Autoblog

GM's Ed Welburn brings vintage Corvettes by Jay Leno's Garage

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Videos, Chevrolet

There're still a couple more weeks until we get our first official look at the next generation of the Chevrolet Corvette with the all-new C7, but Ed Welburn, Vice President of General Motors Global Design, recently hung out with Jay Leno to show off a quartet of classic 'Vettes of historic importance. Corvette fans will definitely want to check out the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

Three of the four cars reside in the GM Heritage Center, and the fourth is owned by none other than GM president Dan Akerson who plans to auction off his mint 1958 Corvette at Barrett-Jackson next month to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity in Detroit. Leno also got to check out a fully restored 1953 Corvette, of which less than 1,000 were ever built, in addition to the highly desirable 1963 split-window. The true gem of this collection, though, is the 1959 Stingray racecar that was driven by Elvis Presley, heavily influenced the styling of the C3 'Vette (as well as the C7 according to Welburn), first use of the "Stingray" name on a Corvette and Leno referred to it as "the rarest, most valuable Corvette there is."

Check out the video posted after the jump to hear both guys talk about the iconic sports cars, which includes Welburn describing where the split-window design came from and listen to Leno start up the '59 Stingray.

Continue reading GM's Ed Welburn brings vintage Corvettes by Jay Leno's Garage

GM's Ed Welburn brings vintage Corvettes by Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Playboy magazine's Vintage Thunder sketches

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet

Vintage Thunder as chosen by Playboy - Click above for high-res image gallery

Playboy (which we're not ashamed to admit we read for more than the articles) has compiled a list of its favorite classic vehicles. The article, entitled Vintage Thunder, features six vehicles picked to earn a spot in the magazine's fantasy garage.

Three American and three Europeans make the cut, all of which are beautifully illustrated by Etienne Carignan. The upper end of the price spectrum is claimed by the BMW 507 (shown above) while the least expensive on the list is the split-window 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. You can read a recap of Vintage Thunder by heading over to Playboy's website (which is safe for work, as long as you don't stray from the article). If you want to read the full piece, be sure to check out the April issue, which is on sale now.

Gallery: Playboy's Vintage Thunder

[Source: Playboy]

Pics Aplenty: Playboy magazine's Vintage Thunder sketches originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Barrett-Jackson: Mid-Engined maniacal motoring madness, Corvette style

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 22:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, GM

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe at Barrett-Jackson 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car. The split-window coupe is instantly recognizable and serves as one of the symbols of Zora Arkus-Duntov's legacy with General Motors. Up for auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale is a re-imagining of classic Corvette, and it's been brought to the modern era while keeping its memorable lines.

Described as "the car Duntov would have built to win Le Mans", this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe has a secret hidden under its bodywork. The engine isn't in the front but rather it's been relocated to the middle of the car. Actually, that's not accurate... the original engine could be on a shelf somewhere because it's been replaced with a twin-turbo LS V8. This eight-cylinder monster has been tested on the dyno and the numbers are staggering. Producing 1,000 horsepower and 915 pound-feet of torque, this '63 Vette runs from 0-60 miles per hour in under three seconds and probably goes through tires like fire through paper.

Also, be sure to get a load of those crazy doors, which open kind of like drawers with an ingenious scissor mechanism.

This will be one to watch as it rolls across the stage (you can do so online here) because the crowd is now "properly medicated" and winning bids are climbing. Plus, it's one of Speed's highlighted Fantasy Bid auctions, and you can join us in making an estimation on what this custom mid-engine 'Vette will finally sell for. We know it'll be triple digits...

Gallery: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette mid-engine Custom Coupe

2011 Barrett-Jackson: Mid-Engined maniacal motoring madness, Corvette style originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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