Frame Off Built Corvette Roadster EFI LS1 V8 4L60E 4 Speed Auto A/C PS Discs

SUMMARY

A concours-restored first generation Corvette is certainly something to admire. But, with whitewalls and all that chrome, it's easy to forget that these classics were once feared track warriors. By ushering in Chevrolet's legendary small block, it was the C1 that established the concept of America's Sports Car and created the very foundation of the brand's 60-year legacy of world-class performance. This '59 Vette pays tribute to that legacy by seating a powerful, lightweight drivetrain in a rich combination of black and silver pigment that emphasizes timeless, iconic lines. If you're ready to see the USA in a well-rounded Chevrolet, take a closer look at this sweet pro-tourer!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a recent, ground-up pro-touring build, this slick Corvette's smooth and sinuous body is covered in a glossy coat of rich black 2-stage. That wet-looking pigment is accentuated by fresh silver coves that, in spite of the car's heavy modifications, maintain close ties to signature C1 aesthetics. Speaking of aesthetics, there appears to be no evidence that this Chevy's fiberglass has ever been hit or needed any significant repair. The car's fit and finish has been adjusted to better-than-factory tolerances, with surfaces that are as clean as the day they pulled in to a Chevrolet showroom. And presently, this reborn roadster rolls as a timeless classic that always draws the eye.

Thanks to uniquely American style and an increasing focus on well-rounded performance, the '58-'62 Corvette presents a fluid yet detailed appearance. At the front of this polished and refinished drop-top, a toothy grille floats between bright halogen headlights, small, chrome-trimmed parking lamps and a translucent header roundel. At the sides of that grille, intricate bumpers bend around chrome-trimmed fenders that follow traditional Corvette cross-flags with finned cove inserts. Between those fenders, a sculpted hood leads the eye to polished wipers, curved glass and fresh Black canvas. At the back of that hood, traditional door handles reflect a stylish driver's mirror. And at the back of those doors, lightly modified bumpers frame retro taillights, polished exhaust tips and a second translucent roundel.

ENGINE

If you think the exterior of this classic is impressive, you're going to LOVE what's under its hood! Cranking out 345 horsepower, this Corvette's lightweight, high performance LS1 is widely regarded as one of the best small blocks ever produced. Built by Street & Performance, it combines a sturdy aluminum block with lightweight aluminum heads and aluminum flat-top pistons to turn razor-sharp throttle response into lightning quick acceleration. At the front of the mill, an ornate serpentine system spins a polished alternator and fresh AC compressor beneath a polished air tube, which bridges the gap between a polished throttle body and a reusable filter element. Once air enters that body, it flows in to a polished Street & Performance intake, which is bolted down over GM-spec internals. High-octane fossils are provided by modern electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through a Street & Performance computer, a Street & Performance wiring harness, high quality MSD coil packs and fresh MSD Super Conductor plug wires. Spent gases exit through coated Street & Performance shorties. And cooling comes courtesy of a beefy aluminum radiator that's backed by a large Tripac puller fan. Visually, not a detail was missed under this Chevy's Satin Black bonnet. Niceties such as polished valve covers, a polished brake booster and polished fuel lines provide just the right amount of flash to give the engine a clean, finished look. And the vicious small block fires right up, idles perfectly and accelerates like a modern sports car.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Toss this roadster on a lift and you'll find a proven Corvette Correction frame that's been completely powdercoated and bolted to clean, Satin Black floor tubs. Behind the stout LS1, a Street & Performance-sourced 4L60E 4-speed twists power to a familiar Dana 44 differential. That top-notch drivetrain rolls on a fourth generation Corvette suspension that's fitted with aluminum control arms, adjustable Vansteel coil-overs, a Hyperco Street & Track spring and adjustable QA-1 shocks. Power rack-and-pinion steering greatly increases handling prowess. Smooth and solid stops come courtesy of 4-wheel power disc brakes, which follow two C5 Z06-style calipers with two C4 calipers and four drilled and slotted rotors. Exhaust is handled by custom, stainless pipes, which bend around an X-shaped crossover and awesome Magnaflow mufflers. And at the corners of the floor, chrome C6 Z06-style wheels spin 245/40ZR18 Nitto Motivo tires.

INTERIOR

In keeping with this Chevy's high performance theme, interior outfitting remains minimal. High quality restoration pieces provide long-term durability without sacrificing good looks. The car's reclining Al Knoch seats are laced in tight leather hides. There's bright red carpet that's protected by color-keyed Al Knoch floor mats. Front and center, Classic Instruments telemetry and MP3-compatible RetroSound audio look perfectly natural inside Chevrolet's famous dual-cowl dash. At the center of the floors, a tall Lokar shifter shades small switches for the car's power windows. In front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a leather-wrapped rim around billet foot pedals. At the sides of the passengers, Al Knoch door panels continue the theme of customization. Behind the retracted top, a clean trunk shows virtually no signs of usage. And behind the scenes, American Autowire Highway 22 Series wiring keeps an arrangement of speakers bumping.

This clean Corvette manages a near perfect balance of road-going prowess and show-stopping aesthetics. So, what are you waiting for? Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte, sign the papers on this killer Chevy and make 2016 a summer to remember!