A resto-mod is like having your cake and eating it, too – the style and presence of a classic car or truck with the performance, drivability and reliability of a modern vehicle. Their popularity has been growing as more people desire collector cars that are usable on today’s roads, and fun to drive as well.
Barrett-Jackson will offer a number of high-performance resto-mod examples, led by a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split-window custom coupe created by renowned builder Jeff Hayes, and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu custom coupe, at its upcoming inaugural Houston Auction, which takes place September 16-18 at the NRG Center.
“Resto-Mods continue to drive incredible demand at our auctions,” Craig Jackson, chief executive of Barrett-Jackson, said in a news release. “These exceptional examples of 1960s and early ’70s Chevrolets combined with modern technology and comfort makes these customs must-haves for any collection. Not only are they beautiful pieces of art, but they are also built to be driven and enjoyed every day.”
The ’63 Corvette was recently completed and features a new LS3 Hot Cam engine with 540 horsepower backed by a 4L70E automatic transmission. The Chevrolet coupe sits on an Art Morrison sport chassis with front and rear sway bars, and boasts a slew of modern conveniences, including power steering, power windows, power hood, AM/FM Bluetooth stereo and Vintage Air heat and air conditioning.
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, finished in Lexus Indigo Ink Pearl, “will be one of the most coveted resto-mods at Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural Houston Auction next month,” the release says.
“Professionally built over a three-year timeframe, this brilliant Chevelle features an L86 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 457 horsepower paired with a GM 8L90E 8-speed automatic transmission,” the release notes. “A recent Starbird Street Machine Top Choice award-winner, this Resto-Mod is equipped with a custom Charcoal Gray leather interior with TMI front seats trimmed with Medium Gray inserts and blue contrast stitching.”
Other resto-mod Chevys on the Houston docket include:
• A 1971 Chevrolet Camaro custom coupe nicknamed “The Ultimate Camaro: 598,” powered by an all-aluminum 598cid, 800-horsepower Scott Shafiroff big-block engine, topped with Nelson Racing fuel injection and paired with a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. The Camaro has reached speeds exceeding 200 mph with its dyno-proven horsepower and nitrous oxide system.
• A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette custom known as “Elegance,” finished in a one-off Champagne Mist and powered by a 505-horsepower LS7 engine with street and performance polished accessories mated to a 4L65E automatic transmission. The Corvette has earned numerous awards, including Gold at the Corvette Nationals in Chicago, Top-Ten Builder Choice at Goodguys Del Mar as well as the Detroit Great 8.
• A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette custom also from Jeff Hayes, features ’62 body and a ’58 Corvette front grille atop an Art Morrison sport chassis, powered by a 500-horsepower GM LS3 Hot Cam crate engine with custom intake backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The custom paint features a mix of platinum flake and Pearl-Gray paint, and includes such amenities as Vintage Air, Dakota Digital gauges, Jensen touchscreen interface, LED interior lighting and distressed red leather upholstery.
• A 1963 Chevrolet Corvette custom split-window coupe powered by an LS3 6.2-liter crate engine producing 495 horsepower backed by a TKO600-RR 5-speed manual transmission, riding on a custom chassis by Corvette Chassis Concepts with C7 suspension, coilover shocks, C7 Stingray brakes by Brembo and C7 Stingray wheels.
Each of these cars and essentially all of the other Houston Auction vehicles will be offered without reserves.
For more information about the Houston Auction, visit the Barrett-Jackson website.
