GRAVITATIONAL PULL: Art Morrison’s award-winning custom “3G” Corvette has superstar qualities
October 16, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen
Crossing the block at No Reserve during the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette custom creation from Art Morrison is an award-winner and video game star.
Since 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has defined what a stellar high-performance American sports car should be. Through seven design generations, the Corvette has delivered great looks, exhilarating performance and grand style for its owners.
It’s little wonder, therefore, that Corvettes are among the cars most coveted by savvy enthusiasts and collectors. At the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 12-20, 2019, there will be a plethora of Corvettes of every generation and description crossing the auction block.
While some Corvette aficionados are drawn to stock, matching-numbers Corvettes that look and drive exactly like they did when they rolled off the showroom floor when new, in recent years interest in custom-built Corvettes has exploded.
It’s easy to understand why. Custom Corvettes represent the best of both worlds, combining the classic looks of vintage models with state-of-the-art powertrains, handling, brakes and amenities. In addition, these modern creations reflect the skills and tastes of the incredible new generation of craftsman who build them. Best of all, custom Corvettes were built to be driven, not merely displayed at shows.
While each custom Corvette is special, it’s safe to say some are even more special than others. Take, for example, this breathtaking Art Morrison build, a 1960 Corvette known as “3G,” which will find a new owner at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. The 3G name represents the car’s ability relative to gravitational forces, specifically 1G in acceleration, 1G in braking and 1G around a skid pad.
Morrison, renowned for his aftermarket Corvette chassis, spared no effort or expense to make his 3G the ultimate 1960 Corvette. So good was the build that it was named the Sony Grand Turismo Award winner at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Winning that honor meant 3G earned a video-game role, appearing in PlayStation’s GT5 game the following year. And in 2018, it was back at SEMA, this time as one of the star cars in the Barrett-Jackson display.
So what makes 3G an award-winner and video game star? Plenty.
It all starts with one of Morrison’s custom GT Sport chassis, featuring a C5 Corvette front suspension, adjustable Strange Engineering coilover shock absorbers and an AGR 15:1 power rack & pinion steering system. Also up front is a 7/8-inch sway bar to control excess body roll.
The rear of the chassis features Morrison’s own proprietary triangulated 4-bar suspension. Included are a 9-inch rear gear housing, Strange Engineering third member, axles, adjustable coilover shocks and a rear sway bar. Together, these components give 3G a low, stable roll center and keep it glued through the corners, whether on a racetrack or the open road.
With a balanced and agile chassis, Morrison made sure the braking system was up to the challenge. The stock Corvette drum brakes were scrapped in favor of 14-inch Wilwood disc brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in back. High-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires riding on Boyd Coddington custom wheels deliver lots of adhesion for rapid cornering and steady, sure braking.
What’s under the hood is equally impressive: 3G is powered by an all-aluminum 427ci Bill Mitchell small-block engine that produces an eye-opening 538 horsepower and 517 ft/lbs of torque using regular 92 octane pump gasoline. All that power flows to the rear wheels through a McLeod dual-disc clutch and bell housing that connects to a Rockland-Standard T56 6-speed manual transmission.
Morrison’s impeccable workmanship can be see in a variety of the subtle modifications made to the body, including making 3G a true roadster by capping off the doors and removing the vent-wing windows. In addition, Morrison created new molded inner fender panels, functional brake duct scoops, roll hoops and a painted dash with carbon-fiber trim.
The body was professionally straightened and then treated to a custom PPG paint job, featuring a medium-gray exterior over silver coves. Combined with the custom red leather interior, the appearance of 3G is striking and understated, a timeless look with classic colors.
Like the rest of 3G, its interior was meticulously crafted. Morrison chose high-end components from Classic Instruments, Vintage Air, American Auto Wire, Crow Enterprises and Dynomat, along with a custom gauge cluster, door panel inserts, grab bar and console. This build truly is the best of the best.
In short, 3G, the custom 1960 Corvette built by Art Morrison, has it all: Quality, performance, the right colors and stance, as well as a heritage that includes a SEMA award and a guest appearance in a PlayStation video game.
Best of all, it will sell at No Reserve at the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. The high bidder will walk away with a dream Corvette, no matter what the final hammer price. Don’t miss your chance to own this legend.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at the entire 2019 Scottsdale Preview Docket (with more vehicles being added daily), click HERE.