1963 Corvette Grand Sport Replica is Pure Perfection
Combining original Corvette Grand Sport styling with a modern drivetrain makes this replica a tasty proposition.
If you were to say, for example, that the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is the most amazing racer of all time, you won’t face much opposition. Even though it never got its chance to establish dominance in motorsport, Zora-Arkus Duntov‘s incredible machine still captures the fascination of Corvette fans to this day. But since only five were actually built, owning one is merely a pipe dream for most.
Unless you’ve got a killer replica, like this one we spotted in the Corvette Forum Marketplace. The car was masterfully crafted by the skilled folks at Mid America Industries, a company that knows a thing or two about ‘Vettes. And even cooler, it was modeled specifically after the #003 Corvette Grand Sport campaigned by A.J. Foyt and John Cannon at Sebring in 1964.
But make no mistake, this is not your average old school racer. The body is a Mid America shell, which covers a tube frame. And instead of the original’s aluminum 377 cube small block, you’ll find a thoroughly modern 427 LS. Which also happens to be quite a bit more powerful than the original, pumping out 625 hp and 565 lb-ft of torque.
Shifts are handled by a TKO 600 manual transmission fitted with an 11-inch RAM Powergrip clutch. It sends power back to a beefy Dana 44 rear axle stuffed with 3.07 gears for longer track sections. Brakes are also modern, consisting of Wilwood 13″ rotors with 6-piston calipers up front and 12″ out back. Toss on a set of retro Team Three wheels, and you’ve got one tasty mix of new and old.
With retro looks and modern performance, this Corvette Grand Sport replica is truly the best of both worlds. And when you consider the fact that you’ll likely never get the chance to own a real one, it’s also a rather enticing proposition!
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