An early first-generation Corvette is delightful to look at, but driving one in modern traffic can be a little scary. In the beginning of 2016, I decided I wanted a car that combined the style of an early Vette with the comfort, performance, and reliability of a more modern car. By November, I had acquired a rough 1954 Corvette and a 1990 ZR-1 that would donate its suspension, six-speed transmission, and quad-cam V-8 engine.
Shortly after I had both cars at home, I started to pull them apart. I took off the body of the 1954, and a friend modified its frame to accommodate the ZR-1 drivetrain. After the frame was completed, I bolted the body back on and sent the car to the body shop for some repairs and paint. I wanted to fit the ZR-1’s factory-sized 315-width rear tires, so I had the rear fenders extended 3.5 inches on each side. The fiberglass shop did such a good job that unless you really know early Vettes, you would never know that the fenders were modified.
While my Vette was at the body shop, I sent the ZR-1 LT5 engine out for a rebuild. The heads were ported and polished, and the displacement was bored out to 368 cubic inches. I decided I wanted to build an independent throttle body induction system. It was tricky getting the eight Jenvey throttle bodies to work in conjunction, but I was able to do so after many failed attempts.
During the build, my friends asked me why I didn’t simply restore the car to factory specification. Well, my Corvette is an absolute dream. It has been reliable, it’s a blast to drive, and I can take it on long trips without any discomfort or fatigue. And at the end of the day, it still looks like a classic Vette.
This story first appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Hagerty Drivers Club magazine. Join the club to receive our award-winning magazine and enjoy insider access to automotive events, discounts, roadside assistance, and more.
