Ground Up Built Corvette Grand Sport Custom 454 5 spd PS PB AC

SUMMARY

The popularity of some of America's greatest muscle cars has grown to the point that components, and even complete replicas, are produced as entirely new assemblies. Of course, being an astute enthusiast, you already knew that. I mean, when was the last time you saw an original Shelby Cobra? The replicar phenomenon gained even more momentum when Congress passed the Low Volume Motor Vehicles Manufacturers Act of 2015, prompting, among other things, a revival of niche manufacturers like Checker Motor Cars. With that in mind, it seems perfectly logical that this killer Corvette Grand Sport, a ground-up, custom build, happily prowls the streets as a 2016 Assembled Vehicle. Wrapping hand-laid fiberglass around a GM 454 and 5 gears of Tremec motion, this awesome Vette is cool to admire AND a blast drive. And if you're looking to own a storied vintage car without all the drama of owning a half-century-old car, it's a top candidate for your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Completed in early 2016 by Bad Ass Replicas of Sandusky, Ohio, this slick Corvette is the beneficiary of a ground-up, custom build that conveys an acute sense of quality. In addition to better-than-factory alignment, the car's body features super sinuous appeal thanks to a full anointing of first-generation Corvette Grand Sport character. That character shines through custom PPG Deltron 2-stage, which accents gloss black base with a unique combination of tan and orange stripes. And today, this striking Sting Ray rolls as one of the coolest classics in our 250-car showroom!

What's the point of juicing the profile of an already sculpted sports car unless you REALLY emphasize the car's unique athletic demeanor? I mean, we all know that Corvettes with flared fenders are awesome cars! But therein lies the issue: the hobby already has tons of awesome classics. So, why not go all out and try something a bit different? That was probably the main line of thinking behind this Chevy's familiar aesthetics. At the front of the car, a deleted bumper makes way for a custom nose-clip, which centers a billet grille between small parking lamps and Grand Sport-style headlights. Above that clip, an aggressive hood shades monochromatic wipers and flush-mount glass. Below that glass, billet heat extractors lead chrome door handles, small mirrors and massive side-pipes. And at the back of the car, a billet fuel filler fronts Grand Sport-style louvers and traditional taillights.

ENGINE

Believe it or not, "unique athletic demeanor" might be a bit of an understatement for this Chevy. Tilt the hood and you'll find a clean, 454 cubic inch big block that was professionally assembled by Precision Engines of Port Clinton, Ohio. A rich mixture of oxygen and fuel is supplied by a Holley 750 4-barrel, which floats between a polished air cleaner and beefy FPS fluid lines. That carb rides a lightweight Edelbrock intake, which is mated to a Jet Black block via lightweight, aluminum heads. Those heads hang polished valve covers between polished Edelbrock breathers and coated block hugger headers. At the back of those tubes, an MSD Pro-Billet distributor bounces spark between MSD 6AL ignition, an MSD Blaster 2 coil and Taylor StreeThunder plug wires. In front of those wires, a Vintage Air Front Runner system spins a Stewart water pump between a polished Powermaster alternator, a coated AC compressor and modern power steering. That pump feeds a shrouded Griffin radiator that's parked in front of a polished electric fan. And all that first-class hardware is detailed with items like a chrome dipstick, a polished Holley fuel regulator and a trick Wilwood master cylinder.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

We've said it time and time again, and the old adage still proves true. A pro-tourer simply isn't an authentic pro-tourer unless its significant power enhancements are augmented by significant chassis upgrades. That's the only way 100% of the car's performance potential will ever be realized. Accordingly, this spry coupe's solid floors and custom chassis frame a fourth-generation Corvette suspension that's been augmented with a full outfit of QA-1 coil-overs. At the center of that skeleton, a fresh Tremec TKO600 5-speed makes excellent use of a Dana 44 differential, which is packed with friendly, 3.54 gears. Turns come courtesy of power rack-and-pinion steering. Smooth and solid stops are provided by bright red calipers, which clamp four drilled and slotted discs. Power flows through polished American Racing Torq Thrust IIs, which spin 235/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sports in front of 275/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sports. And everything, from this Corvette's braided fuel lines and Moroso deep-sump oil pan to its Holley fuel pump and Powermaster PowerMAX Plus starter, is expertly finished, superbly detailed and ready for action.

INTERIOR

Pop the doors and you'll find a tweaked leather interior that mixes the best aspects of modern convenience with the best attributes of vintage style. Front and center, third-generation Corvette buckets sport plush hides. In front of those seats, a custom, stylized dash hangs black-trimmed Auto Meter Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite telemetry beside Vintage Air climate control, direct-fit audio and a convenient charging port. At the edges of that dash, hard door panels prop traditional chrome handles in front of power-operated windows and power-operated door locks. At the bottom of those panels, premium carpet frames a chrome Corvette shifter. Opposite that rug, a sturdy roll bar lines a hard headliner, which flows to big JL Audio speakers. In front of the driver, a Corvette-branded steering wheel spins a thick wood rim around a tilting Flaming River column. And behind the passengers, a power-operated trunk hides the car's battery.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

Lust worthy, athletic and ready to rule Main Street, this impressive Corvette is an excellent combination of classic looks and incredible performance. Everyone loves top-notch C2s, but some are A LOT cooler than others. If you've been searching for an awesome muscle car to enjoy for years to come, you're looking at your next classic!