By Dale M. Moreau – Photography By The Author
When viewing these images, it is hard to believe that this 1962 Corvette was once a tired old crate. It didn’t even have an engine or transmission, let alone matching numbers. Given this, Kyle Kozak decided to build a mild custom using parts from other Corvettes—a car with the right components that would stick to the road and be very quick. Kyle and Steve Frisbie of Steve’s Auto Restorations (SAR) put their heads together and made subtle yet breathtaking changes.
With the body and chassis separated, the body went to the SAR body shop, while the chassis ended up in the dumpster. The replacement for the old chassis is pure magic. It features a custom-built round tube frame from SRIII Motorsports. The additional components include GM Corvette C4 and C5 units. The original 1962 Corvette was equipped with a powerful 327ci V-8. Fast for its time but now hopelessly outgunned, this version won’t face that issue thanks to the LS3 GM V-8 with a displacement of 6.2 liters. The exhaust system is a unique, shop-built stainless beauty, including Borla mufflers. The setup is topped off with SAR-modified custom engine and valve cover pieces. The horsepower is channeled to a TREMEC five-speed transmission onto a C4 IRS with 3:42 gears.
Meanwhile, the body was being massaged in-house by SAR with several subtle changes. A 1958 Corvette donated its grille teeth, integrating them with a modified front bumper to create a single piece. New turn signals were fabricated with indirect lighting that you can’t miss on a dark, foggy night. A more noticeable change is the side cove trim. Jumping back a year to deceive the critics makes you take a second look to see if you can distinguish between the years. The rear ones were re-radiused to balance the wheelwells with the tires. The glowing paintjob features a custom mix of Honduras Maroon (a factory Corvette color) and a unique blend in the cove by SAR.
Sliding into the driver bucket seat and placing your hands on the Budnick wheel, you realize you’ve arrived in Corvette heaven. This is a true masterpiece from Dan’s Auto Upholstery. Dan is one of the best stitchers around, and he meticulously constructs all that Fawn Beige leather, including the custom dash cap and the C2-style radio console. The original-style radio is Bluetooth enabled, and Classic Instruments updated the original gauge internals. A 1961 Corvette was used again for its interior door and kick panels trimmed in leather. EVOD has done an impressive job with the slick pedals, adding a touch of GTP race car flair to this Corvette’s cockpit. The one-off 18×8 rollers wrapped in BFGoodrich G-Force Sport 255/45ZR18 tap EVOD again.
Corvette owners are very discerning about which models they like or dislike. This Corvette features a few visual changes and many modifications beneath the surface. The most important aspect is that it has eyeball. MR
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
