Body Off Restored Corvette Roadster 283 Dual Quad Duntov Cam V8 225 HP 2 Speed

SUMMARY

Flashy muscle cars are fun, and crazy customs are nice, but there's really nothing cooler than well-done '50s Americana. Comfortable, polished and acutely detailed, classic Chevrolets just ooze style. And this striking Corvette is a carefully restored stunner that mixes 265 cubic inches of dual-quad V8 with a proven driveline and clean, traditional aesthetics. If you're looking for a first class collector car that's road ready, show-ready and just plain fun, here's the perfect way to enjoy the scene!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a quality, frame-off restoration that's logged only 26 miles since its 2013 completion, this highly polished drop-top has been lovingly coated in a crisp combination of Venetian Red and Shoreline Beige 2-stage. At the front of its silky panels, an aggressive chrome grille floats chromed guards between chrome-trimmed parking lamps, bright T3 headlights and convex bumpers that bend around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, an ornate header emblem leads the eye to a sculpted hood, like-new glass and classy stainless frames that are sealed under a color-keyed hardtop. Below that top, traditional handles and a correct mirror perfectly complement chrome vents and stainless-trimmed coves. And at the back of the car, an ornate trunk emblem reflects flashy taillights, two more bumpers and vertical trim spears that center small exhaust pipes in dramatic quarter panels.

ENGINE

Tilt this roadster's lightweight hood and you'll find a correct, 265 cubic inch Chevrolet small block that proudly displays a dual-quad/high performance/2-speed (FG) assembly stamp in front of a familiar 3720991 casting number. GM's ultimate hot rod option for the 1956 model year, this 225 horsepower mill features the proven square bore/hydraulic lifter set-up that put Chevrolet performance cars on the map. At the top of the block, reliable Carter carburetors, which breathe through small, louvered air cleaners, funnel life in to a correct Winters intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang painted Corvette valve covers over fully restored exhaust manifolds. Behind those tubes, a chrome-capped ignition system shoots fire through stainless sleeved wires. And in front of those wires, a tagged Harrison radiator circulates coolant through reproduction GM hoses and correct squeeze clamps. In addition to its killer powerplant, this Corvette offers a thoroughly detailed engine bay that's complete with stainless fluid lines, an AC fuel bowl, a Delco-Remy generator and a reproduction Delco battery. And the car's first rate aesthetics, which mix smooth, Satin Black framing with a bright, Chevy Orange core, create great texture and excellent contrast.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Toss this Corvette on a lift and you'll find a carefully restored X-frame that's bolted to clean floor tubs that have been thoroughly sealed in fresh, Satin Black paint. Behind the stout small block, a correct Powerglide 2-speed funnels torque through a highway-friendly axle. Holding that drivetrain in place is a restored and marked double A-arm front and rear leaf suspension. Smooth and solid stops come courtesy of 4-wheel drum brakes. Exhaust is handled by coated, true-dual pipes, which flow in to coated, glasspack-style mufflers. And at the corners of the chassis, stainless-capped steelies twist fresh 6.70-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls.

INTERIOR

Inside this magazine-featured Vette, a clean vinyl interior is built around great looking buckets that have just enough break-in time to be exceptionally comfortable. At the front of those seats, a 2-tone dash centers a pushbutton radio between rebuilt gauges and a small mirror. At the sides of that dash, stylish door panels front factory power windows. Below those panels, sleek Daytona carpet floats Corvette-branded mats at the sides of a short chrome shifter. And in front of the driver, a big steering wheel, which is clearly inspired by race cars of the period, features matching paint, drilled spokes and a highly polished horn button.

When it comes to comfort, performance and timeless style, nothing beats a storied GM classic. Thanks to a high quality restoration, this awesome Corvette wraps a storied drivetrain in a correct chassis and head turning aesthetics. If you're in the market for a cool cruiser that's fully detailed and ready to hit the road, welcome to the Chevrolet family!