While
walking through the 2010 SEMA event in Las Vegas we were
literally stopped in our tracks by a modern day work of art. At first
glance we thought we were looking at a wonderfully restored 63 split
window coupe. Upon closer examination the silver beauty was in reality
a brand new C6 that had been miraculously transformed into a mid year
classic.
After
the gawking and after all the ooh’s and ahh’s were finished Mark
Wittry, a
sales rep. from Karl Kustom Corvettes came over to greet us. Mark gave
us a grand tour of this modern classic. The Mid year C2’s have always
held a special place in the mind and hearts of Corvette enthusiasts.
The C2 is the car that we all wanted when we were teenagers. It was
designed to be a sleek, powerful and of course a babe magnet. The
problem was that few of us could afford the price tag back then. Take
heart fellow “baby boomers” because the dream car of your youth is now
an attainable reality.
Karl
Kustom Corvettes is located in Des
Moines, Iowa. They are affiliated with Karl Chevrolet a dealership that
has been in business for over 30 years and is one of the
Midwest's
largest Corvette dealerships. Karl Kustoms mission is to construct
classic cars like the, 1963
split window coupe and the 1967 roadster while at the same time
offering the comfort, power and engineering of a C6.
Mark
explained that the cars that his company produces merge the
classic look of a C2 with the engineering of a C6. A classic mid year
is a work of art but 45 year old technology leaves a lot to be desired.
The Karl Kustom Vette delivers both C6 comfort and classic Corvette
style in one amazing ride.
The modifications utilize hand-laminated
fiberglass with a high-tech
vinyl ester resin to shape and mold the body panels. The custom body
panels are merged with OEM side mirrors, rocker panels and fuel door.
Each custom Corvette includes the advanced engineered hinges, latches
and weather seals of a modern C6.
Karl Kustom Corvettes builds two customized Corvettes, the 1963
Corvette Split Window Coupe, and the 1967 Corvette Roadster. Every
customized Corvette is covered under the GM factory warranty. The power
train, chassis, interior, and electronic components of Karl Kustom's
Corvettes are factory C6.
Karl
Kustoms mission is to construct
classic cars like the, 1963
split window coupe and the 1967 roadster while at the same time
offering the comfort, power and engineering of a C6.
Mark stated that his company prides itself in both quality
and workman that go into the making of a Karl
Kustom Corvette. The 1967 Corvette Convertible bumpers are made from
steel and are triple plated and fit to modern standards. Grills are
hand-fabricated using Billet 6061- T6 aluminum material. Factory door
frames are retained and the new body panels are reattached
to the platform using modern epoxies and factory-equivalent fasteners.
The drive train and mechanicals are all factory GM stock.
Karl Kustom redesigned the Roadster’s tonneau lid to match the 1967
Corvette Convertible body, yet maintained the convertible fit and
function of OEM power-top sequencing and operable trunk.
Each customized 1967 Corvette Convertible is built to your individual
taste. Karl Kustom offers finished cars in inventory or can customize
the car with your choice of color. The typical conversion can be done
in about ninety days. All conversions maintain the full GM factory
warranty.
Karl Kustom
can convert your 2005-10 C6 into a mid year classic for about $90
grand. For another $30K the dealer can supply a Pre-owned car for the
conversion. The price is very competitive
considering the level of engineering,
detail and glamor that this this modern classic offers.
