Classic to Late-Model Corvettes Reinvented and on Display at SEMA 2017

Nov 15, 2017

With over 60 years of continuous production, you would imagine a fair number of Corvettes from various eras would end up on display at the 2017 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are some of our favorite Vettes, ranging from one that would be eligible for Social Security soon to another that wouldn't be old enough to drive.

The car features a switch that allows exhaust to be routed to open side pipes

Another Roadster Shop creation powered by a 640 HP Chevrolet Performance LT4 Small Block

The Roadster Shop never disappoints with the cars they bring to SEMA. Based on the Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, this Corvette features independent suspension on all four corners controlled by coilovers and NASCAR style anti-roll bars. Steering is by power rack and pinion. Power comes from a supercharger 640 horsepower Chevrolet Performance LT4 crate engine. A clever, custom-fabricated exhaust system utilizes a full-length crossover system with muffler with the alternative of opening up the side pipes through a solenoid for a real full-throated sound. Wheels are honest-to-goodness and we’re still trying to figure out how they achieved the smooth-sided tires with only Firestone white letters applied.

The Split Ray required a completely unique DOT approved windshield

Not always noticable at first, but the Split Ray is over 6" wider than what came from the factory

One Corvette that was a continuous show stopper was the Split Ray, a 1966 Corvette that was cut in half and widened by over 6 inches. Built by Scott Roth of The Auto Shoppe in Vermont, his team cut and widened the car, custom-built a frame, hand-formed aluminum bumpers, installed custom, DOT-approved wide windshield, dropped in an LS9 with a custom blower cover from EVOD Industries. Along with a set of billet valve covers, they combine to give it the look of an updated Fuelie. EVOD also supplied the wheels, which appear to be knockoffs, but actually, hide a five bolt mounting. The interior certainly is inspired by a newer era, with many C7 components. The Split Ray was selected as one of 12 Top Builder finalists at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Constructed on a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with four wheel independent suspension

This gorgeous blue over black Roadster Shop mid year was on many attendees' best of show lists

Another build from the talented team at Roadster Shop, this time it is a 1963 Pro Touring Corvette in a stunning blue over black color scheme. The tired body was removed and set aside, and the chassis replaced by a four-wheel independent suspension Fast Track chassis from the Roadster Shop. Then, the RS boys turned to Wegner Motorsports for power, ordering an LS3 with an Edelbrock supercharger drawing through a K&N Filter that easily develops 750 horsepower. Backing it up is a 4L80E automatic. Forgeline wheels size 19" and 20" bolt up to Baer Brakes. The body received a new front fiberglass clip as well as rear roof section and valance. The interior was handled by long-time RS collaborator Avante Guard Interior who did a masterful job in covering just about every square inch of the interior in black leather.

Here are a few more Corvettes that caught our eyes in our meanderings around the grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.