So you've got one mechanically intact but cosmetically ruined 1996 Corvette Grand Sport and the shell of a 1962 Corvette roadster. Hmmm what to do? Well actually it's not hard to figure out and this awesome 1962 Corvette resto-mod more than delivers on the promises made by both its beautiful bodywork and impressive powertrain.The '62 Corvette bodywork was something of an artwork and this one features the same timeless look you'd expect from a C1 Corvette. It looks like a comfortable old 'Vette just the way we like them best with a lived-in vibe that's as comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans. The casual attitude is ideal for lulling everyone into thinking it's also vintage underneath although the stance and oversized rolling stock give it away just a little bit. The 'glass is in great shape with nice gaps and good panel fit throughout and it doesn't demonstrate any of the cracking and age-related issues that often plague these vintage roadsters. And as a resto-mod it doesn't need to slavishly keep the factory-style "flaws" so the shiny Roman Red paint is probably better than new and the modifications underneath didn't have any effect on what you see on the outside. They even kept the factory trim including the big chrome grille and bumpers all of which have been restored and look great.The interior is likewise 90% 1962. Comfortable black leather buckets wear reproduction seat covers that have a lived-in look that's very appealing along with matching door panels and carpets that were installed when the car was built. The factory gauges work with the modern LT4 engine and you'll note that the redline on the tach has been moved to suit the new engine's power curve. The stubby shifter manages six gears instead of four and the original steering wheel now commands a far more capable suspension. All the modern conveniences are here including a discreetly installed A/C system upgraded radio with iPod interface and cool LT4 emblems on the sill plates. The tan convertible top is there for emergencies and looks great and this car also includes a color-matched hardtop that's likewise in excellent shape. The trunk is beautifully upholstered with black carpets and custom side panels that include a Corvette emblem that matches the one on the deck lid. They didn't just drop the new engine into an ancient chassis. No this is a full Art Morrison tube frame setup with C4 independent suspension all around. The 350 cubic inch LT4 V8 is an easy fit (it is a small block Chevy after all) and it retains all its factory hardware so it runs and drives like an OEM build. With just 24000 miles on the donor car when it met its demise and another 18000 or so since then it's still quite fresh and very potent. The wiring and plumbing give it a factory look under the hood and it's just flashy enough to catch everyone's attention without resorting to needless chrome and other dress-up parts. Of course you also get 4-wheel disc brakes a slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox and the C4's Dana 44 rear end with 3.42 gears inside so it's a superlative highway cruiser. Custom pipes with Flowmaster mufflers tuck up inside the new frame and give it a traditional Chevy V8 bark. 17-inch Boyd Coddington wheels have a period look and carry fat 245/45/17 BFGoodrich G-Force radials all around.This is a vintage Corvette with a new lease on life. Get in head across the country and have a blast doing it. That's what no-compromises resto-mods are all about. Call now!
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