Custom 1966 Chevrolet Corvette is a SEMA Battle of the Builders Finalist

This stunning custom 1966 Chevrolet Corvette is motivated by an LT5 motor and a paddle-shift automatic transmission.

The Corvette hits just keep on coming here at SEMA 2022. One of the highlights of the SEMA show is always the Battle of the Builders competition. Teams compete across several different categories to be selected as the top builder. Every single entry is top notch so to even make it the top 12 finalist round is an impressive feat. The car you see here was entered by Josh Michels in the Young Guns category. This is for cars built by folks 29 years of age or younger. This is a custom 1966 Chevrolet Corvette build. And when you see the quality of this build in person it is amazing to think that it was pulled off by someone so young.

I stopped by the Battle of the Builders stage and took a tour of the twelve finalists (as we publish this, it’s now a Top 4 finalist). And to be honest they are all truly spectacular. But naturally, this Corvette stopped me in my tracks. It is covered in lovely Laguna Blue paint that was offered on the 2017 Corvette. Under the show lights and parked next to darker-colored vehicles the custom Corvette just popped. It is not a surprise that this was selected as a finalist. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it special.

755 Horsepower

This is a good place to start. Under the hood is an LT5 motor from a 2019 Corvette ZR1. It is connected to a GM 8L90 paddle-shifted automatic transmission. The engine expels through a custom TIG-welded exhaust. Also lifted from a 2019 ZR1 are the spindles and control arms. The carbon ceramic brake rotors and Brembo calipers were also taken from the ZR1. Keeping with the mechanical side of things, there is a Camaro ZL1 independent rear with 3.73 gears. A McLeod dual disc clutch has been used along with a Roadster Shop Spec 7 chassis. We don’t have any performance numbers, but we doubt there are many 1966 Corvettes in the world that will keep up with this one.

Exterior Mods

The custom 1966 Chevrolet Corvette rolls on a set of custom built Forgeline wheels. They are 19×9.5 up front and 19×12 in the rear. Tires are 275/30/ZR20 up front. In the rear are massive 355/20/ZR19 rollers. Behind the wheels you can see the yellow painted calipers which gives the car just the right amount of visual pop. Custom tucked bumpers, front clip, quarters and taillight panels complete the exterior look.

Stunning Interior

The inside of this custom Corvette is a wonderful place to spend time. A Vintage Air system will keep you comfortable. Dakota Digital gauges will keep you informed. Lamborghini crème leather looks as beautiful as you would expect from fine Italian leather. The center console and dash were also custom made. And remember those massive 355-sized rear tires? Custom rear floor and tubs were made in order to accommodate them.

Look at this 1966 Chevrolet Custom Corvette and you can plainly see the results. Stunning to look at. Comfortable to sit in. Fast as hell. What is not to like?

Images: Joe Kucinski

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