Elegant 1958 Corvette Houses Brutish 2013 Z06 V8 (Torque Tuesday Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS^{06 Plus})

Custom ‘Retrovette’ skillfully balances two different Corvette eras–and then puts a big ol’ 427 on top. 

Classic Corvettes have always turned heads, and they always will. And certainly, the first-generation C1 Corvette (1953 – 1962) produced the some of the best designed and pioneering sports cars ever. Period. Chevy called the 1958 Corvette “a new shape of sports car sophistication.” Distinct characteristics to ’58 included dual headlights, updated grille, hood ridges, trunk spears, and lots of chrome.

By today’s standards, the only weakness with the C1 Corvette may be the 290 hp. Well, that and actually finding a 1958 Corvette. A big problem with loving classic cars is how hard it is to gain entry. Chevrolet only produced 9,128 Corvettes in 1958, making it a rare and expensive find.

As a result of the shortage of classics, many people have come up with brilliant solutions. And this build by CR Coachworks found its inspiration and salvation in a 2013 C6 Corvette Zo6.

Named the “Retrovette,” CR built a proprietary carbon fiber body for the 1958 Corvette. It was then retrofitted on a 2013 Corvette 427 60th Anniversary Edition chassis. A surprising choice, but a very good one.

The 427 LS7 is a fire-breathing V8 that kicks out 505 horsepower. Paired to a performance six-speed manual with 3 levels of traction control, the ZO6 has a host of performance upgrades including the suspension and exhaust.

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The interior also benefits from modern amenities like navigation and multimedia systems. Also, the decidedly not period-correct touches include heads up display, power seats and windows, and safety features.

CRC uses the badging from the 60th Anniversary 2016 Corvette 427 Z06 and the 1958 C1.

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Will purists hate it? Probably. But conversions and coachbuilders offer a more down-to-earth vintage option that is revived and unleashed with new levels of tasty power.

CR’s Retrovette is visually stunning. Faithful to the C1 but incorporates modern styling cues easily. Regal Turquoise with white is a choice that is rich with mid-century modern character.

Pairing the classic cool of the ’58 Corvette with the sound and fury of the 2013 LS7 is a dream car come true for many. It is a driveable classic that should garner respect from even the most stubborn purists.

Photos: CR Coachworks

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