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The second-generation Corvette rarely needs a sales pitch, but Barrett-Jackson is giving this one a very good stage: a black-and-red 1967 Corvette convertible built by Jeff Hayes Customs, heading to the Nov. 5–12 Digital Select Auction on Barrett-Jackson.com. Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.
The recipe is simple and hard to argue with. Start with one of the best-looking shapes Chevrolet ever drew, add side pipes and a gloss black finish, and then back up the attitude with modern hardware. The long hood, short deck and sculpted fenders are all there. So is the drama.
An Unhit California Original
Hayes finished the build in mid-September 2020, and it began with something that gets harder to find every year: an unhit California original. That clean starting point matters, because it means the Sting Ray's lines were left to do their work rather than being rescued from a rough project.
540 Horsepower of LS3
Under the hood sits a GM LS3 hot cam V-8 rated at 540 horsepower, paired with a 4L70E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The engine bay is as polished as the exterior, with a Velocity intake manifold and fuel rails, polished valve covers and a polished alternator. Exhaust exits through the side pipes, a nod to 1960s Corvette style.
Underneath, an Art Morrison Sport chassis brings modern underpinnings to the classic body, with a rear coilover suspension on a four-link setup and power steering. Stopping power comes from polished Wilwood six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers over two-piece drilled and slotted rotors. If you have ever wondered what separates a thoughtful build from a pretty one, this is a good example. For more on what to look for in modified classics, see our guide on buying a modified classic car.
Wheels, Leather and Creature Comforts
Staggered 18-inch front and 20-inch rear Schott C7 two-piece forged wheels fill the arches, finished with polished lips, Three-Bar Cover-Loc knock-off spinner caps and Toyo Proxes 4 Plus red-line tires. A Haartz cloth convertible top keeps the open-air appeal intact.
Drop the top and the red leather interior joins the color scheme. A polished Lokar shifter, chrome Ididit steering column and Billet Specialties steering wheel carry the custom theme, while power windows, a power hood and Vintage Air climate control handle the modern conveniences.
Why It Works
The best part is that the car never pretends to be something else. The proportions are pure 1967 Corvette, while the LS3, chassis and brakes give it a very different personality once the key is turned. Fans of classic Corvettes of all eras will also enjoy our look at an ex–Pikes Peak 1962 Corvette Fuelie.
Bidders can register now at Barrett-Jackson.com ahead of the Nov. 5–12 Digital Select Auction.
