Wild Custom C1 Corvette Roadster Hides Big Block Secret

1. Born to be wild

For the most part, custom Corvette builds tend to lean toward the conservative side. For good reason, of course. After all, it isn't like you really need to tack on crazy flared fenders and flamed paint jobs, even if it was cool back in the 70s. But this 1962 Corvette, built by Chicago based The Custom Shop, makes no attempt to blend in with the crowd. In fact, it does quite the opposite, serving as an in-your-face and unapologetic ride guaranteed to grab attention everywhere it goes. Considering the fact that the "Copper Topless" scored a feature over at Super Chevy, we'd say that it more than accomplished that mission.

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2. Living up to its name

The first thing that strikes you about this wild C1 is the custom bodywork. For starters, Copper Topless lives up to its nickname as a full-time roadster with no top to protect you from the elements. From there, the windshield was chopped three inches and given custom pillars that feature built-in side-view cameras. The rear portion of the body was widened three inches to make room for massive tires. Tons of custom features abound, from functional brake ducts to C6 door handles. Finally, it was all covered in Mango Tango, while the bumpers are painted satin silver.

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3. Heart of the beast

As over the top as the outside of this C1 is, you might expect to find a mild crate small block under the hood. But the heart of this beast is every bit as wild as the exterior, and maybe even more so. A massive 596 ci big block was shoehorned into the lightweight 'Vette, and uses an equally tucked Vortec supercharger and Holley EFI system to produce a healthy 1,048 hp. 

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4. Custom Threads

You won't find anything resembling the 60s on the inside of this custom 'Vette, either. The door panels feature inserts that match the front grille, and the custom instrument panel mimics the look of the engine cover. Pretty much everything else is covered in acres of tan leather to create an inviting and comfy looking cabin.

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5. Hidden Details

A custom Corvette of this caliber doesn't show all of its cards right away. Hiding under the vented tonneau cover lies a full Sony sound system, complete with amps, subwoofers, and mids/highs. The flip-up panel serves two purposes: it helps keep the interior from looking too busy, and it adds a little bit of "wow" factor to a car that already elicits a pretty big reaction on its own.

>>Join the conversation about this custom C1 Roadster right here in Corvette Forum.

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