PRO SLEEK: Professional Grade Excitement Was Engineered Into This Pro-Touring Corvette From The Beginning
December 7, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson
This Lot #1364 1964 Corvette Sting Ray is crossing the block at our 2022 Scottsdale Auction
When master engine builder and king of Chevrolet Pro Stock racing Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins introduced the first custom chassis Vega in the early 1970s to professional drag racing, he single-handedly launched the class from the virtual stone age to the ultimate level of performance. All these years later a custom-made chassis is still the ideal approach for maximum effectiveness. That’s why so many car builders and their customers insist on this technology upgrade for modern day Pro-Street and Pro-Touring cars.
This 1964 Corvette Sting Ray is a perfect example of the science with its Art Morrison GT Sport Chassis engineered specifically for these second-generation cars. An AME multi-link independent rear suspension with a classic Dana 60 center section along with an AME sport independent front suspension operate at the highest level thanks to coilovers at each corner. Power assisted rack and pinion steering makes driver input feel like telepathy.
Motivation comes from a new and blueprinted LS3 Chevy small block that has been bored and stroked to 427ci and topped with CNC heads. A Borla stack fuel injection with eight 55-millimeter throttle bodies provides enough air flow for even the most ambitious engine packages. Beyond its functional prowess Borla refers to this setup as “the ultimate piece of induction jewelry.” The entire engine bay has been hand-fabricated and smoothed for the perfect setting for the show-quality V8.
To make sure this engine spends its energy in all the right places a TREMEC T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch are constantly at your beck and call. Even though this machine was obviously created to convert time into distance on your command, 14-inch drilled and slotted Baer disc brakes occupy all four corners just in case you change your mind.
Sting Rays wear side pipes with ease and style—like a shoulder holster on 007. These covers are new and surround the exposed coated exhaust system that incorporate a cross-over pipe to equalize exhaust pressure for maximize performance, and to enhance your listening pleasure.
The Corvette’s timeless body design has been treated to a breath-taking Ferrari Red paint job. And like any Ferrari, this Corvette’s custom interior is a lush mixture of saddle and black leather. A MOMO wood steering wheel on a tilt column adds additional class to the environment. A high-end Bluetooth audio system, Dakota Digital gauges resting in the stock location, and Vintage Air climate control set the stage for a long-term relationship. New glass everywhere helps make this Corvette look brand new from the inside out and the outside in. Power windows and power e-brake round out the interior wish list.
You’ll notice the major body modification comes in the form of the enlarged rear wheel wells to accept the massive rolling stock. Those are 325/30/19 on the back with 275/30/19 leading the way. Forgeline wheels in a two-stage metallic finish add another dimension to their visual effect.
This outstanding “pro sleek” creation will be selling with No Reserve at the 2022 Scottsdale Auction January 22-30. A fresh build with only test miles logged so far, it represents your ride to professional grade excitement, no holds barred.
To register to bid at the 2022 Scottsdale Auction – a celebration of 50 years of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions – click HERE. To sell your vehicle at Barrett-Jackson’s flagship auction in January, click HERE. Tickets and VIP packages are also now on sale.