There’s no shortage of companies that have taken it upon themselves to try and improve the Chevrolet Corvette, with some ventures turning out better than others. One that seems to have hit a bullseye is the 1953/2003 Commemorative Edition from Advanced Automotive Technologies, or AAT for short. This creation is not something that GM was a part of, but a transformation that was available for C5 owners who sent their ‘Vette to AAT for a metamorphosis that resembles a first-year C1, at least in certain areas. This one started life as a 2004 model, and this beauty is said to be #66 in the order of production. Priced at $69,900, it’s located in Springfield, Missouri, and can be found here on Premier Sports Cars.
Barn Finds reader Jack M. found this one and sent in the tip, and we’d like to thank him for making us aware of it! AAT made the conversion available for C5 hardtops or convertibles, and the finished product works really well on this droptop. While the doors remain mostly stock, extensive mods to the front and rear emulate the beauty of a ’53 model, and I’m particularly keen on all those chrome bumpers. The fit and finish appear to be high quality as well, and it’s also a plus for the next owner that this Corvette has been driven so sparingly, with only 19,615 actual miles.
While this one displays many of the external classy lines found on a fifties Corvette, the mechanicals from 2003 remain untouched, with the engine bay retaining its LS1 V8. That’s a much more capable performer than could be had in the car’s early days, producing 350 HP and a torque number slightly higher, plus this example also has an automatic transmission. No specifics are provided, but the seller mentions that this Corvette has been recently serviced, so hopefully it’s ready to get behind the wheel of and enjoy with no immediate maintenance needed.
Surprisingly, no photos in the listing show a close-up of the entire interior in just one shot. However, we do get some bits and pieces, such as the commemorative numbered plaque located between the 2 red bucket seats. I have a hard time not believing this one likely looks every bit as good inside as out, and the car’s low mileage is certainly another positive factor to consider when deciding how much you’re willing to spend here. Is this best-of-both-worlds 1953/2003 AAT Commemorative Edition Corvette a C1/C5 that’s destined for your garage?
As cool as they get. Nicely done and good looking.
I saw one once parked in the paddock of the local track, the proportions look off.
Not sure if there are many buyers at suck a high premium over a regular Corvette of that year.
Steve R
I agree with Steve R. I saw one at a car show last summer. Proportions are off and the transitions from 1953 styling and 2093 styling are very abrupt in person.