[VIDEO] 1963 Corvette Restomod is Reimagined as a European-Style Sports Car

Debbie Boone wasn’t talking about a car when she sang “You Light Up My Life” back in the ’70s, but that tune definitely could still apply to this 1963 Corvette restomod thanks to its unique headliner.

This award-winning 1963 Sting Ray is the brainchild of Jason Smith Hot Rod Garage from Oklahoma, who took a few minutes to talk about the special car in a video posted by Ranas Radar on YouTube.

All the work paid off when the Corvette picked up the prestigious 2023 Goodguys Chevrolet Performance GM Iron Builder of the Year, and that should come as no surprise once you dive into the build.

Smith says he was going for an overall European feel to the build, as if Chevy may have tried to sell it to an overseas market. Indeed, you’ll even find Jaguar door handles and Porsche 356 mirrors being used.

Body-wise, it’s coated with PPG Grigio Alloy and Hot Rod Garage cleaned up the overall design by filling in the cowl and B-pillar vents and modifying the hood scoops and side fender vents. You’ll also find the bumpers are a bit narrower and sharper than stock and fitted closer to the body, which also features custom stainless-steel rockers and a handmade exhaust exiting from the center.

Under the hood, the magic is provided by a 427 LS engine built by Don Hardy Race Cars and hooked to a six-speed manual transmission with a McLeod clutch. The 620-horsepower engine includes an Edelbrock crossram intake with dual throttle bodies and custom air intakes, along with one-off emblems and a bunch of paint detailing.

The build started with a Roadster Shop FAST TRACK chassis with independent front and rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and 14-inch Baer disc brakes. The one-off touches continue with custom Eric Black-designed knock-off 18×8 and 18×12 wheels inside Nitto tires.

Turning to the interior, Chuck Rowland handled the custom blue leather upholstery. They removed the waterfall out of the center of the dash with the goal of opening up the interior and making it seem roomier, with the inspiration for the dash coming from a Gullwing Mercedes 300SL and early Ferraris. They also made use of custom Dakota Digital gauges, a Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel with a tilt column, and a Vintage Air unit, with custom wood trim throughout for further enhancement.

The most illuminating design feature, however, is quite literally the four LED strips on the headliner that “really lights up the interior so you can enjoy it,” Smith says.

Debbie Boone no doubt would be proud.

Source:
Ranas Radar / YouTube

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