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HISTORY, HERITAGE AND HORSEPOWER: These two Corvettes capture it all
August 21, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen
Lot #735, a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe, is one of a number of fine examples of the marque set to cross the 2018 Las Vegas auction block in September.
For the last 65 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been synonymous with high performance in a way no other American car can claim. Given its history, heritage and horsepower, it’s no surprise that the Corvette remains hugely popular in the collector-car community.
The immaculate interior of Lot #735 is something to behold.
At the upcoming 11th Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 27-29, there will be Corvettes of every description, from the 1950s forward: stock Corvettes with their original drivetrains and trim, Resto-Mods that add modern upgrades to the classic Corvette looks and full-on, no-holds-barred customs.
Two very special Corvettes will cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson, both selling at No Reserve: The highest bid for each car wins it, regardless of the hammer price.
The first of the two is Lot #735, a 1965 Corvette Resto-Mod coupe, professionally built by LUCRA Cars in San Marcos, California, who completed this stunning car last year. On the outside, it looks like a stock ’65 Corvette, with the big-block hood, off-road side exhaust and knockoff aluminum wheels, trimmed out in deep and lustrous black PPG paint over a red leather interior with an all-new dash, gauges, carpeting and headliner and other interior amenities.
Powering Lot #735 is a modern Chevrolet LS3 V8 engine.
But under the skin, everything is state-of-the-art, starting with the powder-coated chassis with RideTech coilover suspension, complete Wilwood high-performance brake system, rack & pinion steering system and a rebuilt posi-traction rear end.
Powering this black beauty is a modern Chevrolet LS3 V8 engine, displacing 6.2 liters and connecting to an L465E automatic transmission. Key additions include Smart Wire solid-state electronics, Griffin Performance radiator with electric fans and shroud, and a Vintage Air system.
The phenomenal build quality of this restoration is documented in a full set of photographs showing off its meticulous attention to detail. This is a drop-dead gorgeous car made to the most exacting standards.
Lot #742 is known as “Speedvette” – a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible.
The second of this pair is Lot #742, a custom 1972 Corvette convertible known as “Speedvette,” which took four years to professionally build with only the finest components and highest assembly standards.
Powering Speedvette is a 6.2-liter GM Performance LS3 525hp engine mated to a 4L70E 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Upgrades abound, including a Concept One serpentine pulley system, Be Cool radiator with dual electric fans, Borgeson 600 steering box and chrome-plated cast headers connected to chambered sidepipes.
Powering Speedvette is a 6.2-liter GM Performance LS3 525hp engine.
Everything needed to go fast is on this car, and so is everything needed to make it brake and handle efficiently. The powder-coated chassis connects to four-wheel coilover suspension from RideTech. Stopping power is courtesy of huge Baer 6-piston brakes with 14-inch rotors.
Massive Diamondback Redline Hankook tires put the rubber to the road and ride on Schott Venom wheels, 19×9-inch up front and 19×11-inch out back.
Speedvette’s interior is as impressive as its exterior.
From a style standpoint, 2-inch rear flares and minor body modifications are finished off in a unique and breathtaking PPG Super Blue two-stage paint. Add in the all-new chrome trim and the exotic Pro Auto Custom Interiors, Vintage Air and other high-end touches, and this custom Corvette looks every bit as good as it drives. No expense was spared in creating Speedvette, and it shows in every aspect of the car.
Two very remarkable and very different Corvettes, with two things they have in common: Each of them will sell at No Reserve at the 11th Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 27-29.
And each of them will make their new owners very happy.
For up-to-date information on these vehicles and others on the Las Vegas Preview Docket, click HERE.