NCRS Top Flight Body Off Restored Corvette Split Window 327/340 HP 4 Speed

SUMMARY

According to serious collectors, the best Corvette is an original Corvette. But asking a car to stay fully intact for over half a century is a tall order, and as a result, many classics are torn apart and rebuilt in painstaking detail. Some, like this sterling Split-Window, are rebuilt so well that they attain national recognition. Over the course of four years, this impressive Vette claimed three NCRS Top Flight awards and won a Palmetto Award at the 2009 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance. Today, wrapping an original 327/4-speed drivetrain in stunning silver and black aesthetics, the car presents with authority. And if you're in the market for an exclusive Sting Ray that looks good, drives great and can stand its ground on any show field, it's just the Main Street centerpiece you've been looking for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a detailed, body-off restoration that was completed in late 2006, this slick Corvette features a glossy, correct appearance that highlights solid, attractive bodywork. Take one look down the sides of the car's sinuous body and it becomes very obvious that great care was taken to ensure every panel is aligned to better-than-new condition. Step closer to that body's mirror-like paint and check out its straight and ripple-free surfaces, which are a product of both clean OEM fiberglass and high quality replacement parts. Grab the pivotal pieces of that well-adjusted resin and experience the kind of excellent fit and finish that's right at home reflecting a summertime car show. Then step back to admire one very well done classic that was built to parade.

ENGINE

Tilt the car's lightweight hood and you'll find an original, 327 cubic inch small block that hangs a correct 3782870 casting number behind a correct "RE" suffix code and matching partial VIN. Introduced as the ultimate option for Sting Ray owners who wanted to be just as quick in the corners as they were on the straightaways, Chevrolet's lightweight L76 utilized a wide-bore block, a forged steel crank, forged pop up pistons and a Duntov 30-30 cam to turn stout 11 to 1 compression into a solid 340 horsepower. At the top of the spry mill, a polished air cleaner funnels wind in to a familiar 4-pot carburetor, which is sequenced to an AC fuel filter via clean stainless fluid lines. Below that carb, a clean aluminum intake perfectly complements finned Corvette valve covers. At the back of that intake, chrome-cased ignition shoots spark past restored exhaust manifolds via stainless-sleeved wires. At the front of those manifolds, a Harrison-branded radiator circulates coolant through pliable hoses and authentic tower clamps. And details like a correct alternator, a Harrison overflow tank and a reproduction Delco battery ensure this Chevy runs every bit as good as it looks.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Peer under this well-planted coupe and you'll find a Satin Black chassis that's straight, solid and ready to pound the pavement. The L76 sends power to an original Muncie 4-speed, which hangs a correct 3831704 casting number and matching partial VIN in front of a posi-traction differential that's finished with big, 4.11 gears. In front of that transmission, a double A-arm suspension employs an authentic-feeling manual steering rack. Opposite that rack, a transverse leaf suspension does an excellent job of increasing grip. In the middle of the car's bare floors, aluminized, true-dual exhaust shuttles spent gases through rear mounted mufflers and polished stainless tips. At the corners of the car's suspension, traditional drum brakes mix firm stops with solid handling. And all that fully sorted hardware rolls on 15-inch steelies, which spin 6.70-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around modernist Chevrolet wheel covers.

INTERIOR

Slip in to this Vette's correct interior and settle on one of its comfortable buckets. Those seats are as original, with correct lap belts framing polished stainless trim. From the driver's perch, stock gauges bleed onto their bordering panels in a march toward a center-mount clock, a Delco AM/FM radio and an aluminum-trimmed glove box. Below that clock, like-new carpet floats wide sills and heavy-duty floor mats at the sides of a factory console that's fitted with a small armrest and chrome shifter. Opposite that console, stainless-trimmed door panels front factory power windows. And in front of the driver, a satin-spoke steering wheel laps a classy cross-flag emblem.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Before we wrap things up, here's a quick look at the car's VIN and Data Plate:

DATA PLATE

AWARDS

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

As the old saying goes: "it's only original once". Problem is, no matter how well its maintained, a 50-year-old car is just that: a 50-year-old car. Why not hit the road in a carefully revitalized piece like this national award-winning Split-Window? With an original 327/4-speed drivetrain and a roster of carefully chosen replacement pieces, this is a classic you can show and drive just as General Motors intended. Don't miss your opportunity to own one of the most coveted Corvettes ever!