Frame Off Built Corvette Roadster EFI LS3 V8 6 Speed A/C

If you're in the market for something fun that's guaranteed to hold its appeal for a very long time, it's hard to go wrong with a lustworthy Vette. America's favorite sports car is finally commanding the respect it deserves. And with awesome classics like this clean '62 roadster mixing red carpet looks with every day drivability, it's not hard to see why. A perfect blend of classic style and modern technology, this handsome C1 is a first rate exercise in old school charm and vintage swagger. If you're looking for that rare trifecta of 'low maintenance', 'fun to own' and 'great investment potential', this '62 Chevy is your best bet!

Purchased in 2010 as a super solid roller, this contoured roadster's curvaceous body was massaged back to life by the techs at Extreme Customs in Temperance, Michigan. Like most C1s, the car was originally assembled at GM's new-for-1954 St. Louis manufacturing facility; and like most restored C1s, its fit and finish presents much better now than it did 52 years ago. In fact, judging by the looks of this Chevy's smooth fuselage, there's no evidence it has ever seen any kind of catastrophic damage. And today, layered in dynamic black two-stage, the car rolls as one very cool classic that, thanks to its hot drivetrain, can be proudly shown and reliably driven day in and day out.

1958 to 1962 was a banner era for the Corvette, as Chevrolet wanted to prove its new flagship could run with the best cars in the world while retaining classic style that would eventually bear an American icon. At the front of this polished and re-chromed drop-top, a 'toothed, '59-model grille rides between H4 euro conversion headlights, a shaved header panel and small, chrome-trimmed parking lamps. In front of that grille, an intricate bumper bends around shaved fenders that are detailed with sharp stainless trim. Between those fenders, a sculpted hood leads the eye to shaved windshield wipers, classy, wraparound glass and a rebuilt top that's strung with Al Knoch Stayfast cloth. At the back of that hood, lightweight doors hang a small mirror in front of traditional chrome handles. And at the back of those doors, a sculpted 'boat tail' decklid hangs a black Corvette roundel above a chrome tag bracket, familiar Corvette tail lights and a second chrome bumper.

The base model Vette has always been a highly competent, ready-made package. In the mid-60s, the car's go-to mill was GM's 327 cubic inch L30 small block. In the late-2000s, the car's go-to mill was GM's 6.2 liter Generation IV V8. That said; it doesn't seem unnatural that this roadster's classic hood veils a lightweight LS3. Widely considered one of the world's greatest powerplants, GM's generation IV LS3 utilizes aluminum construction, high flow heads, a high flow intake, an aggressive cam and an upgraded injection system to mix hours of thrills with miles of impressive fuel economy. And at 390 dyno-proven, rear-wheel horsepower, this Chevy's smooth revving engine is certainly no slouch in the performance department. GM's familiar fuel rail covers sport modern Corvette graphics. A factory serpentine system keeps Hot Rod Air conditioning spinning. A polished K&N air tube terminates with a big, reusable filter element. There's a custom aluminum radiator that's fitted with an efficient puller fan. A custom chrome hood latch combines with GM Performance wiring, braided Jegs fuel lines and a polished master cylinder to detail an otherwise purpose-built performer. And, as you would expect, the car's tidy engine bay is an excellent mixture of glossy black pigment and factory matte hardware.

With that kind of power on tap, it should come as no surprise that the bottom of this Corvette features a host of noteworthy upgrades. Behind the raucous engine, a stout LS7 clutch engages a proven Tremec T56 6-speed. That gearbox, sourced from a Cadillac CTS-V, spins power to a posi-trac Dana 44 that's fitted with stout 3.45 gears. That rear end, like the car's engine, rides on a fourth generation Corvette suspension that's fitted with adjustable QA1 Ultra Ride coli-overs. Stops are provided by factory Corvette calipers, which squeeze ceramic pads around 12-inch drilled, slotted and zinc-coated rotors. Turns come courtesy of a fourth generation Corvette power steering system that, when combined with the car's upgraded chassis and serious disc brakes, provides modern feel and great performance. Spent gases roll through 2.5-inch, TIG-welded pipes to polished Thrush mufflers. And power flows to the pavement through C6 Corvette-style wheels, which spin 245/45ZR17 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As around monochromatic center caps. Aesthetically, this Chevy's heavily reinforced frame, constructed from a jig of its original bones, really pops beneath bedliner-coated floor tubs. And everything, from the car's stainless brake lines to its Walbro fuel pump, is expertly finished, well-detailed and ready for action.

Inside this red hot drop-top, a clean leather interior is built around “CORVETTE” branded buckets that have just enough break-in time to provide an exceptionally comfortable ride. In front of those seats, an Al Knoch-wrapped dash hangs a full array of rebuilt gauges between controls for the car's air conditioning, a cool Custom Autosound radio and chrome power window switches. At the base of that dash, high quality carpet, which is sandwiched between color-keyed floor mats and FatMat insulation, serves as the perfect plane for an attractive Hurst shifter. At the edge of that carpet, Al Knoch side panels hang fresh hardware and low-mounted armrests behind large kick panel speakers. In front of the driver, a billet steering wheel spins a half-wrapped rim around a modern Ididit column and attractive chrome spokes. And behind the passengers, a fully finished trunk hides an American Autowire Highway 15 body harness.

The sale of this rad resto-mod includes an assembly manual, an official dyno sheet and a stack of component manuals.

If you're looking for a unique classic that mixes a great restoration with unmatched style and instant fun, this Chevy deserves your full attention. It's spectacular from every angle. It plays to a level of nostalgia that everyone can appreciate. And, whether you're setting up at a show or just spending Saturday afternoon on the town, it's guaranteed to be the center of attention!