This past weekend, the sun shone down on enthusiasts from across our country as they convened on the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, Florida—Barrett-Jackson was back in town! For the Corvette faithful, the atmosphere was electric, but the talk under the tents wasn’t just about factory-correct NCRS Top Flight winners. It was about a high-stakes showdown between two worlds: the pristine, numbers-matching classics that represent our history, and the rising tide of “Customs”—better known to the community as The Restomod Movement. To test that movement in Barrett-Jackson’s no-reserve atmosphere, CorvSport is pitting the Top 5 Restomod sales from Palm Beach 2026 against their all-original counterparts—let the showdown begin!
The Visionary: Jeff Hayes And The Custom Revolution
While many builders have touched the classic Corvette, few have redefined the market like Jeff Hayes. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, Jeff Hayes Customs began pushing boundaries in the early 2000s, often facing criticism from purists who felt he was “destroying holy grails.” Through the years, Hayes has silenced the skeptics, culminating with his record-breaking $1.1 million Vintage Champagne ’67, which sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2024. Today, his signature builds, often featuring an Art Morrison sport chassis and LS3 power, are regular multi-six-digit contenders.
The Anatomy of a Restomod: Beyond the Name
The term “restomod” itself is a relatively modern hybrid of “restoration” and “modification,” first coined in the mid-90s to describe vehicles that maintain a vintage silhouette while hiding a modern soul. Unlike a standard custom, a true restomod prioritizes drivability and performance. In the world of high-end Corvettes, this means swapping original frames for precision-engineered chassis and replacing archaic drum brakes with Wilwood six-piston systems. It’s a marriage of 1960s aesthetics and modern reliability, allowing owners to cross the country with their classics without fear of a roadside breakdown.
The Economics of Perfection: Commission vs. Build
Dovetailing into the financial reality, the “Original vs. Restomod” debate is as much about the wallet as it is about the wrench. Commissioning a world-class restomod today is a staggering investment, often exceeding $250,000 to $300,000 in labor and parts alone, not including the cost of the donor car. While buying a “fixer-upper” for $40,000 might seem like a shortcut, the math quickly shifts when you account for high-end shops charging for 2,000+ hours of custom fabrication. Consequently, many collectors now find it more economical to bid on a professionally built custom at Barrett-Jackson, where the hammer price—while often upwards of $500,000—is frequently less than the cost and multi-year wait time of a fresh commission.
Now that we have primed you with some of the history, here are the Top 5 Custom/Restomod Corvette sales from Palm Beach 2026, along with their Top 5 Original counterparts. Will The Restomod Movement continue to outshine the unmolested classics?
The Top 5 Custom/Restomod Corvette Sales
VS
The Top 5 Original Matches
#5 — 1967 Corvette Custom Vert
Hammer Price: $203,500
♦Listing Details:
“This custom 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Pro-Touring restomod convertible is powered by a 625hp LS 427ci V-8 engine mated to a T56 six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch. The engine features Katech powder-coated valve covers, a custom carbon-fiber intake cover, a coil relocation kit and a Concept One front-runner accessory drive with Powermaster alternator, polished aluminum power steering reservoir and polished aluminum air conditioning compressor. Cooling is handled by a DeWitts dual-fan LS radiator with custom-fabricated stainless-steel coolant tubes.
Stainless Works long-tube headers feed into 3-inch stainless side pipes with Auger inserts custom-fabricated by Roadster Shop. Power is delivered through CV-joint axles to a custom Positraction rear end. The original 1967 body was professionally fitted to a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis featuring independent front and rear Corvette suspension, adjustable coilover shocks, power rack-and-pinion steering and a stainless-steel fuel tank. Stopping is provided by Wilwood six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with drilled and slotted rotors. Roadster Shop fabricated a custom rear floor and transmission tunnel to accommodate the chassis and drivetrain. From The Legacy on Wheels Collection.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
The Top Original Counterpart — 1967 Corvette 427/435hp Vert
Hammer Price: $88,000
♦ Listing Summary:
“This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a Tri-Power 427ci V-8 engine rated at 435hp and equipped with L89 aluminum cylinder heads and three two-barrel Holley carburetors. The engine is paired with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission and a 4.11 Positraction rear end. The chassis is upgraded with a seven leaf F41 rear spring, big-block rear sway bar and heavy-duty front springs. The car features side-mounted exhaust.
Stopping is provided by power four-wheel disc brakes, and the car is equipped with power steering. The exterior is finished in Tuxedo Black with a blue Stinger hood and rides on cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in Firestone red-line radial tires. The interior features Teal Blue leather upholstery along with power windows and an AM/FM push-button radio. The vehicle was the subject of a frame-off restoration with attention given to the use of NOS parts and correctly dated components. This Corvette is also equipped with a reproduction trim tag.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
#4 — 1966 Corvette Custom Vert
Hammer Price: $220,000
♦ Listing Details:
“This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible is powered by a 650hp LT4 V-8 engine featuring a Wegner front-drive system, paired with a 10L80E 10-speed automatic transmission operated by a push-button electronic shifter and connected to a carbon-fiber driveshaft. The engine is cooled by a DeWitts aluminum radiator. It is built on a black-painted Roadster Shop Spec 7 chassis and equipped with a fully independent C7 Corvette suspension.
The engine breathes through stainless-steel headers feeding custom-built 2.5-inch stainless-steel side pipes with factory-style chrome heat shields. Stopping power is provided by a C7 Corvette Z51 brake kit with 13.5-inch rotors at the front and rear. The body features 2-inch rear tubs to accommodate the wheel fitment. It rides on wire-spoke-inspired 19-inch three-piece forged billet aluminum wheels measuring 10 inches wide in the front and 11 inches wide in the rear, wrapped in Continental Sport Plus tires, sized 275/30ZR19 in front and 305/30ZR19 in the rear.
The exterior is wrapped in Sikkens Black with a metallic Silver Ghost Stripe and protected by a Glasurit clearcoat. It is equipped with factory glass and a refinished hardtop. The interior is upholstered in brown Nappa leather with custom-bolstered and thinned seats. Sound-deadening has been applied throughout the cabin. The dash houses Dakota Digital gauges and a Restomod Air climate-control system positioned behind a standard steering column. A headless Bluetooth unit controls a six-channel, 1,200-watt amplifier and a 12-inch subwoofer.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
The Top Original Counterpart — 1966 Corvette 427/390hp Vert
Hammer Price: $101,200
♦ Listing Details:
“This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a rebuilt matching-numbers 427/390hp V-8 engine paired with a Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission. The engine was rebuilt by Hi Performance Restoration in conjunction with a body-off restoration completed in 2026, and the car has test-drive miles since completion. Upgrades include a larger camshaft, Holley 750 Quick Flo carburetor, HEI ignition and an aluminum radiator. Exhaust exits through side pipes.
The car has been upgraded with rack-and-pinion steering, and the differential is equipped with limited-slip Positraction. The chassis is fitted with four-wheel disc brakes and a new master cylinder. The exterior is finished in Rally Red using Sikkens paint and features black hood trim. It rides on turbine-style knock-off wheels fitted with red-line tires. The black soft-top features new bows and new canvas. The interior has been refreshed with new gauges, a quartz clock and a Bluetooth radio designed to retain a period-style appearance, along with air conditioning and power windows.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
#3 — 1963 Corvette Custom Split-Window Coupe
Hammer Price: $258,500
♦ Listing Details:
“This custom 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe nicknamed the “Black Widow” is powered by a Mast Motorsports Black Label LS7 V-8 engine producing 665hp and 575 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Tremec TKO five-speed manual transmission. Power is delivered through a Dana 44 rear end equipped with 3.73 gears and heavy-duty rear axles. The build is based on a custom SRIII Motorsports chassis fitted with C5 suspension and adjustable coilover shocks. Steering is handled by a power rack-and-pinion system with a Flaming River steering column.
Cooling is provided by a DeWitts aluminum radiator, and the engine connects to a side-exit exhaust integrated into the body. Stopping is managed by Baer six-piston calipers with 14-inch cross-drilled rotors. The exterior was restored from a factory GM body using a rotisserie restoration process and refinished in black paint. Exterior features include tucked bumpers, a custom front spoiler, custom rear diffuser, custom side mirrors and front turn signal driving lights.
The car rides on Centennial Edition Corvette 19×10 front wheels and 20×12 rear wheels fitted with 335/25/20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup red-line tires. The interior is trimmed in black Italian leather with red double stitching and matching carpet. A custom carbon-fiber dash and door panels complement the build. It is equipped with a Restomod Air climate-control system and a custom Competition Sound audio system with GPS mapping, MP3 and Bluetooth capability. Upgraded shoulder harness seat belts are fitted for driver and passenger safety.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
The Top Original Counterpart — 1963 Corvette 327/360hp Split-Window Fuelie
Hammer Price: $330,000
♦ Listing Details:
“This 1963 Corvette Split-Window Fuelie is an early production car; according to the VIN number, it was the 332nd off the assembly line. This one-year-only body-style Corvette received a professional frame-off restoration and is powered by the factory’s original matching-numbers 327/360hp fuel-injected engine paired with the factory four-speed manual transmission. Of the 21,513 Corvettes made in 1963, only 2,610 were equipped with a fuel-injected engine. It is presented with its factory original colors: an Ermine White exterior over a red interior. This Corvette rides on knock-off wheels wrapped in wide whitewall radial tires. 35,190 actual miles.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
#2 — 1967 Corvette Custom Vert
Hammer Price: $258,500
♦ Listing Details:
“This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible is powered by a Gen V LT1 direct injection V-8 engine paired with a 4L70E automatic overdrive transmission on an Art Morrison Sport GT chassis with independent rear suspension. The build began with a no-hit original body and included adding 1-inch-wider quarter panels, allowing the rear wheels to fully articulate up and down for a softer ride. The chassis is equipped with Ridetech adjustable coilovers and power steering.
Cooling is managed by a DeWitts aluminum radiator, and the engine is supported by a modern electronic fuel-injection system. The car rides on Schott wheels with white-line tires. Exhaust and suspension components are integrated into the Art Morrison chassis design with independent rear suspension and adjustable coilover shocks. Stopping is handled by C8 Corvette Brembo four-wheel disc brakes. The exterior is finished in Ferrari Bianco Fuji Pearl White and fitted with a black Haartz Stayfast cloth convertible top.
Additional exterior equipment includes Detroit Speed automatic LED headlights and a power hood. The interior features a fully wrapped leather interior with LED accent lighting, a chrome Ididit steering column and a pearl-accented wood steering wheel. Audio is provided by an AM/FM Bluetooth stereo paired with Hertz Audio speakers. Additional equipment includes a Vintage Air climate-control system. A battery tender and vehicle maintenance and operation manual are included with the sale.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
The Top Original Counterpart — 1967 Corvette 327/350hp Vert
Hammer Price: $95,700
♦ Listing Details:
“This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a matching-numbers 327/350hp V-8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The car received a frame-off nut-and-bolt restoration and is equipped with side exhaust and power steering. It rides on bolt-on wheels wrapped in red-line radial tires. The exterior is finished in color code 976 Marina Blue and is equipped with an auxiliary hardtop. Exterior trim and brightwork were addressed during the restoration. The interior features trim code 450 white and Bright Blue two-tone upholstery, and includes rare headrest seats, a teakwood steering wheel, a telescoping steering column and a Vintage Air climate-control system.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
#1 — 1964 Corvette Custom Vert
Hammer Price: $266,200
♦ Listing Details:
“This custom 1964 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is a “Supervette” build by Jim Bridges, professionally fabricated and assembled by experienced artisans at Retro Design. The build started with a Roadster Shop Spec 7 chassis powder-coated satin black with power rack-and-pinion steering, coilover shocks, double wishbone independent suspension and a ZL1 differential, along with modern performance half-shafts. Baer Extreme 6S brakes with custom engraved “Supervette” logo and script stop the car. The brakes utilize a modern electronic brake booster and e-brake.
The custom chassis rides on 325/25 ZR 20-inch rear and 225/35 ZR 19-inch front Michelin cup tires and Schott wheels. Power comes from a 427ci supercharged Nelson Racing engine that uses a Dart LS block and advertises 1000hp (race gas and E85 compatible). A catch can and an Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator are utilized. A custom stainless-steel fuel cell and a Trifecta fuel pump are used to feed the engine. Polished stainless-steel Ultimate Headers are connected to a custom 3-inch side exhaust, which are original replicas.
The engine is mated to a Tremec six-speed manual transmission enhanced by Rockland Gear and called a “Tranzilla” six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. The body has been modified with 1.5-inch-wide body panels on all four corners with ZR1 vents. The new tub system accommodates new wider wheels and tires at the rear. The hood is an XL unit used to give clearance for the 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
The Top Original Counterpart — 1964 Corvette Vert
Hammer Price: $68,200
♦ Listing Details:
“This 1964 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a rebuilt 327ci V-8 engine with engine date code L163 and confirmed casting number, mated to a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission and a 4.11 limited-slip rear end. It is equipped with a Hurst shifter and a Wilwood master cylinder. The exterior is refinished in red and features a white soft-top. The interior is fitted with red bucket seats, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, Hurst shifter and the original radio. It rides on chrome Cragar wheels wrapped in white-stripe tires.”
♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing
The CorvSport Takeaway
While none of today’s customs carried the signature of Jeff Hayes, make no mistake—the fingerprints of his movement were everywhere at Palm Beach this year. Every one of the Top 5 Restomods came from the second-generation pool, and more importantly, every single one cleared the $200,000 mark. That’s not coincidence—that’s confirmation. The restomod has fully matured from a controversial concept to a blue-chip segment, and buyers are paying real money for turnkey performance wrapped in Mid-Year styling.
Split-Window Supremacy
If there was ever going to be a line in the sand, it’s the 1963 Split-Window Coupe—and it showed. The custom example brought a strong $258,500, but the original 327/360hp Fuelie stretched to $330,000, a decisive gap that reinforces what seasoned collectors already know: some cars transcend trends. With just 2,610 fuel-injected models produced—and this example being an early-production, numbers-matching car in factory colors—the result isn’t surprising. The Split Window isn’t just another Corvette; it’s the Corvette. When rarity, originality, and historical importance converge, even the best custom builds take a back seat.
The Value Equation
Outside of that iconic outlier, the numbers tell a very different story—one that heavily favors the Restomod lane. Across the remaining four comparisons, the average spread between customs and their original counterparts lands at a staggering $148,775. The average restomod sale checks in at $237,050, while the originals average just $88,275. That’s not a narrow win—that’s a landslide. The takeaway is simple: if you’re stepping into the market today, buying a completed, professionally built restomod often delivers significantly more car for the money compared to commissioning one from scratch—and far more performance than a similarly priced original.
Two Lanes, One Expanding Market
What this Palm Beach showdown ultimately proves is that the Corvette market isn’t choosing sides—it’s broadening its reach. The originals still anchor the hobby with authenticity and provenance, led by icons like the Split Window that continue to command a premium. But the Restomod surge is undeniable, fueled by buyers who want to drive, enjoy, and use their cars without compromise. The result? A market that’s no longer defined by preservation or performance—but one that thrives because it embraces both.
The CorvSport team thanks you for being with us today on this Corvette journey. Join the CorvSport movement in 2026 and never be left wanting!
- Engage with CorvSport’s 166,000 Facebook followers and be the first to see our daily content.
- Experience how obsessed we are and view our top 25 monthly features by visiting our digital magazine, CORVETTE OBSESSED.
- Enjoy an ad-free experience, get exclusive content, and support CorvSport for only $2.92/month!
