greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year

2020 PPG Street Machine of the Year Finalist – Greg Noble’s 1959 Corvette

One of Greg Noble’s earliest memories is taking a ride in a new ’63 Corvette from the dealership where his father worked. As an adult, Greg has managed to own a ’63 split window, but always wanted a Vette from the year he was born, 1959. After finding a candidate that had been sitting in a barn since 1969, he turned to Cale Kern Hot Rods for the build.

greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year

greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year


Well known for building AutoCross chassis, Kale, fabricated a custom frame and set it up with a custom front suspension and triangulated four-bar rear, with RideTech shocks and Wilwood brakes on all corners. They firmly plant the 18- and 19-inch Forgeline wheels. Power comes from a 454c.i. LS engine topped with vintage-style Corvette valve covers and Borla 8-stack injection, all backed by a Bowler Legend five-speed.

greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year

greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year
greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year

The fiberglass body got plenty of fine tuning, from flush-fit headlights and taillights, to tucked bumpers, custom trim, and an incredible hard-surface custom trunk compartment. Jack Davis at Bedford Body & Paint sprayed the Axalta Magnetic Metallic finish, which is complemented by bright red leather upholstery by Bryan Barlow at Interiors by Ed.

greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year

greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year

“The best part of this car has been the time spent with Cale,” Greg says. “The Kern family is as solid as they get!” Sounds like a winner to us!

greg noble 1959 corvette, autocross corvette, street machine, pro touring, street machine of the year

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.