1962 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod

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!