MY LITTLE FUELIE: This 1958 Custom Corvette’s Debut Brings Its First Award
June 9, 2022
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by David Neyens
LOT #748 – 1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM ROADSTER – NO RESERVE
Of all the great classic Corvette models produced, the 1958 Corvette is quite likely one of the most popular for total transformation in the high-tech, high-performance Pro-Touring genre. While once perceived as being overly glitzy with such one-year-only styling details as its ribbed hood treatment and twin chrome accent strips to the rear, the ’58 Corvette remains historic as the first Corvette to feature fashionable “quad” headlamps, the product of GM’s Motorama show cars and a Corvette feature through the end of the first-generation, solid-axle production in 1962. Thanks in part to its updated styling, the 1958 Corvette enjoyed record production and remains historic as the last designed before the late-1958 retirement of Harley Earl, GM’s founding head of styling, and the ascension of his handpicked successor, Bill Mitchell.
An amazing build that blends classic original styling with the last word in custom-car technology and build quality, this award-winning 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Fuelie custom roadster is lovingly nicknamed “My Little Fuelie.” While maintaining its fabulous original styling, this Corvette’s true character lies in the myriad updates it has received – some obvious, and some so subtle they require careful study to fully comprehend.
Handling the project from concept to completion was Hickman Creations in Gunter, Texas, beginning with a new Art Morrison GT Sports chassis, with the iconic first-generation Corvette body widened 3 inches at the rear to accommodate the new independent rear suspension setup and its wider footprint. Vibro Solution floor sound-dampening material adds modern sophistication with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. Flush-mount chrome bumpers by Advance Plating and Coffman Corvette billet trunk spears provide great accents to the PPG two-tone paint finish, custom-mixed at Hickman Creations.
The Corvette’s custom-trimmed red leather interior is simply a fabulous combination of custom upholstery, handcrafted metalwork, and high-tech modern features and amenities. The driver is greeted by a Sparc Industries custom steering wheel and Dakota Digital HDX gauges, while luminescent LED lighting spotlights the Corvette’s handsomely sculpted and hand-stitched leather upholstery. Amenities include Vintage Air climate control and an Alpine touchscreen audio system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and GPS functions. Nu-Relics power windows and locks combine with an I-Key proximity entry recognition system for exceptional usability.
Awesome power delivery and performance potential far beyond the original specification define this striking Corvette, which now packs a GM Performance 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine matched to a Supermatic 4L75E automatic transmission. Induction is via a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system, while ceramic-coated Hooker “shorty” headers and a polished stainless-steel exhaust system including Borla racing mufflers delivers maximum performance with a throaty exhaust note. Supporting items include a DeWitts aluminum radiator, dual SPAL electric cooling fans, and an American Auto wiring harness. Totally modern underpinnings include C7 Corvette independent front and rear suspension and Strange adjustable coilover shocks. Wilwood disc brakes with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers clamp down on huge 14-inch rotors, and a Flaming River steering column connects the driver to the road. Finishing touches include a starter button, four-across Vintage Car LED headlights, and one-off, three-piece, polished billet aluminum wheels mounting sticky Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.
“My Little Fuelie” made its show debut in fine form at Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Show in February 2022, where it received a “Fine Nine” award for its mind-blowing combination of design and craftsmanship. Conceived and professionally built to exacting, show-quality standards, this 1958 Chevrolet Corvette custom roadster has only just begun wowing spectators and judges on the show circuit, providing an excellent opportunity for the next owner to continue its winning ways – with all the hard work already done. Offered with No Reserve at the upcoming June 30 – July 2 Las Vegas Auction as Lot #748, “My Little Fuelie” is a thrilling early consignment that will certainly highlight the custom builder’s vision and artistry on every possible level.
For up-to-date information about this vehicle, click HERE.