s yet to show them publicly.

It’s not the first time the American Legends have turned their heads to a Euro-powered American classic. Tony’s chopped ‘Corruptt’ Mustang runs a twin-turbo 4.8-litre V8 from a crashed Ferrari F430, and there’s now a Ferrari-powered F100 in the build.

They’ve also built a gorgeous 1964 C2 for a customer, on a Roadster Shop chassis — and if that car is anything to go by, Deception should be stunning.

You can track the Corvette’s progress at the American Legends Builds YouTube channel.