No car is better suited to a Resto Mod build than a Mid Year Corvette. The timeless styling readily accepts subtle mods and the mechanicals beg for upgrades.
Whether the body style is a coupe or a convertible, modern styling cues like large diameter wheels can blend in nicely, adding to rather than detracting from the classic styling. And although the Mid Year Corvettes featured four-wheel independent suspension, the design is dated and easily upgraded either on the existing chassis or a stiffer aftermarket replacement.
Let’s check out what these seven builders did to create their personal restomod Corvette masterpieces.
7 Glorious Corvette Restomod Models!
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
The complete frame-off build began with the complete disassembly of the car and preparation of the frame, which was seam-welded and powder-coated to match the car. Between the frame rails went a 7.0 L LS7 V8 with electronic fuel injection. Backing up the big motor is a close ratio Muncie M21 four speed manual transmission driving out to a 4.11:1 rear end.Steering has been upgraded to power rack and pinion and brakes to four-wheel discs. Putting power to the ground are wider tires on 18″ Boyd’s alloy wheels. The whole package is finished off in red and white base/clear coat color scheme, including the Stinger stripe on the big-block hood. That’s one sexy fuel injected Corvette classic right there.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod Convertible
The builder of this 1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible started with a custom tube steel frame that utilizes the front and rear independent suspension from a 1994 Corvette. A C6 Corvette was the source for the car’s all aluminum LS3 V8, backed by a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 ring and pinion bolted to a Positraction differential. 13-inch disc brakes with drilled and vented rotors are fitted at all four corners. Although the car is a ’66 model, the car has fitted with a ’67-vintage big block Stinger hood, front fender body side vents, backup lights and factory side exhaust from stainless steel. Beautiful Cadillac Silver base coat clear coat is accented with a black Stinger and a sharp black cloth soft top.
1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
This ’65 Sting Ray coupe is built on a stout C4 chassis with its modern four-wheel independent suspension. Beneath the hood lurks a the big-block hood bulge beats a 505 hp 7.0 L LS7 engine, same as used in the C6 Z06, and backed by a 5-speed Tremec manual transmission driving a Dana 44 differential fitted with 3.35:1 ring and pinion. The car has also been fitted with a power rack and pinion steering system. It’s handsomely finished in Silver metallic paint complimented with side exhaust and retro-styled Halibrand wheels. This is what a classic car should look like.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
This ’67 Sting Ray Coupe body is mounted on a Street Works tube chassis built to accept Corvette C4 four-wheel independent suspension and brakes. Under the Stinger hood is an upgraded 427 High Output LS7 engine fitted with a Magnuson-Eaton supercharger and produces an astounding 815 hp. All that power is managed by a Tremec Viper 6-speed manual transmission. The interior is custom-finished in leather and fitted with Z06 seats, while the exterior is finished in PPG Super Jet Black paint and features front and rear chromed bumpers, Billet Specialties 18-inch wheels and factory-style side exhaust pipes.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
This fabulous low-riding 1963 Split Window Coupe began with a custom-fabricated tube steel frame designed to accept Corvette C5 front suspension and C6 rear suspension. Between the frame rails is fitted a C6 Corvette LS3 all-aluminum V-8 upgraded to deliver 500 hp to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission and Getrag C6 differential assembly. A brand new 4-wheel disc brake system with 6-piston calipers and drilled and slotted rotors, all sourced from a ZR1 are part of the upgrade. Finishing off the build is the car’s Split Window Coupe body finished in Platinum Pearl and housing a superbly executed Dark Red leather interior.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Lurking beneath this original black/black 1963 Split Window Coupe is a SRIII Motorsports chassis that carries the complete front and rear independent suspension from a C6. Power comes from a GM Motorsports LS3 crate motor that produces 525 hp, backed by the ubiquitous Tremec 5-speed transmission. Steering has been upgraded to a power rack and pinion system with a tilt steering column. Black Leather Power Seats and custom cut pile carpet and Vintage Air a/c round out the interior. Finishing out the exterior is a set of well-chosen brushed Boze Alloy Pro Lite wheels.
1965 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod Convertible
This sharp 1965 Corvette convertible is constructed on a new tube chassis by the Street Shop that has been fitted with the full independent suspension, power steering and four-wheel cross-drilled and vented disc brakes from a C4 Corvette. A 405 hp C5 Z06 all-aluminum LS6 engine replaces the original unit, and is mated to a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6-speed transmission with a Hurst short-throw shifter. The interior has been upgraded with air conditioning and power windows, while the exterior is kept stock-looking in its appearance, refinished in the original Nassau Blue. The only hint that something’s different about this car are the CCW chromed aluminum billet wheels. So it’s got disc brakes, power steering, and loads of cool extras. All it needs is a fat sound system, and we’ll call that good to go.
