Vehicle Description
Isn't technology great? Combining the traffic-stopping looks of a
1962 Corvette with the C4's fully independent suspension and
powerful brakes, an injected LS1 mill, and a set of late-model Z06
wheels makes this stunning roadster more than a handful for
anything else on the street.
If you want to stop traffic or take home trophies, this Corvette
will do it. The original 1962 fiberglass was treated to a full
cosmetic restoration to the very highest standards. That means no
visible bonding seams, no cracks, and lots of laborious block
sanding to get it ultra-straight. It was painted a traditional 1961
color scheme of Silver Blue with Inca Silver side covers (You'll
remember that there were no two-tone Corvettes in 1962). Whatever
year it comes from, it looks fantastic and with two-stage urethane,
that shine looks deep enough to swim in. The grille is from a '59,
but the toothy countenance is a Corvette trademark and certainly
looks right here on a slightly later car. More stainless trim wraps
around the side coves and highlights the rear end, which was a
preview of things to come. There's not much to give away the secret
living underneath aside from the lowered stance and the modern
wheels and the car just looks right from any angle.
Given this car's performance envelope, the stock interior is more
than up to the task with light blue bucket seats, reproduction door
panels, and factory-style carpets. Factory gauges remain in the
dash, although the tach has been upgraded to reflect the modern
engine's wider operating band. The smaller-diameter steering wheel
is wrapped in black leather, too, and the shifter looks vintage but
connects to a 4L60E 4-speed automatic gearbox. A/C was added so
skillfully that it's almost undetectable at a glance and there's a
trick AM/FM/iPod stereo radio in the center stack that blends in
seamlessly with the 1962 surroundings. A white convertible top is
there for everyday use, but if you're doing it right, you'll
probably never need it. The trunk is finished to stock specs with a
rubber mat and cardboard bulkhead, again reinforcing the
illusion.
Underneath that vintage fiberglass, you'll find C4 Corvette
underpinnings complements of a Newman Car Creations frame. That
means a 350 horsepower fuel injected LS1 V8, the aforementioned
4-speed automatic transmission, and fully independent suspension
with giant disc brakes. The engineering is impressive and the line
between old and new so skillfully blended that it's hard to see
where the two generations meet. It radically transforms the old
'Vette's behavior, making it feel contemporary and insanely fast.
Up top, the LS1 looks modern with its red coil covers, serpentine
belt drive, aluminum radiator with electric fan, although the goal
was to keep it looking OEM. Underneath, the frame was powdercoated
black and with the original floors behind it, the show is worth
crawling under to see. It was fitted with a custom dual exhaust
system that really cackles and there's a massive disc brake at each
corner, giving it extraordinary braking abilities. 17-inch wheels
were borrowed from a C5 Z06 and wear 245/40/17 Goodyear run-flat
radials all around.
Not quite designed to deceive, this is a potent sports car in its
own right. Beautifully finished and expertly engineered, it's a
no-compromises approach to performance that seems to make everyone
happy. Call today!