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The Insane Build of the C1RS ~ A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette

The Insane Build of the C1-RS ~ A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette

This Corvette was purchased by the Roadster Shop as a development mule to design a new chassis for first-gen Corvettes. It was completely disassembled and mocked up at the desired ride height on a chassis table.

The planned build began as a good-looking ’62 Corvette but with modern handling and braking provided by the new chassis and LS-series drive-train. Known as C1RS, the build begins with a Roadster Shop custom tube chassis using Detroit Speed and Afco suspension components, Forgeline 3-piece wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber and giant Brembo disc brakes.

The Insane Build of the C1RS ~ 1962 Chevrolet Corvette

As Barry, Phil, and Jeremy discussed the build, the ideas began to snowball into something much more elaborate-something akin to a GM-built concept car of a modern ’62 Corvette infused with Europeanesque supercar-style touches.

Rather than a vintage car going modern, it would look like a modern car with retro styling…

1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1RS RestoMod

Winner of the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year and SEMA GM Design Award for Best Hot Rod in 2009, this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette was custom built for its current owner, who envisioned its no-holds-barred nature as a prize-winning piece of RestoMod art.

1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1RS RestoMod Rear

Every panel and detail of the car received the custom treatment, from the one-off carbon fiber body accents to the European-inspired leather interior with a custom aluminum dash, console and trim.

A Kinsler Cross Ram-injected 427/640 HP LS7 engine, Tremec T56 Bowler 6-speed and Ford 9-inch Posi third member make-up the power train of this mesmerizing showpiece…

C1-RS 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Build Video

C1-RS Chevrolet Corvette Build Specs

  • 640 HP LS7 engine
  • Tremec T56 Bowler 6-speed
  • 9″ Ford posi rear-end
  • Roadster Shop custom C1 chassis
  • Kinsler Cross Ram fuel injection
  • Brembo 14″ vented rotors, 6 piston calipers
  • One-off 20″ and 19″ Forgeline 3 piece wheels
  • Michelin Pilot Sport tires
C1RS ~ A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette ~ Interior

The Corvette features a custom-built aluminum dash, console and grill surround and every panel has been modified to best fit the new design. All of the carbon fiber parts are one-off. The interior features custom European inspired leatherwork.