1961 E-Z Up Corvette
The first generation Corvette is arguably the most iconic American car and for good reason. The innovation in design and performance made it the one of the most desirable cars of its time. It was one of the first mass-produced cars to achieve a 1bhp per cubic inch, had options like power windows, hydraulic convertible top, Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking hybrid car radio, and featured a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution for improved handling. If you wanted a high-performance sports car in the late 50s or early 60s, the Corvette was at the top of the heap.
As innovative as the C1 Corvette was, it pales in comparison to modern performance. So the question to be answered was: How do we pay tribute to the original design and innovation of the Corvette using modern performance? The answer was simple.
The E-Z Up Corvette saw no expense spared when it came to getting the best performing and looking car possible. The factory chassis and drivetrain were ditched in favor of a 430HP Chevrolet Performance LS3 (376ci) with a 4L65E automatic transmission sitting in an Art Morrison chassis. Braking power comes from a Hydratech hydroboost unit and a set of massive Wilwood disc brakes. Other features are a Vintage Air FrontRunner accessory drive system, full custom stainless exhaust, Detroit Speed steering rack, custom engine cover, and more. With the combination of these components, this C1 can outperform most modern cars.
The rest of the car saw its fair share of upgrades that pay homage to the original design goals of the Corvette. The bumpers were tucked and fitted, custom trim was made for the entire car, a console was fabricated from scratch, Vintage Air ac and heat was tucked way, modern gauges were installed, an auxiliary gas tank filled the spare tire well for long trips, JL Audio sound system, and the knobs and handles are hand blown glass. Like most of our cars, the E-Z Up corvette got a full custom leather interior with custom seats, carpet, door panels, etc. The exterior is painted in a PPG white with a charcoal cove and matte silver trim. To finish the car off, HRE provided a set of pre-production 20″ wheels that got wrapped in Pirelli tires.
