The custom car scene often produces radical transformations, but few are as striking as this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster. Built by the experts at Stripped Down Street Rods, this vehicle blends classic design cues with modern supercar performance. It utilizes a high-performance donor from 2009 to create a driving experience that is entirely unique and visceral.
A Modern Heart Within a Custom Chassis
At the core of this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster sits the soul of a 2009 Z06. The build features a custom chassis designed to support the incredible torque of a modern LS7 engine. An Illusion Orange powder-coated exoskeleton replaces the traditional fiberglass body, providing an aggressive and industrial look. This skeletal frame ensures that every mechanical component remains visible to passersby.
C2 Design Inspiration and Exterior Details
The builders carefully integrated elements that pay homage to the second-generation Sting Ray. Custom front headlights and iconic quad rear tail lights are welded directly into the tubing to reference the original 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster silhouette. Black powder-coated panels provide a sharp contrast against the vibrant orange tubing of the complex exterior frame. Centennial Cup Gloss Black wheels further enhance the modern stance of this open-top machine.
Track Focused Interior and Control Systems
Inside the cockpit, the driver is greeted by a functional and minimalist environment built for speed. Tan vinyl racing bucket seats with four-point harnesses keep occupants secure during high-speed maneuvers. A MOMO steering wheel sits in front of an OEM gauge cluster sourced directly from the donor vehicle. The exposed nature of the dash reveals the raw engineering that went into making this roadster a reality.
Refreshed Drivetrain and Handling Components
Reliability was a key focus during the construction of this one-of-a-kind roadster. The mechanical team installed new fluids, spark plugs, and an engine oil pan gasket to ensure peak performance. It retains the original torque tube and rear differential from the Z06 for proven durability. Even the traction control remains functional, operated by a simple switch located on the custom dash.
Engine Performance and Technical Specifications
This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster is powered by a refreshed 7.0L LS7 V-8 engine producing 500 HP. Power reaches the ground through a six-speed manual transmission equipped with a short-throw shifter for rapid gear changes. Stopping power is provided by OEM Z06 four-wheel disc brakes featuring a functional ABS system. Nitto tires wrapped around nineteen-inch wheels provide the necessary grip for this lightweight performance beast.
Summary of the Stripped Down Custom Build
This custom roadster represents a bold intersection of two different eras of automotive excellence. By combining the legendary look of a C2 with modern Z06 internals, it offers the best of both worlds. The vehicle stands as a testament to creative engineering and high-performance craftsmanship. It will certainly be a highlight when it crosses the block on Thursday, March 19th.
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Source: mecum.com
