1959 Corvette Restomod to Cross the Block at Mecum’s Seattle Auction

Jun 2, 2015

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There are few limitations in the world of restomods, the only boundaries being set by the tastes and the abilities of individual constructors. Corvette restomods are typical of the genre in that many are finished in bright, sometimes audacious colors that, while drawing attention to the vehicle, may detract from its overall appearance. The same can be said of restomod interiors and wheels. The interior may be so modified that all connection with the heritage of the original vehicle is lost and the rims have so much bling that they actually draw attention away from the car design rather than complementing it.

1959 Corvette Restomod

The ’59 Vette restomod offered by Mecum is a well-integrated design that is tastefully finished in a brilliant Titanium Silver Metallic with Metallic Gray Charcoal coves and a black top. The interior follows this theme with two-tone gray leather seats and matching door panels. This ‘Vette has been completely rebuilt from the ground up during a $200,000, no-expense spared build. Power comes from a Chevrolet 350 bored out 0.060” and assembled by Hancock and Lane Racing. Performance goodies include coated pistons, 4-bolt main bearings, a competition roller lifter and rockers, and Brodix heads. A TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission transfers power to a Strange Engineering 3.70 Positraction rear end. This restomod retains a connection to Corvette’s heritage with a ’63-’65 Rochester fuel injection unit mated to the new engine.

The all-new chassis from Art Morrison Enterprises is equipped with a Corvette C5 front suspension, Strange Engineering axles, and 13-inch Wilwood disc brakes with six piston calipers in front and four piston calipers in the rear. Five-spoke chrome wheels, reminiscent of the old Halibrand magnesium wheels, add a little flash to the exterior design. The wheels are shod with Pirelli tires, 225/45/17 at the front and 235/45/17 at the rear.

The interior retains the layout of the 1959 Corvette cockpit, but has been completely redone with upscale materials including leather seats in two-tone gray, matching door panels, and a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Power windows and a radio/auxiliary player complete the interior. The leather seating, as well as the black convertible top, were done by Dean Simonson.

Mecum Seattle Auction

Mecum will offer this eye-catching 1959 Corvette restomod at their auction at the CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle, Washington on June 5 & 6. The car will be offered as Lot F180 and will cross the block on Friday, June 5, 2015. If you can’t make it in person, the auction will be broadcast by NBCSN. Mecum is expecting 600 vehicles of all types for the occasion. For details of the broadcast times and to answer any question you may have, please see the Mecum website.