With the arrival, and unmitigated success, of the mid-engine 2020 C8 Corvette it looks like Chevrolet has a big winner on their hands. It's an aggressive design with blistering performance to match and with a starting below $60,000 and 0-60 mph times under three seconds, it's sure to be on the top of every gearhead's list of cars to get. But no matter how good brand new supercars have become there's something special about a classic Corvette from the legendary brand's storied past.
One of my favorite all-time cars has always been the 1963-1967 C2 Corvette especially the wild split-window big tank cars. And while Vettes of this era cannot hope to match the comfort, performance, high tech guts and ride of modern cars, they have an allure that can't be matched. But customizers have managed to breath new life into these old cars by restomodding old iron with the guts of modern automobiles. And this restomodded 1963 Chevy Corvette Split Window coupe is one of the most beautiful and powerful performers that can go toe to toe with any current sports car. Let's give it a look.
The Split-Window Vette
This 1963 Chevy Corvette Split Window was designed and built by Joe Verrillo of the eponymously named Verrillo Motor Car Company. It's a C2 body and interior with the guts and hardware of a C7 generation Corvette. While the body is mostly stock it does have Custom Quarter Panels to Accept Larger Profile Wheels, a Custom Billet Aluminum Hood Grille with Functional Cold Air Induction System, and Enlarged Rear Wheel Houses and a Custom Rear Floor Section. The build is top notch with tons of performance pieces and a tasteful blend of the old and the new. And, it doesn't have many miles on the car since complete.
Restomodded Out
Under the hood is a C7 Z06 LT4 Supercharged 6.2L V8 with 650 HP and 650 lb-ft of Torque. Power is put to the ground with a 5 Speed Tremec TKO Transmission. There's a Street Shop Chassis, C7 Corvette Suspension, C7 Z51 Brakes, and QA1 Ultra Ride Adjustable Coil-Over Shocks. Out back is a Hammerhead Billet Aluminum Dana 44 Rear with 3:50 Gears, Heavy Duty Front and Rear Sway Bars, Rack and Pinion Power Steering, a Custom Stainless Steel Fuel Tank, and Custom Baffled Side Exhaust. The look is slick and clean and everything is tight. You know this thing hauls ass!
Supercar Sticker Price
On the inside she sports Two Tone Red & Black Leather Power Seats, a Dakota Digital Instrument Cluster, Billet Aluminum Tilt Steering Column, and a Vintage Style Radio with XM Bluetooth Connectivity and USB/Aux Ports. There's even a Vintage Air HVAC Unit
and Modern Electric Headlight and Windshield Wiper Motors. What does all of this cost? Well, it certainly isn't cheap at $299,999, but with C2 looks and C7 performance it sounds like a good deal to me. Buckle up.
Source: Hemmings