World-Class Corvette Split Window Restomod LS7 V8 Automatic Leather A/C

It's a little hard to classify this incredible second-generation Corvette. Having a coveted split window, it's certainly a revered classic. Given the car's hot LS7, modern transmission and trick Newman Car Creations suspension, it's definitely a first-class pro-tourer. But when it comes to looks, this Chevy flies right under the 'bling-and-billet' radar as a lights-out resto-mod that's comfortable, fully sorted and ready to rock! Looking for some killer American muscle that's both collectible and cool? Check out this exceptional Chevrolet!

PERFECTING TIMELESS APPEAL

Every car has a story, and an affinity for the memories those stories recall is often what separates casual fans from passionate enthusiasts. The owner of this sweet Chevy developed his Sting Ray obsession while hanging out with a college buddy who had a habit of rolling around in a Tuxedo Black split-window. Not surprisingly, that car eventually ended up in said owner's possession, and plans were made for a detailed restoration. However, a few years passed, and priorities changed, so the Sting Ray was divested to bolster a down payment on a new house. But, as all gearheads know, obsession never leaves, and many years later a new, correctly black split-window was acquired as a central part of the owner's grand plan to build a 'forever car'. The new Sting Ray, featured here, was promptly hauled to Corvette Specialists GTS Customs in Simi Valley, California. And a few years and more than a few checks later, this exquisite classic debuted as one of the first Corvette resto-mods to be honored with the NCRS 427 Concours Award.

At the front of this Chevy's solid, 1963 body, familiar 'razor blade' bumpers reflect a straight stainless grille and bullet-style parking lamps. Behind that grille, traditional header flags wave toward a 1963-exclusive hood, which fronts tinted and stainless-trimmed glass that's cleared by polished wipers. At the sides of that glass, familiar bowtie mirrors reflect tasteful rocker trim, factory door handles and 1-inch widened quarters that were created and installed by the pros at GTS Customs. Behind those subtly massaged haunches, two more razor blades bend around monochromatic taillights, a polished tag pocket and a bright fuel filler that complements a classy deck script. And the car's rich 2-stage, applied by Outrageous Paint by GTS Customs, is strategically protected by quality Clear Bra.

THE IMMORTAL LS7

Given this coupe's aspirations of world-class performance, throwing a chrome dress-up kit on a vintage 327 simply wasn't an option. While old school small blocks are awesomely raw beasts, they tend to be more machete than scalpel. That's why the restorer decided to drop in seven liters of magnificent firepower that Chevrolet reverently branded “LS7”. Twisting 505 horsepower into 470 lb./ft. of torque, the lightweight 427 rumbling between this classic's sinuous fenders is a 21st century testament to the bowtie division's enduring performance legacy! Founded in GM's very successful C6 racing program, the brutal mill utilizes a forged crank, titanium rods and hypereutectic pistons to flat out whip pretty much anything with four wheels. At the front of the block, a polished air box funnels oxygen into a GM-supplied throttle body. That wind mixes with fuel in a composite intake, on its way to CNC-ported cylinder heads that are finished with lightweight titanium valves. Those valves get bumped by a GM hydraulic roller cam that, thanks to wrapped plug wires, helps create stout 11 to 1 compression. VaporWorx fuel control syphons a Camaro ZL1 pump, which rides in a Rick's stainless tank. Lubrication comes courtesy of factory dry-sump oiling. A big Be Cool radiator fronts a big electric fan. And it all adds up to a great combination of power and drivability.

THE SOFTER SIDE OF SPORT

The central idea behind the pro-touring movement is updating Golden Age classics with New Age performance and, for many, that whole mindset revolves around a car's powertrain and chassis. But here's the thing: today's technology makes it very easy to create a classic so focused that it's basically unlivable. After all, we presently enjoy an era in which many family sedans can outrun sports cars that were at the top of the game not even 15 years ago. All that said, the owner of this Vette wanted a car that is not only capable, but also civil enough to enjoy over long weekends. That prowess began with a full Newman Car Creations suspension. Marrying the best aspects of the fourth-generation Corvette with factory frame rails, Newman suspensions maintain Chevy's long-running transverse leaf set-up to supplement improved handling with a great ride. Behind the LS7, a fresh 6L85E 6-speed automatic turns a C4-era Dana 44 that's finished with stout, 3.54 gears. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to Hydratech hydroboost and fourth-generation Corvette calipers. Easy turns are a cinch thanks to fourth-generation Corvette power rack-and-pinion steering. Exhaust tone, like this Chevy's ride, stays joyfully sporty thanks to 2.5-inch, heat-wrapped pipes, which join polished, 1967 tips with mild mufflers and heat-wrapped manifolds. And at the corners, custom, knock off-style wheels twist faux spinners inside custom whitewall radials.

CUSTOMIZED WITH A PURPOSE

Hit the remote for this Corvette's lightweight doors and you'll find a tastefully tweaked interior that, while it may look delightfully vintage, is brimming with cool upgrades. Front and center, 1964 Corvette buckets, modified to accept 1967 headrests, sport clean Saddle leather that's dotted with 1963 stitch patterns. In front of those seats, a leather-wrapped dash hangs Vintage Air conditioning next to fully restored telemetry that, in addition to being recalibrated to work with the LS7, has been sealed behind crisp glass lenses. At the center of that dash, a Quartz Movement clock shades original style knobs, which complement original-style power window switches. Those high-speed windows recess behind leather-wrapped side panels, which prop more 1963-spec stitching around custom kick speakers, requisite power door locks and slightly relocated armrests. At the center of the car, a custom console aligns perfectly with a customized Powerglide shifter that's been modified to use the 6L85E's Pontiac G8 performance pattern. Those components are caged in 80/20 Loop Carpet, which is founded on thick sound deadener, and an Ultrasuede headliner, which frames modern, 3-point safety belts. The driver spins a custom Teak steering wheel. LED courtesy lighting slow fades like a modern car. And while the original Delco radio does turn on this Vette's impressive, MP3-compatible infotainment system, true access to Bluetooth, navigation and satellite radio comes courtesy of a remote-control Kenwood touchscreen that rises out of the car's dash speaker.

Storming the market almost 70 years ago, America's favorite sports car remains some of the hottest performance on the planet. This split-window pro-tourer is a world-class custom that features a potent drivetrain, a modern suspension and many well-executed details that make it the perfect combination of show and go. There really isn't a better hobby on earth than owning a classic car, and driving this striking coupe is the perfect way to celebrate that hobby!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Incredible split-window pro-tourer that's the product of a professional, multi-year build
* One of the first resto-mods to earn the NCRS 427 Concours Award
* 7.0 liter Chevrolet Performance LS7 with 505 horsepower
* GM 6L85E 6-speed automatic transmission
* Fourth-generation Corvette Dana 44 differential with 3.54 gears
* Modern air conditioning
* Fourth-generation Corvette power rack-and-pinion steering
* Fourth-generation Corvette 4-wheel disc brakes with hydroboost
* Full Newman Car Creations suspension
* Custom Saddle leather interior with modern audio
* Authentic 1963 Corvette body with slightly widened quarters
* Custom Knock Off-style wheels with custom radial tires
* NCRS Shipping Data Report and 427 Concours Award ribbon
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world