Vehicle Description
This 1957 Corvette convertible received a 7-year build. The engine
is an upgraded LS7 7.0-liter V8 dry sump incorporating RICKS Custom
Tanks for both the oil and gas tanks. The LS7 is equipped with a
custom cold-air intake and custom-fabricated exhaust headers, with
a 3-inch stainless polished exhaust. Power is transmitted through a
complete McLeod flywheel, dual disc clutch, pressure plate and
blow-proof incorporating a TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission and a
Dana 3.73 posi-traction rear end. The fully independent C4 front
and rear suspension feature carbon-fiber transverse leaf springs.
The 4-wheel disc brakes feature massive Baer 15-inch rotors with
6-piston calipers on all four wheels. The body has been extensively
enhanced while keeping the overall heritage of the 1957 Corvette in
mind. The rear quarter-fenders were increased by 3.5 inches per
side, allowing for the maximum tire size while still maintaining
the custom Ron Magnus soft-top. In keeping with the wider style, an
intricate installation of a 1961 Corvette cove was incorporated.
Flush-mounted C5 door handles, custom air vents fitted on the side
just forward of the rear wheels, shaved bumpers, and parking lights
and turn signals relocated to inside the grille, features that pay
tribute to the old Corvette Gasser clean front ends. Finished to a
deep sheen in PPG black with contrasting silver coves. The 61
chrome spears and the aggressive forward-raked stance is further
highlighted by a custom one-off set of ultra-wide Asanti wheels
mounted on low-profile radial tires. The quality extends to the
interior, which consists of Italian leather and German carpet that
reflects the same exterior color palette of black and silver,
expertly installed by Ron Mangus. The door panels have chrome coves
that reflect exactly the exterior 61 cove trim dimensions. This
theme is carried over to the detailed trunk compartment. Creature
comforts include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks,
heated seats and a hidden Kicker stereo system that interfaces with
both Apple and Samsung phones. Interior details reveal stock 1957
gauges upgraded by Classic Instruments to interface with the LS7, a
Hurst shifter and a leather-covered vintage Corvette steering
wheel. This custom build was completed in 2018 and has only 945
test miles since completion.