Vehicle Description
The classic car world is full of fun creations with wild paint
schemes, extreme drivetrains and artful interiors. While those cars
are awesome to look at, 10-minute start-up procedures and blind
hunts for accessory controls frustrate even the most enthusiastic
gearhead. Anyone who's spent time around the collector car hobby
will agree there's truly something special about owning a
well-built classic that's comfortable and easy to live with. And
this superb Corvette is just that - a first class cruiser that's
wrapped in bare-knuckle Motor City style. With proven Chevrolet
power, an engaging 5-speed and modern air conditioning, this
roadster was built to be driven. And if you're tired of superficial
classics that emphasize appearance over practicality, it's the real
deal retro relic you've been longing for!
APPEARANCE
When it comes to appeal, modern society operates on a myriad of
unspoken rules that ultimately determine the winners and the
losers. On the surface, judgements might seem shallow or fickle.
But a deeper look reveals a pattern or, 'algorithm' if you will,
that highlights the value of basic attributes. Take the iPhone, for
example: it's relatable, it's charmingly attractive and it's
incredibly engaging. Or Facebook, a service that's easy to use,
visually appealing and highly addictive. That 'just right' mindset
feels like the perfect way to describe this Corvette's killer
appearance. Simply put: the car is a winner. It's handsome without
being too traditional. It's fresh without being too outlandish. And
it manages to be unique while mastering the art of mass appeal.
The car's solid body, massaged to near perfection during a 2009
restoration, is covered in a glossy coat of metallic 2-stage. Not
nearly as pastel as the C1's 1956 Artic Blue, that paint is also
much more subdued than Jetstream Blue Metallic: the popular hue
that characterized the 2009 Corvette line-up. At the front of the
silky pigment, an aggressive chrome grille floats chromed guards
between chrome-trimmed parking lamps, bright halogen headlights and
convex bumpers that bend around peaked fenders. Between those
fenders, a crisp header emblem leads the eye through a sculpted
hood, which fronts like-new glass that's cleared by electric
windshield wipers. Those wipers blend perfectly with classy
stainless frames, which reflect a neutral canvas top. Below that
top, traditional handles and correct mirrors perfectly complement
chrome fender vents and stainless-trimmed door coves. And at the
back of the car, a crisp trunk emblem reflects flashy taillights,
two more bumpers and vertical trim spears that center stainless
exhaust pipes in dramatic quarter panels.
POWER
Tilt the hood and you'll find 383 cubic inches of stroked Chevrolet
small block that, thanks to the pros at Smeding Performance, twist
a stout 450 horsepower into 450 lb./ft. of curve-carving torque.
Power originates when wind whips from a polished air cleaner in to
a 750cfm Holley 4-barrel. That carb, sequenced behind stainless
lines, feeds an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap intake. That intake
floods trick AFR heads, which hide a custom-grind hydraulic roller
cam under a matte breather and detailed Proform valve covers. Those
covers anchor color-keyed looms between a hot HEI distributor and
thick MSD Super Conductor plug wires. Fire from those wires bumps
hypereutectic 9 to 1 pistons that have been finished with
anti-friction graphite coating and moly rings. Those pistons push
4130 forged I-beam rods, which spin ARP Wave-Loc bolts around a
forged, micro-polished crank. Spent gases roar through coated
long-tube headers. Charge comes courtesy of a polished Powermaster
alternator, which, thanks to pliable V-belts, spins next to an
aluminum water pump and a polished AC compressor. Cooling comes
courtesy of a beefy Griffin radiator that's mated to dual Proform
pusher fans. And the car's iron, 4-bolt block is dressed with items
like a deep-sump oil pan, a high-torque mini starter and an old
school Harrison expansion tank.
POWER MANAGEMENT
Under this regal roadster, a tough Richmond 4+1 transmission kicks
a 9-inch Currie third member that's fitted with 3.73 gears and a
Truetrac limited-slip differential. That third member, detailed
with 31-spline axles and Torino ends, pushes a traditional leaf
suspension. Opposite those springs, Flaming River rack-and-pinion
steering leads a modern Jim Meyer Racing front-clip. Stops are
provided by four power-assisted Baer calipers, which utilize
braided fluid lines to squeeze four vented rotors. A high-octane
soundtrack is provided by throaty Flowmaster mufflers, which are
threaded into large stainless tubes that employ an H-shaped
crossover. And at the corners of the car, Gloss Black steelies spin
215/65R16 BF Goodrich Traction T/As around polished, bowtie-branded
hub caps.
COMFORT
Inside this awesome Vette, class is the name of the game as
tasteful Tan vinyl creates a stylish complement to the car's
luxurious paint. Pop the doors and you'll find short bucket seats
that are both firm and supportive. At the sides of those thrones,
quilted panels back traditional door hardware. Below those panels,
tight carpet frames an elegant shifter. At the front of that
carpet, a 2-tone dash founds Vintage Air conditioning next to a
traditional speaker that's wired to modern audio. And in front of
the driver, a leather-wrapped steering wheel laps modern Cruise
Control.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A vintage Operations Manual
Component literature
This fully sorted Chevy is a wonderful classic to drive, enjoy and
turn a lot of heads in. It's really no surprise that first
generation Corvettes are amazingly popular with almost everyone who
sees them, because they mix distinctly American style with a great
ownership experience. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the phone,
park this roadster in your garage and get ready for years of
carefree cruising!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
383 cubic inch Smeding Performance crate engine / 450
horsepower
Richmond 4+1 5-speed manual transmission
Modern air conditioning
Modern Cruise Control / Modern audio
Jim Meyer Racing front suspension
Currie 9-inch rear axle / Truetrac limited-slip differential / 3.73
gears
Baer 4-wheel power disc brakes
Flaming River rack-and-pinion steering
16-inch steel wheels
