December 27, 2017
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson

THE 48-HOUR CORVETTE: A Resto-Mod with history

THE 48-HOUR CORVETTE: A Resto-Mod with history

December 27, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Crossing the auction block at No Reserve during the 2018 Scottsdale Auction is Lot #1292, a 1972 Corvette coupe known as the “48-Hour Corvette” - an ultra-high performance Resto-Mod.

Crossing the auction block at No Reserve during the 2018 Scottsdale Auction is Lot #1292, a 1972 Corvette coupe known as the “48-Hour Corvette” – an ultra-high performance Resto-Mod.

Most classic racing Corvettes are revered for victories earned during the ’50s, ’60s and early ’70s. Cars like the world-record-holding #57 Rebel, the 1968 L88 Corvette sponsored by Owens/Corning Fiberglass and Mickey Thompson Z06 Split Windows have secured their place in racing and collector car history. The cars are valuable, in part, because their history cannot be duplicated. Somewhere on the other end of the collector car spectrum lives the Resto-Mod Corvette.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe_Front_3-4While Resto-Mods can, indeed, be duplicated, no two are the same. Likewise, some examples are more special than others. The most desirable Resto-Mod Corvettes typically sport ultra-high-performance hardware like oversized disc brakes, fuel-injected LS-based engines and updated tubular suspension. Topline examples usually feature modern creature comforts such as bolstered seating, Bluetooth audio and modern air conditioning. It’s no wonder that Resto-Mods are so popular.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe_engineCrossing the auction block at No Reserve during the 2018 Scottsdale Auction is Lot #1292, a 1972 Corvette coupe known as the “48-Hour Corvette” that is definitely an ultra-high performance Resto-Mod. Its modern architecture includes a Lingenfelter Performance Engineering LS7 engine that generates a dyno-verified 649 horsepower. Electronic traction control helps to transfers that power to the ground, while massive 14” Wilwood disc brakes easily bring the car to a halt. The RideTech suspension provides modern, supercar-like handling. Hand-fabricated spoilers and vents manage airflow in and around the car’s curvaceous C3 bodywork.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe_interiorThe 48-Hour Corvette is plenty modern, for sure. It has one noteworthy feature – electronic shock absorbers – to really drive that point home. While active suspension is standard equipment on many of today’s performance cars, the hot rod industry has only recently learned how to adapt the technology to older classics. Called Instinct, the system dynamically varies suspension firmness in real time. According to the consignor, “It’s like riding on velvet and racing on Velcro. During high-speed cornering, you can sometimes feel the system adapting to changing cornering loads.”

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe_detail2Like those famous vintage race cars, this 1972 Corvette has provenance. However, its history isn’t from the 1970s. In March 2015, a team of manufacturers joined forces to build the car in a 48-hour time frame – hence the nickname “48-Hour Corvette.” The project unfolded in front of thousands of internet livestream viewers and is documented in a multi-part YouTube Video Series on the web. The high-visibility project showcased the many exceptional speed parts available for these cars.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe_FrontThe 48-Hour Corvette went on to compete in numerous street-car performance driving events, including the Goodguys Rod & Custom Autocross Series and Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series. The consignor continuously refined the Corvette over the years, including the addition of fender flares and wide tires, as well as the aforementioned electronic shock absorber system. The refinements continued until 2017, when the 48-Hour Corvette made history by winning the Goodguys Autocross Points Championship, along with event wins in the Optima Series and Motor State Challenge events.

Be it a historically significant original or a high-tech Resto-Mod, it’s a great time to buy a classic Corvette. Barrett-Jackson always presents a wide variety, of course. As the Resto-Mod scene evolves, it’s interesting to see examples like Lot #1292, the 48-Hour Corvette, cross the block with history of its own.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.

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