1963 Corvette Restomod Gets 580hp Makeover
A 1963 Corvette Split Window restomod was transformed into a 580-horsepower widebody machine, blending vintage styling with modern engineering. The build represents the growing trend of high-end restomods that marry classic American muscle car design with contemporary performance technology.
- The 1963 "Split-Window" Corvette was a one-year-only design, with 10,594 coupes produced. The split rear window was discontinued the following year as it impeded rearward vision. - This restomod's 580-horsepower supercharged LSA V8 engine produces significantly more power than the original 1963 offerings; the most powerful engine available that year was a 360-horsepower fuel-injected 327 cubic-inch V8. - The build, undertaken by S-KLUB LA for a client in Dubai, incorporates modern performance parts, including suspension and brakes from a C6 Corvette ZR1 and a carbon fiber driveshaft. - Beyond the engine, the modernization includes replacing the original pop-up headlights with units from Detroit Speed and upgrading the taillights with integrated LEDs. - The interior features a custom, full orange leather upholstery specifically designed to match the owner's other car, a Mercedes Gullwing. - The term "restomod" refers to vehicles that retain their classic design while being updated with modern technology for improved performance, reliability, and comfort, as seen in this build's high-end Audison and Hertz audio system. - The original base price for a 1963 Corvette coupe was approximately $4,252. Today, well-preserved examples can sell for an average of over $100,000, with rare models fetching much more. - The 1963 model marked the beginning of the C2 generation and was the first Corvette to feature an independent rear suspension, a significant handling improvement over the previous generation.
