- 1954 MY Chevrolet Corvette C1.R Restomod
- Current owner reports build completed by Eckerts Rod & CustomCorvette in June 2021
- Current owner reports new custom built LT-5 engine by Graham Behan
- Current owner reports new ZF 6-speed manual transmission
- Formerly displayed at the National Corvette Museum's Skydome Exhibit
- Custom Art Morrison chassis
- Current owner reports new C4 Corvette suspension system
- Front & rear fully adjustable coilover shocks
- Current owner reports new Baer brakes with 2-piece rotors
- Custom 17" HRE wheels
- Custom build drive train
- 3.73 gear ratio
- Heat-treated gear set & stub shaft
- Custom made half-shaft
- Current owner reports new U-joints & hub bearing wheel studs
- Custom made aluminum driveline
- Current owner reports 600HP
- Custom built electronic control module for Lingenfelter
- Current owner reports new stainless steel fuel tank with fuel pump
- Current owner reports new ceramic coated headers
- Polished stainless steel SuperTrapp mufflers
- Flaming River steering column
- Current owner reports new Corvette steering wheel
- New rack & pinion steering unit
- Current owner reports new custom built radiator
- Current owner reports new oil cooler
- Current owner reports new power steering cooler
- Full new interior
- New seats
- New door panels
- New carpeting
- Dakota digital gauges
- Current owner reports new custom LED headlights
Customizing a classic car requires a delicate balance of respect for its heritage and innovation in design. One misstep can compromise the aesthetic of a build, but this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod is a shining example of customization done right. Crafted to perfection by Eckert's Rod & Custom, this first-generation Corvette is more than a classic—it’s a statement piece. It boasts a custom Art Morrison chassis, and the meticulous attention to detail elevates it into a league of its own. To highlight just how special this Corvette is, it was formerly displayed at the National Corvette Museum in the Skydome Exhibit—a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship. The build was completed on June 2, 2021, before making its journey to Bowling Green, Kentucky, for this prestigious display. Underneath its elegant exterior lies a treasure trove of engineering marvels that blend vintage charm with modern performance.
Exterior and Interior
Finished in a striking Midnight Blue, this Corvette retains much of its original factory styling from afar. However, a closer look reveals bespoke touches that set it apart. The LED headlights and the de-chromed, blacked-out trim give the car a sleek, modern edge while honoring its roots. The stance is further enhanced by custom HRE wheels—17"x9.5" in the front and 17"x11" in the rear—finished in gunmetal grey. These wheels pair perfectly with the C4 Corvette suspension and fully adjustable coil-over shocks, ensuring the car handles as well as it looks. Inside, the black interior retains a vintage feel with modern upgrades that prioritize both style and comfort. The cabin features hand-built, high-quality leather upholstery, complemented by Dakota Digital HDX gauges custom-made for the Corvette. New seats, door panels, and carpeting add to the refined aesthetic, while a new Flaming River steering column and a Corvette steering wheel keep the driving experience intuitive and enjoyable.
Engine
The engine bay of this 1954 Corvette is where the real magic happens. Powering this restomod is a custom-built LT-5 engine by Graham Behan, boasting 368 cubic inches and over 600 horsepower. This is no ordinary LT-5; it features one of two custom-built Electronic Control Modules (EMC) supplied by Lingenfelter Racing and programmed for peak performance. Supporting this impressive powertrain are high-end components like a custom aluminum driveline, ceramic-coated headers, a stainless steel fuel tank with an integrated fuel pump, and polished stainless steel SuperTrapp mufflers. A custom-built radiator and new oil and power steering coolers ensure optimal performance, even under demanding conditions. The Corvette’s drivetrain includes a ZF 6-speed manual transmission, giving the driver complete control over its substantial power. Further enhancing the handling are a 3.73 heat-treated gear set and stub shaft, custom-made half-shafts, and new U-joints. Stopping power comes courtesy of Baer Brakes with two-piece rotors, parking brake functionality, and Alcon calipers, making it as capable on the road as it is on display.
The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible comes from the heart of the C2 era, when the Corvette had already matured into a genuinely serious American sports car without losing the raw character that made the Sting Ray famous. This example leans heavily into that character. Showing 19,053 miles, it pairs a 327ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and a four-speed manual transmission, then adds the kind of period-style attitude enthusiasts gravitate toward: side-mount exhaust, knock-off-style turbine wheels, and a vivid Sunfire Yellow finish over a black interior. The current owner reports more than $83,000 invested into the build, with attention extending beyond cosmetics into the cooling system, ignition components, timing hardware, and other supporting mechanical upgrades. What makes this car appealing is that it still delivers the classic C2 experience in the way enthusiasts want it: small-block V8 up front, manual gearbox in the middle, drive going to the rear, and very little standing between the driver and the car. The side pipes give the Corvette a more aggressive presence and soundtrack, while the custom paint and wheel setup emphasize the long-hood, short-deck proportions that made the midyear Corvette one of Chevrolet’s most iconic designs.
By 2008, the C6 Corvette had matured into one of the strongest all-around American performance cars of its era, and this example combines the right mechanical hardware with an unusually extensive equipment list. Showing 50,966 miles, this 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is equipped with the desirable 3LT Preferred Equipment Group and Z51 Performance Package, pairing the LS3 V8 with a six-speed manual transmission, 3.42:1 limited-slip rear axle, and dual-mode performance exhaust. It was also specified with the GCA Ultimate Package, adding a collection of appearance upgrades that give this Victory Red Corvette a more distinctive presence than a typical C6. An aftermarket front splitter and audio head unit add further personalization while retaining the fundamental character that makes a manual Z51 C6 such an appealing enthusiast car.
The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible sits at the heart of the early C3 era, pairing dramatic styling with the kind of mechanical specification that made these cars so memorable. Showing approximately 5,672 miles, this example is finished in Monza Red over a Black interior and is equipped with the desirable L46 350ci V8 rated at 350 horsepower. A 4-speed manual transmission and Positraction rear axle keep the driving experience firmly enthusiast-focused, while power steering and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes add useful road manners. Chrome Rally wheels, a black convertible soft top, and the unmistakable Stingray bodywork give the exterior its period-correct presence, while the cabin retains the classic twin-cowl dash, center console, and auxiliary gauge layout. An aftermarket steering wheel, manual shifter, air cleaner, and JVC audio head unit add a handful of personalized touches without taking away from the car’s classic Corvette character.
The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible comes from the heart of the C2 era, when the Corvette had already matured into a genuinely serious American sports car without losing the raw character that made the Sting Ray famous. This example leans heavily into that character. Showing 19,053 miles, it pairs a 327ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and a four-speed manual transmission, then adds the kind of period-style attitude enthusiasts gravitate toward: side-mount exhaust, knock-off-style turbine wheels, and a vivid Sunfire Yellow finish over a black interior. The current owner reports more than $83,000 invested into the build, with attention extending beyond cosmetics into the cooling system, ignition components, timing hardware, and other supporting mechanical upgrades. What makes this car appealing is that it still delivers the classic C2 experience in the way enthusiasts want it: small-block V8 up front, manual gearbox in the middle, drive going to the rear, and very little standing between the driver and the car. The side pipes give the Corvette a more aggressive presence and soundtrack, while the custom paint and wheel setup emphasize the long-hood, short-deck proportions that made the midyear Corvette one of Chevrolet’s most iconic designs.
By 2008, the C6 Corvette had matured into one of the strongest all-around American performance cars of its era, and this example combines the right mechanical hardware with an unusually extensive equipment list. Showing 50,966 miles, this 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is equipped with the desirable 3LT Preferred Equipment Group and Z51 Performance Package, pairing the LS3 V8 with a six-speed manual transmission, 3.42:1 limited-slip rear axle, and dual-mode performance exhaust. It was also specified with the GCA Ultimate Package, adding a collection of appearance upgrades that give this Victory Red Corvette a more distinctive presence than a typical C6. An aftermarket front splitter and audio head unit add further personalization while retaining the fundamental character that makes a manual Z51 C6 such an appealing enthusiast car.
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is already one of the most serious modern American performance cars, combining supercharged V8 power, a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and Magnetic Ride Control in a package built to run with far more exotic machinery. This example takes that formula several steps further. Showing approximately 16,439 miles, it has been extensively upgraded around a Magnuson 2650 supercharger setup with supporting fuel, valvetrain, exhaust, cooling, and drivetrain hardware. A Satin Black vinyl wrap over Riverside Blue Metallic, aftermarket wheels, BMR springs, an aftermarket spoiler, and an Anderson carbon fiber wing give it the visual presence to match the mechanical work underneath. For the enthusiast who wants a manual ZL1 that goes well beyond bolt-on territory, this is the kind of build that delivers both attitude and substance.
Terms of Service
Be Kind and Courteous
We're here to create a platform to better the automotive industry through communication and transparency. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech
Make sure everyone feels safe. Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. Degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc. will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take. Self-promotion, spam, or links of any kind are not allowed.
