American Legends Delivers a 1964 Corvette Packing Serious Muscle
Tim Kirby wanted a modernized mid-’60s Stingray. To fulfill that dream he began with the critical component, the body – a rough 1964 Corvette shell he scored on eBay – in Boston. While the body was being shipped to his home state of Arizona he also purchased a Roadster Shop chassis and an LS7 engine that had been pulled from a 2015 Camaro Z28.
With those three important components in hand, he turned to the team at American Legends to create his dream ride. Two years later, Tim saw the completed car for the first time at the SEMA Show. It was worth the wait and exactly what he’d envisioned when he started.
The stock body was modified heavily, the most obvious change being the creation of the rear split-window treatment, which was only offered in 1963. Wide-body quarters and fenders were also added, including ZR1-style front fenders. Other refinements were a little more subtle, like filled cowl vents, shaved door locks, and C6 Corvette door latches. The stock taillights were upgraded with 3D-printed replacements. The body was ultimately covered in a custom-mixed BASF gunmetal gray finish, with carbon fiber bumpers and satin black accents.
The Roadster Shop chassis features front and rear independent coil-over suspensions, with four-wheel Wilwood 13-inch disc brakes surrounded by Avant Garde 18×9- and 19×12.5-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo rubber. The rearend is filled with 3.70 gears and is narrowed to allow for the wider rear wheel/tire combo.
The original plan called for a supercharger on the LS7 engine, but it wouldn’t clear the stock hood so that idea was shelved. Instead, the Texas Speed 427c.i. engine was treated to choice components like a Texas Speed Stage 2 camshaft, Holley induction parts, and MSD coils, which help produce 640-horsepower – more than enough to have a lot of fun. The two-piece valve covers come from Billet Specialties, a Griffin aluminum radiator keeps temperatures under control, while a Holley mid-mount accessory drive system keeps things spinning. Custom side exhausts mimic the period-correct accessories for a 1964 Corvette.
The interior features vinyl and suede upholstery installed by Patrick Goodwin over 3D-printed door panels and modified bucket seats. There are many carbon fiber accents, and a harness bar that anchors shoulder safety belts. Dakota Digital gauges are housed in the modified stock dash, which also incorporates Vintage Air and a tilt column topped by a Billet Specialties steering wheel. Wiring from American Autowire connects the electrical pieces.
With all the pieces in place and together now, Tim says he plans to enjoy driving his 1964 Corvette this summer and wouldn’t change a thing. We wouldn’t, either.
Photos by Terry Lysak
