THE PERFECT CANVAS: Three Generations of Resto-Mod Corvettes
October 2, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Eric Becker
This 1956 Corvette (Lot #736) is among the incredible Resto-Mod examples of America’s sports car headed to the Barrett-Jackson block with No Reserve during the 2020 Fall Auction.
There’s a reason why Chevrolet’s take on the European sports car has remained so popular for the last 67 years. It was more than just another quick, nimble two-seater; it was a new style of American automobile, one that offered distinctive styling from its sleek and lithe fiberglass body, as well as ample grunt from a rumbling V8. The Corvette has and always will be America’s sports car, an intrinsic part of Motor City heritage that lends itself as the perfect canvas to hotrodders and road racers keen to express their individualism through customization.
A peak under the hood of Lot #736 reveals something never imagined in 1956: a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine.
Offered with No Reserve at the 2020 Barrett-Jackson Fall Auction are three exquisite Corvette Resto-Mods. Spanning the Corvette’s first three generations, each boasts its own unique character and charm, and is a testament to the builder’s vision sure to enthrall the winning bidder come auction day.
Up first is Lot #736, a stunning 1956 Corvette reinterpreted for the 21st century. Sitting behind the toothy chrome grille is a GM Connect & Cruise LS3. The 6.2-liter V8 routes 430 horses to the pavement via a 4L65E automatic transmission and Dana 44 posi-traction rear axle. Professionally built, the svelte fiberglass body sits atop a modified chassis fitted with C4 Corvette independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes.
The stunning interior of Lot #736.
This C1 Corvette was a star of the 2019 SEMA Show, and with one look at the eggshell-colored paint and scalloped sides finished in Gunmetal Gray, it’s easy to see why. The ’56 rides on Budnik Muroc IV wheels wrapped in thick rubber and features just 300 test miles since completion. Toggle a switch and the black canvas top peels back, revealing a striking interior cloaked in custom red European leather. A Classic Auto Air climate-control system keeps the driver in supreme comfort and a custom Dakota Digital instrument cluster delivers the latest information from the engine bay. The perfect car for a spirited Sunday morning drive, this C1 is sure to delight anyone who sits behind the wheel.
Lot #753 – an iconic Split-Window Corvette brought into the 21st century.
With styling that transcends generations, the second-generation Corvette changed the way people viewed America’s sports car. And with good reason. The lines sketched half a century ago by the Corvette design team still resonate today. Lot #753 is a gorgeous 1963 Corvette Split-Window with a stunning mirror-red exterior that commands total attention. Tucked under the hood is a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 540 dyno-proven horses routing through a custom-built 4L65E overdrive transmission. A treat for any driver, this ’63 Corvette is all about power and precision. The iconic C2 body rests on a RideTech chassis and suspension with a front sway bar, as well as a single adjustable coilover suspension.
The powerful LS3 engine riding in Lot #753.
For maximum roadholding, the ’Vette features a raked and staggered stance with 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inch wheels in the rear. The chrome wheels are wrapped in General G Max tires for ample grip during an animated drive. A Hydroboost system helps ease the brake pedal down on 6-piston Wilwood brakes at the front and 4-piston calipers at the rear. The ’Vette’s cabin is fit for a king with a luxuriously appointed distressed brown leather interior, custom sound system and Vintage Air climate control. Don’t miss your chance to slide behind the wheel when this stunning Split-Window rolls across the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2020 Fall Auction.
Lot #668.1 is a Resto-Modded Pro-Touring 1968 ’Vette.
Lastly is Lot #668.1, a black and bronze street shark. Peeking out of the bulging hood is a ground-pounding fuel-injected 502ci V8. The big-block engine was built by the Corvette gurus at Dick Guildstrand Automotive Engineering in Culver City, CA. Channeling the big-block’s raw power is a strengthened and custom-built high-performance 4-speed manual transmission. Keeping the Megalodon’s worth of power in check are 4-wheel disc brakes from Wilwood and a fully customized front and rear suspension. The Pro-Touring ’Vette sits mean with two-piece Foose Knuckle wheels tucked under flared fenders from the C3’s widebody kit.
The interior of Lot #668.1.
Finishing touches include powder-coated side vents, side skirts, matte bronze rear vents and custom RECARO racing seats. This Custom ’Vette is built to perform and is more than ready to take a bite out of the open road.
America’s sports car can be personalized in so many ways – it represents the freedom of expression and individualism with the added flourish of a thundering V8 and crisp styling. Bid well.
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the 2020 Fall Auction docket, click HERE.