By Nick Licata – Images by Jason Matthew
Frank Antonaccio’s background as a retired auto technician has afforded him the knowledge and expertise making him proficient at restoring classic cars. He’s also no stranger to vintage Corvettes as he’s done three to four stock restorations, but when he came across this 1966 Corvette he decided to take a different approach and create a restomod tribute to the legendary Sunoco Penske racing Corvettes.
The journey began in 2016 when Frank’s buddy, Lou, spotted a black 1966 Corvette for sale on Craigslist. “I’ve restored a body-off big-block car that I’ve owned since 1970 and I’ve also done a numbers-matching ’67 coupe,” Frank tells. “So, it was time for a hot rod Corvette.”
When he purchased the car, it was far from being in pristine condition. It had small flares in the front fenders, oversized rear fender cuts for larger tires, shoddy bodywork, and even a mismatched 1967 nose. However, it was those imperfections that made it the perfect candidate for his Sunoco tribute project, which was inspired by the real Penske Corvette he saw at the Corvettes at Carlisle event.
Once Frank pulled the body off the frame it was revealed that the car was hit so hard the firewall below the heater box was cracked, the tunnel area near the gas pedal was damaged, and the frame was bent as well. Working at a GM dealership, Frank had access to a frame machine and was able to get things straightened out to lay a foundation for the transformation to come.
Underhood, Frank chose a Mark IV Chevrolet 427ci big-block. The engine features a compression ratio of 10.25:1, a Comp 11-602-4 hydraulic flat-tappet camshaft with 0.522/0.507 lift, and stock cast-iron cylinder heads. For induction, he installed an Edelbrock C396 intake manifold paired with a Holley 750-cfm carburetor. The exhaust system includes Doug’s Headers and matching side pipes, delivering an unmistakable rumble. A Cold Case aluminum radiator, PerTronix ignition, and GM high-flow water pump ensure the engine stays cool and reliable, especially during spirited drives. With meticulous attention to detail, Frank achieved a setup that produces approximately 450 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
To complement the engine, Frank installed a Muncie M-22 transmission, backed by the stock clutch, paired with a Hurst shifter for a brilliant old-school vibe. The stock rear axle with 4.11 gears provides neck-snapping, off-the-line performance, making the car as thrilling to drive as it appears.
The suspension retains its stock configuration, with new springs and rebuilt upper and lower ball joints for improved handling. Frank also rebuilt the original steering box to ensure responsive control. The brakes, restored by Lonestar Caliper Company, remain true to the factory setup, providing dependable stopping power.
One of the most challenging aspects of the build was obtaining the perfect “Sunoco Blue” paint. With no official color code available, Frank embarked on a months-long quest. “I tried ‘Pepsi Blue,’ but it was too light. I did several spray-outs with different mixes, but nothing worked,” Frank says. After spending $240 on failed attempts, he finally struck gold.
An Internet search led him to a story about Roger Penske’s body shop restoring the “Blue Hilton,” the transporter truck used for Penske’s race cars in the 1970s. On a last-ditch effort, Frank reached out to the Penske Collision Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was able to reach the body shop manager to explain his dilemma. The shop manager explained they also had a difficult time finding just the right mix. Through PPG they were able to come up with the right color formula and shared with Frank the correct “Sunoco Blue” paint code. “I spent three months and multiple trips to the paint store searching for just the right color, Frank says. “As a running joke, when I would walk through the paint store doors the counter guys would say, ‘Uh oh, here comes Frank again.’
Needing some help taking on the damaged body, Frank called in his former dealership coworker and bodywork guru Chris Morris to form a smooth canvas prior to Frank applying the “Sunoco Blue” pigment and creating a flawless finish. The grille, bumpers, headlights, and taillights were restored to their stock appearance, preserving the car’s classic aesthetic.
Frank chose American Racing Torq Thrust D wheels, sized 15×7 in the front and 15×8 in the rear and wrapped them in Mickey Thompson rubber (235/60-R15 in the front and 255/60-R15 in the rear), giving the Corvette that race-inspired, period-correct look.
Inside, Frank kept the interior true to its factory design, with one notable exception: a shortened Hurst shifter lever, reflecting a modification performed during the time for quicker and more precise shifting. The combination of the restored interior and the powerful drivetrain creates an authentic 1960s performance driving experience.
For Frank, this build was more than just a restoration project—it was a personal journey. “The car is special to me, and it’s a huge compliment when I come out of a restaurant and see people posing by it for photos,” he says. “After putting so much time and effort into the car, that’s the kind of thing that makes it all worth it… well, besides getting behind the wheel. I still get a kick out of hearing that big-block come to life through the side pipes.”
Frank’s 1966 Corvette Sunoco tribute is a testament to his skill, dedication, and love for classic cars. From overcoming structural damage to tracking down the perfect paint color, every step of the process reflects his commitment to getting the car “just right.” The result is a stunning restomod that pays homage to racing history while turning heads on the street.
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
TECH CHECK
Owner: Frank Antonaccio, Randolph, New Jersey
Vehicle: 1966 Chevy Corvette
Engine
Type: Mark IV Chevrolet big-block
Block: Cast-iron
Displacement: 427 ci
Compression Ratio: 10.25:1
Bore: 4.25 inches
Stroke 3.76 inches
Builder: Mat Lewinski
Machine Work: Mat Lewinski
Valvetrain: Comp Cams valves, roller rockers, and pushrods
Camshaft: Comp 11-602-4 hydraulic flat-tappet 0.522/0.507 lift, 0.243/0.257 duration at 0.050, 107 LSA
Cylinder Heads: Stock cast-iron
Induction: Edelbrock C396, Holley 750-cfm carburetor
Exhaust: Doug’s Headers, Doug’s side pipes
Ancillaries: Cold Case aluminum radiator, PerTronix ignition, GM high-flow water pump
Output: Approx 450 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque
Drivetrain
Transmission: Muncie M-22
Shifter: Hurst
Rear Axle: Stock, 4.11 gears
Chassis
Front Suspension: Stock with rebuilt original steering box
Brakes: Stock rebuilt by Lonestar Caliper Company
Suspension Mods: New springs and upper and lower ball joints
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: American Racing Torq Thrust D, 15×7 front, 15×8 rear
Tires: Mickey Thompson 235/60R15 front, 255/60R15 rear
Interior
Interior: All Factory
Shifter: Hurst with shortened lever
Exterior
Bodywork and Paint: Owner and Chris Morris
Paint: PPG Sunoco Blue
