Summary

Powered by a new 2023 Corvette LS3 6.2-liter 525hp V8 engine with a Thumper cam paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Has Vintage Air, Coffman chassis, Wilwood brakes, Dakota Digital gauges and a custom Apex interior. Completed in September 2023.

Details

This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Pro-Touring custom convertible is powered by a new 2023 Corvette LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine Thumper Cam that generates 525hp and 495 ft/lbs of torque paired with a 4L70E 4-speed automatic transmission. Professionally built and finished in September 2023 by The Custom Shop in Flanagan, IL, it sits on a Coffman chassis with a C6-C7 independent front suspension with fully adjustable ride height and RideTech coilovers. The frame was powder-coated in a custom gray color. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood brakes with 6-piston front calipers with 14-inch rotors and stainless-steel brake lines with an electric brake booster. It is equipped with a throttle-body EFI and the stock air cleaner hiding the Holley EFI under the distributor cover, and hidden coil billet valve covers with Chevrolet script milled on them. The pulley system is Vintage Air and all chrome with high-output alternator and water pump. There is a Holley aluminum intake orange-painted block to look like OEM. It is equipped with power rack & pinion steering, a new EFI gas tank, Earl's Teflon fuel lines and fittings, Holley wiring harness and a Holley Terminator X max-programmed computer. There are Dakota Digital gauges and LED lighting throughout, along with a Vintage Air system that was added in a stock configuration under the dash. The interior is all Apex Light Blue leather featuring a custom-embroidered logo, custom seats along with the door panels that were restored to look like factory panels, new sill plates, weatherstripping and carpet to look as much like the original as possible. The trunk has been fully upholstered and has matching leather and carpet, in addition to a storage compartment under the floor. The body is all-original and was completely stripped and finished in ProSpray Pearl White Tricoat and Light Blue and 8500 High Solids clear. The same attention to detail was performed on the undercarriage and engine bay, which was painted with a Light Blue Pearl ceramic coating. A new stereo made to look like the original 1961 Wonder Bar model includes modern features, such as Bluetooth and Sony speakers. The Navy Blue convertible top was completely restored, and every line, hose, switch and fitting were redone and then covered in Navy Blue Stayfast material. It also has a matching original hardtop with a roller cart for safekeeping in storage. It includes a high-output Odyssey battery with a CTEK charger. This custom Corvette rides on Billet Specialties wheels made to look like a modern original-style with knock-off center nuts and whitewall tires. This Corvette won the MCACN 2023 Blue Ribbon, scoring 997 out of 1,000, in addition to Platinum awards and Celebrity Pick. 150 miles since the build completion.