CUSTOM CORVETTES: Creative Builds Bring America’s Sports Car Into a Modern World
January 5, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
LOT #1348 – 1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
With more than 2 million sold since its inception in 1953, it’s safe to say the Corvette is not just “America’s Sports Car” but is one of the most popular sports cars in the world. It’s unquestionably an iconic vehicle that deserves respect, no matter the generation from which it hales. Sometimes, however, when one of those early-generation Corvettes begins to show its age, a choice must be made: restore it to original or give it new life as a Resto-Mod.
For enthusiasts who plan on driving their vintage ’Vette a lot, Resto-Modding has been the way to go, and that trend has certainly shown itself on the Barrett-Jackson auction block in recent years. Some of the country’s best builders specialize in Corvettes alone, keeping the classic style of the vehicle while upgrading it to improve performance, increase comfort and make it stand out from the crowd.
Particularly popular among custom builders are C1 and C2 Corvettes – such as those highlighted here that are headed to the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, January 20-28 at WestWorld. Despite looking like they were just driven off the showroom floor the year they were first built, these vehicles have many surprises within. Upgrades to the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension and other components create cars that are faster, more powerful and handle better than they ever have before. Inside the cockpits you’ll find modern conveniences never dreamed of back in the ’50s and ’60s: air conditioning, power windows, premium sound systems and more.
Custom Corvettes are a great way to go for the enthusiast looking for the best of both worlds.
LOT #1348 – 1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE Pictured above and built with a 2023 LT1 direct-injected 6.2-liter V8 engine, this 1958 Pro-Touring-style Corvette produces an impressive 460hp with 465ft/lbs of torque and has a 4L70E automatic transmission. It rides on an Art Morrison chassis with rear independent suspension and a fully adjustable ride height. The body is original, completely stripped with glass beads before being finished in a PPG Sky-Fall color and a Global Premier High Solids clear. The side coves have been finished in a Silver Mist, complementing the matching powder-coated chassis. The convertible top was completely restored in a Stayfast material to match the interior Denim leather. A few key features are the power rack & pinion steering, Rick’s stainless-steel fuel tank, Fragola Performance Systems Teflon-coated fuel lines and fittings, GM factory wiring harness and factory-programmed computer, 3-position electric-actuated hood with integrated LED lighting, LED lighting in the interior floorboard, JL Audio amplifier, subwoofer and speakers, and a new stereo equipped with Bluetooth that is made to match the original 1958 Wonder Bar. The all-new Dakota Digital RTX gauges were moved forward 1 inch and paired with a slightly smaller steering wheel and concaved seats, giving the driver more room.
LOT #1420 – 1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
This convertible is powered by a 675hp LS7 engine with a Mast Motorsports engine management system, mated to a TREMEC 6-speed transmission. It rides on a powder-coated Art Morrison chassis and has adjustable-ride-height suspension. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood 6-piston brakes on the front and 4-piston on the rear, with 14-inch rotors all around. It also has power rack & pinion steering. The car rides on custom billet C1 wheels wrapped in Nitto tires. The body was glass-bead-stripped and finished in PPG 9000 Tuxedo Black. The underside was also coated in Satin Black with Euro texture on the underside of the fenders. The polished stainless-steel exhaust is ceramic-coated and exits through the rear bumper. The red-leather interior features fully adjustable seats, a billet steering wheel and custom stitching throughout, as well as LED interior lighting, Dakota Digital gauges, an E-Stopp emergency brake, 2-speed windshield wipers, Wilwood brake pedals, a Vintage Air system, and a Bluetooth retro-look Wonder Bar stereo with a Rockford Fosgate AMP and four speakers. This custom Corvette was finished in 2022. All the software, manuals and an SD card with photos of the entire build are included.
LOT #1392 – 1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
This 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is the recipient of a professional, no-expense-spared, custom build completed in 2023. It is powered by a brand-new GM Performance Connect & Cruise Platform 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine with 650hp and 650 ft/lbs of torque mated to a brand-new TREMEC T56 Super Magnum 6-speed manual transmission. The engine is painted Jaguar Salsa Red to match the Hydes Rosso Red custom interior and contrast with the black exterior. The body is set on an Art Morrison GT Sport independent front suspension chassis that includes adjustable coilover shocks, a triangulated 4-link 9-inch rear end, adjustable sway bars, power rack & pinion steering, high-performance Wilwood braking and a black powder-coat finish for durability. Custom-built features include a full stainless exhaust with a trans-mounted MagnaFlow exotic tone, Rick’s Tanks stainless gas tank, DeWitts aluminum radiator, Lectric Limited wiring harness, E-Stopp electric park brake and power actuated hood open/close. The custom interior features fitted seats covered in Hydes Pella Fresco leather, Dynamat heat/sound barrier, Dakota Digital Retrotech RTX gauges, Vintage Air with digital climate control, Pioneer Bluetooth/CarPlay-enabled sound system and power windows by Nu-Relics. This Corvette was a Builder’s Choice award-winner at the Goodguys 2023 Heartland Nationals.
LOT #1415 – 1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
This custom second-generation Corvette is powered by its 755hp, direct-injected, supercharged LT5 engine backed by an 8L90 8-speed transmission. The engine bay features custom over-frame stainless headers, Wegner billet accessories, aluminum radiator hoses, aluminum radiator, intercooler, aluminum cold-air intake, billet brake master, many billet tanks for all engine systems, AN fuel lines and stainless AN brake lines. It is equipped with a high-performance Roadster Shop chassis and drivetrain. Stopping power comes from Baer 6-piston front and rear brakes. This Corvette has power steering, power brakes, power locks and power windows. Finished in red, the custom wide body is equipped with a raised hood, flush windshields, tucked bumpers and custom floor pans. The keyless entry unlocks the doors, and the phone auto-connects to the car’s 8-speaker Bluetooth Rockford Fosgate audio system. The rearview mirror has a 1080p high-definition screen and is adjustable by just touching the screen. The black leather interior features air conditioning, Classic Instruments gauges, a GPS alarm, all LED lighting throughout, dedicated ECU and fuse block compartments, battery kill switch, built-in battery remote jump post locations, retractable seat belts and heat insulation. This fully documented build is from Slate Performance Automotive in Indianapolis, IN.
LOT #1322 – 1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
This convertible is powered by an LS3 427/635hp crate V8 engine paired with a GM 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission. This no-expense-spared, 5-year custom build was done by Cambra Speed Shop. The car sits on a Roadster Shop chassis with Corvette independent front suspension, while the rear end features a Roadster Shop Ford 9-inch third member with Corvette Z06 independent rear suspension, Penske coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. Additional features include a Lokar shifter, a custom exhaust and a matching hardtop. The custom leather interior features Classic Instrument gauges, power windows, air conditioning, Bluetooth and heated seats.
LOT #1338.1 – 1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
This custom 1958 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a 2023 LT1 direct-injected 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a 4L60E automatic transmission, controlled by a GM Connect & Cruise wiring harness. It rides on an Art Morrison GT chassis with Strange coilover shocks and adjustable ride height. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood brakes with 6-piston calipers, and it is equipped with power rack & pinion steering. The exterior has a new convertible top assembly and rolls on custom Schotts wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Series tires. The body is finished in a polyester primer topped off with Axalta Cashmere basecoat/clearcoat paint. This Resto-Mod includes a Linen leather interior and reclining custom seats for additional head and legroom. The interior features Dakota Digital HDX GPS gauges, Vintage Air and a new stereo made to look like the original 1958 Wonder Bar model with Bluetooth capability.
LOT #1322.1 – 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE
This custom 1967 Corvette Coupe was professionally restored and completed in November 2023 by Todd Compton Classic Corvettes. This custom coupe retains its original rust-free birdcage and original VIN and Trim Tags. Power comes from a new BluePrint Engines 525hp 6.2-liter LS3 backed by a 4L70 4-speed automatic transmission putting power to the pavement through an independent rear suspension. The engine is dressed with custom-machined accents such as finned Corvette valve covers and breathes through hand-built stainless-steel headers feeding a dual side-pipe exhaust system. Its foundation is made from Art Morrison mandrel-bent chassis rails equipped with GM C7 Corvette suspension and braking components, along with QA1 coilovers and Flaming River power rack & pinion steering, all assembled by Street Shop. The exterior is expertly finished in timeless black paint with a stunning blue metallic hood Stinger and custom-machined side gills made from billet aluminum by Tradye Machine & Tool. The custom interior is trimmed in blue leather with French seams, a Vintage Air system, power windows, modern Dakota Digital gauges and a Billet Specialties steering wheel on a tilt column. Other features include a power-actuated hood, stainless fuel tank, stainless brake and fuel lines, electronic e-brake system, Detroit Speed wiper and headlight controls, and windows with tinted glass. This custom coupe rides on staggered ZR1-style wheels wrapped in Nitto blue line tires.