Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
6.2 liter GM LS3 V8 / 480 horsepower
Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission
Art Morrison chassis / Custom suspension
Ford 9-inch rear axle / 3.50 gears
Leather interior / Upgraded audio
Power rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
17-inch Boyd Coddington wheels
Correct Tuxedo Black paint
This first-class C1 packs an awful lot of 'WOW!' in to sinuous
aesthetics. Professionally built as the ultimate pro-tourer, it
combines modern performance with classic style. And, unlike so many
resto-mod projects, this Chevy treats the Corvette brand with
respect, sticking with Corvette power, a Corvette suspension, and a
set of vintage-looking rims that would be right at home on any car
from 1961!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Tuxedo Black with silver coves is a classic Corvette paint scheme,
and in 1961 it was actually a $16 option. That said, this
roadster's intricate build, conducted by well-known Corvette
restorer Charlie Bacon of Running Springs, California, had a lot
more zeros attached to its price tag. Outstanding detailing and
incredible finishing are hallmarks of Charlie's work, and on this
car, he and his team were certainly shooting for perfection. At the
front of this Chevy's correct pigment, an ornate grille floats a
chrome tag bracket between bright headlights, chrome-trimmed
parking lamps and polished bumpers that wrap peaked fenders.
Between those fenders, bold "CORVETTE" lettering leads the eye past
a classy header emblem to a sculpted hood and like-new glass. At
the top of that glass, pliable cloth abates summertime rain.
Opposite that top, traditional door handles and a correct driver's
mirror perfectly complement chrome fender vents and
stainless-trimmed coves that are branded with cool Corvette
emblems. And at the back of the car, more polished bumpers and a
second chrome tag bracket reflect simple taillights, a translucent
trunk roundel and a factory antenna.
ENGINE
In 1961, the top Corvette powerplant was a 315 horsepower, fuel
injected 283. Today, this C1 is powered by a robust LS3 crate motor
that, thanks to an upgraded cam, makes an easy 480 horsepower.
Naturally, that aluminum mill is a perfect fit in the car's crisp
bay. And Charlie and his team chose to keep all the engine's
management systems intact, from its modern fuel injection to its
distributorless ignition. That means the modern piece fires
instantly and idles perfectly, the first time, every time. It means
random cruises can pull down mid-20s fuel economy, while also
hammering low 13-second quarter mile passes. And it means parts
available at any auto parts store can be installed by any GM
dealer.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under this Vette, a Tremec TKO600 5-speed spins a 9-inch Ford axle
that's finished with 3.50 gears. The entire chassis is a custom
fabrication from Art Morrison, specifically designed to allow
late-model running gear under vintage Corvette fiberglass. The
car's front suspension uses coil-overs, fifth-generation Corvette
control arms and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The
aforementioned 9-inch is suspended on an adjustable 4-link that
triangulates a second set of coil-overs. Stops are provided by two
C5 calipers, two Wilwood calipers and four vented rotors. A
large-diameter exhaust system threads coated pipes through coated
Flowmaster mufflers. And the finishing touch is vintage-looking
Boyd Coddington blades, which spin 235/45R17 Hankook Ventus in
front of 255/45R17 Hankook Ventus.
INTERIOR
Like the rest of this Corvette, the red leather interior is a
beautiful tribute to original design that's been updated with
thoughtful convenience. Original seats were repacked and recovered
during the detailed restoration. A color-keyed dash has been
supplemented with an Auto Meter tachometer and upgraded Wonder Bar
audio. There's a short Hurst shifter that reflects factory power
windows. And the driver carves curves through a leather-wrapped
steering wheel.
This impressive Corvette is beautifully built and incredibly
functional. None of the car's original design elements have been
compromised, and with a quick wheel change, it could probably do a
pretty good impersonation of a stock C1. That is, until you turn
the key and the LS3 rumbles to life... If you're looking for a
classic that's as wonderful as drive as it is to look at, call your
friends at RK Motors Charlotte!
