Eduard Huma
In the realm of classic car enthusiasts, the allure of a meticulously crafted 1967 C2 Chevrolet Corvette is a siren call, especially when it is a creation by the skilled hands of Jeff Hayes at the American Speed Shop. This particular classic is up for grabs on Bring a Trailer.
Exterior: A Symphony of Classic and Modern
The exterior is a testament to the harmonious marriage of classic styling and contemporary performance, drawing attention with its fibreglass body adorned in a striking black and red theme. This suave convertible sits gracefully on an Art Morrison fabricated chassis, boasting 18-inch Schott Fuel wheels at the front and commanding 20-inch wheels at the rear.
Interior: A Symphony of Luxury and Nostalgia
Step inside, and the interior unveils a world of sophistication. Custom-bolstered bucket seats in rich red leather greet occupants, creating a seamless connection with the exterior aesthetic. The colour-matched dashboard, door panels, and shift boot echo the commitment to a cohesive design. While retaining a classic feel with features like a push-button radio and AutoMeter gauges, modern comforts shine through with power windows and a contemporary digital gauge cluster.
Powertrain: Merging the Classic with the Modern
Underneath the hood resides a powerhouse—a 6.2-litre LS3 V8 intricately linked to a 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission. This V8, a modern twist on a classic, is not just about raw power but refined performance. Enhanced with a Top Street Performance Velocity aluminium intake manifold and fuel rails, the engine pushes beyond expectations. Although exact horsepower figures aren’t disclosed, with the LS3’s stock capabilities, we anticipate over 430 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, all channelled to the rear wheels through a robust 9-inch rear axle.
Performance Parts: Elevating the Driving Experience
This C2 build doesn’t just stop at aesthetics and power—it’s equipped for an exhilarating driving experience. Strange Engineering coilovers and QA1 springs join forces with front and rear sway bars, ensuring impeccable handling. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering ensures precision, while the polished six-piston Wilwood brakes at the front and four-piston rear callipers deliver commanding stopping power over drilled and slotted rotors.
Auctioned Price: A Collector’s Dream
As this masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship enters the auction arena, bids are already nearing the $100,000 mark. With just five days until the gavel falls, the opportunity to own this pristine C2 Chevrolet Corvette is fleeting. For enthusiasts seeking an embodiment of classic charm blended with modern prowess, this auction is a golden ticket to automotive excellence.
Conclusion
The C2 Chevrolet Corvette by Jeff Hayes is not merely a car, it is a symphony on wheels, where every detail, from exterior finesse to powertrain precision, converges to create an unparalleled driving masterpiece. As the auction clock ticks, the anticipation builds for the fortunate collector who will claim this iconic piece of automotive history.
Brief History of the C2 Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette, an icon in the realm of American sports cars, has a storied history that includes several generations, each leaving an indelible mark on automotive enthusiasts. The second generation, commonly known as the C2, holds a special place as a timeless symbol of power, style, and innovation.
Birth of the C2 (1963-1967)
The C2 era commenced in 1963, introducing a radical departure from the original Corvette design. Revered as the “Sting Ray,” the C2 was the brainchild of Bill Mitchell, GM’s Vice President of Design, and chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. The sleek, aerodynamic lines and the distinctive split rear window of the 1963 model instantly set it apart.
Underneath its captivating exterior, the C2 featured an independent rear suspension, a first for the Corvette line. The engineering advancements extended to the introduction of the iconic small-block V8 engine, establishing the Corvette as a true-performance car. Available in coupe and convertible models, the C2 resonated with drivers seeking both speed and style.
Evolution in Performance
The C2 Corvette underwent a series of performance upgrades during its production run. In 1965, the introduction of the “big block” marked a significant leap in power, with engine options like the 396 cubic-inch V8. The lineup expanded further with the introduction of the powerful L88 engine, a race-inspired option for true enthusiasts.
Notable Iterations
The 1963 Split-Window Coupe, although a one-year-only feature, remains an iconic design element, cherished by collectors. As the C2 evolved, so did its styling. The 1966 model saw the removal of the split rear window, offering a cleaner, more open design. The final year, 1967, witnessed the introduction of the renowned L88 engine, a high-performance option sought after by collectors.
Racing Success
The C2 Corvette left an indelible mark on the racing circuit. Zora Arkus-Duntov’s influence and dedication to performance turned the Corvette into a force to be reckoned with on the track. The Grand Sport versions, built for racing, solidified the Corvette’s presence in motorsports history.
End of an Era
The C2 era concluded in 1967, marking the end of a captivating chapter in Corvette history. The subsequent generations would build upon the foundation laid by the C2, but its unique blend of style, performance, and innovation remains eternally admired.
In retrospect, the C2 Chevrolet Corvette stands as a testament to the marriage of design and engineering brilliance. Its timeless allure continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, reminding us of an era when the open road beckoned and the Corvette answered with elegance and power.
C2 Chevrolet Corvette by Jeff Hayes – Media Gallery
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