Every once in a while we come across a vehicle that forces us to restructure our standards. The fine automobile before you is a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split window coupe, and upon first glance it left us speechless. We were like a group of Beliebers browsing Justin’s selfies on Tumblr. Or something.
Classified as a Pro Touring vehicle, this C2 Corvette was built by American Speed Shop based in Bloomington, Indiana. This gem of a car is equipped with a 525 horsepower LS3 V8 matted to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, and a host of modern day suspension upgrades.
Check out all the top-notch parts below; the list is reminiscent of a speed junky’s Christmas list.
The stellar build was put on display at the 2016 SEMA convention, and is deserving of the recognition. That said, the quality and speed come at a price. In fact, the “Eleanor Corvette“, as we would call it, has an estimated value of $350,000 to $450,000. We’ll find out its true value next week, when it crosses the block at the Mecum Kissimmee auction.
The ‘Bounty Hunter’ C2 is set to be auctioned off at next week as well, and also has the same estimated value of nearly half a million dollars. If we had to pick between the two, we’d take the performance over the rich history. Historical value is cool and all, but nothing beats the sensation of speed.
Source: Mecum Auctions
Comments
I hope this car was not in good condition before this because if it was then the builder should be charged with the degradation of a national treasure.
I grown to love the proportions of both early Corvettes with the shorter front overhang. The later generations all had an exaggerated shovel version of the C2 pointed nose. This is another one of those, I would’ve loved to see what else was drawn up. Maybe the C7 could’ve used a trimmer nose for more cooling air.