Listed on Bring a Trailer, this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split-window coupe is a radical “what-if?” interpretation of a mid-engine Corvette inspired by the Ford GT, blending the styling of the original Sting Ray with the racing ambitions of Zora Arkus-Duntov. Conceived by designer Mark Harlan and built by Phil Sommers of American Supercar in Spring Hill, Florida, the project debuted at the 2007 SEMA Show, where it earned Best GM Vehicle honors.
The transformation involved extensively re-engineering the fiberglass body and custom chassis. The cabin was moved forward 24 inches, while the body was widened by 10 inches and shortened by 3 inches to create a more aggressive, cab-forward stance. A custom square-tube ladder frame supports independent front and rear suspension with adjustable Penske Racing shocks. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, Baer six-piston brakes, and HRE billet wheels further reinforce its performance-oriented character.
The exterior is finished in black and incorporates popper-operated sliding “sui-slide” doors, mesh rear-window inserts, flip-up rectangular headlights, functional rear-quarter air intakes, and a power-operated split-window hatch. The front hood features recessed screened intakes feeding dual electric fans and a black aluminum radiator, while custom V7 Twin Turbo badges and polished exhaust tips highlight the car’s bespoke character.
Inside, black leather Cobra Misano Lux seats with carbon-fiber shells are paired with red Crow Enterprises cam-lock harnesses. The original dual-cowl dashboard has been upgraded with aluminum panels and leather trim, while Vintage Air climate control, power windows, black carpeting, and an AutoMeter Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite gauge package add modern functionality.
At the heart of the build is a stroked 395-cubic-inch aluminum-block LS1 V8 derived from Hot Rod magazine’s Project Blueprint program. Equipped with a Lunati forged crankshaft, electronic fuel injection, dual 77mm Turbo Re-Source turbochargers, TiAL wastegates, and a liquid-cooled Race Aero intercooler, the engine sends its output through a custom Mendeola five-speed sequential transaxle operated by steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
Unlike the original front-engine Corvette, this creation places the twin-turbo V8 behind the cabin and drives the rear wheels through a custom Mendeola five-speed sequential transaxle operated by paddle shifters. The result is an unusually sophisticated fusion of Corvette heritage, race-car engineering, and Duntov’s long-held mid-engine ideas.
Source: Bring a Trailer
