California Man Merges Three 1950s Chevys Into One Iconic Car

N2a Motors is a California-based custom auto manufacturer with a mission of reviving the art of American coachbuilding. Owner Gene Langmesser bought a brand new Corvette, stripped it down, and put 1500lbs of clay on it to add parts of a ‘57, ‘58, and ‘59 Chevy to make his infamous Chevy 789 that took an incredible 5,000 hours to perfect.

Aptly named for the three years represented in the overall design, the 789 has the “hooded eyes” and chrome grille of a ’57, a mid-section that’s reminiscent of a ’58 Impala and the “bird in flight” rear tailfins of a ’59. These three vehicles are all instantly recognizable classics celebrated by people around the world.

Melding design elements from different Chevy models, the 789 shows the world that you really can’t have enough of a good thing. Although the 789 looks instantly iconic, it is actually the best of three classics mounted atop a Le Mans-winning Corvette C6 chassis.

Owning and operating a classic car often proves difficult. The rarity of parts, expertise needed for installation, and potentially high upkeep or restoration costs are some of the problems with which collectors must deal.

All of the money in the world spent to modify or modernize a vintage car will not change the reliability or performance problems associated with it. The 789 offers the best of both worlds: retro looks and styling, and it will fire up every time you turn the key.

The body is constructed of lightweight composite panels. n2a Motors has developed a process of using 80% carbon composite with 20% fiberglass. This process gives a lightweight rigid part as if it was 100% carbon composite with the minimal properties of fiberglass that allows for show quality paint and finish.

Customers can either provide n2a Motors with a donor C5 series (1997 -2004) or C6 series (2005-current) Corvette, which currently retails for approximately $65,000 (though used models can be had for less), or n2a Motors can locate one for you. After stripping the Corvette of its stock body, n2a Motors hand-grafts the retro body panels over the stock frame, suspension, and massive 440-horsepower, 6.0-liter aluminum-block V8 engine.

A full range of upgrades is available, including up to 800 hp power train, custom suspension, audio/video/navigation systems, interior customization, and more. n2a Motors will build each 789 to meet each customer’s specifications. However, please note that no previously built combination of paint scheme and interior treatment will be duplicated.