Built big block 4 speed manual hardtop

Car builders, take note: this is how you build a resto-mod that stands up to the test of time. There are so many hacked-up mid-year Corvettes out there with misguided attempts at modernization that this 1964 Corvette roadster stands out simply by virtue of its attention to detail and value pricing. Of course, the thundering 496 cubic inch big block doesn't hurt, and it's got the performance hardware to put all that horsepower to use without diminishing the fantastic original... C2 look. The Corvette neatly fits into a number of categories: with the 496, it's a seriously fast piece of hardware, and the red paint and white stripes on the big block Stinger hood gives it a high-visibility look that's just about right for a vintage 'Vette with an aggressive powerplant. The restoration was done with that in mind, giving it exacting fit and finish that makes this car look great even at a glance, and although considerable time has passed since the build, this C2 still has a great street presence. There are a few signs of use here and there, but that's expected for a roadster that was built with one sole purpose: to devour pavement. The 1967 Stinger big block hood is arguably one of the best-looking ever fitted to a Mid-Year Corvette and someone took the extra time to make sure that it fit well, and the adorning white stripes provide just the right amount of contrast to the red body. All the chrome has a good shine, with correct emblems fitted all around, side vents from a '67 were added as well for further ventilation, and of course, those thundering side pipes that practically define the car finish the look. A quick peak inside and you'll note that the builders elected to mostly stick with the factory script, and you can't blame really them for that. The white vinyl buckets are as the factory intended and in great shape (although a detail would go a long way to eradicate some of the light staining) and there are matching door panels and plush black carpets on the floor to complete the look. Original instruments were swapped in favor of aftermarket AutoMeter units and calibrated to work with the big motor under the hood and the original Delco AM/FM radio remarkably still works inside the 'Vette's unique vertical slot. The chrome shifter looks great inside the middle console, practically taunting the driver to bang through some gears and open up all those horses under the hood. Other goodies include a snug-fitting tan vinyl top that looks like it's rarely been used, and it folds away neatly underneath the fiberglass boot. OK, OK, now we're getting to the good stuff. The horsepower comes from a 496 V8 motor, built up from a Vortec 454 4-bolt main block, so it really makes a statement. With all that horsepower on tap, it makes even the nastiest factory engine from 1964 look tame, and it's expertly built to be able to put it to good use. Dress-up parts include the chrome Chevrolet valve covers and matching K&N air cleaner, modern ignition accessories, and signs of maintenance everywhere you look, giving the whole engine bay a dialed-in look. A big radiator up front keeps things cool without effort and long-tube headers feed those glorious side pipes a big block symphony. A 4-speed manual gearbox feeds the stock rear-end set-up out back, and 4-wheel disc brakes are a must-have to keep things under control. Weld wheels offer a sporty look on the aggressive rake with staggered 165/15 front and 255/60/15 rear performance rubber for plenty of grip for this vintage 'Vette. Very well built, easy to drive, and insanely fast, this 1964 Corvette restomod updates plenty without losing any of the things that make mid-year Corvettes so wonderful. Call today!