Few things are sadder than a project build that stalls when the owner passes away before their dream comes to fruition. Such is the story of this 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. The owner planned a full-blown Restomod build, slotting a fire-breathing big-block under the hood as part of that process. His skills are visible for all to see, with the difficult engineering tasks completed to an exacting standard. However, it remains a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to personalize the ride to suit their taste. The seller has been tasked by the late owner’s widow with sending the Corvette to a new home, listing this promising project with us at Barn Finds Classifieds with an asking price of $45,000.
Mel was a passionate classic car enthusiast. He was no novice, having already completed several high-end classic builds before purchasing this Corvette in 1994. He had a clear vision for this classic, and everyone who knew Mel, including his wife, couldn’t wait to see this car once the work was completed. Sadly, he passed away before that could happen, but the ‘Vette carries the hallmarks of his skills. The vehicle had no engine when it landed in Mel’s workshop, and the frame needed plenty of work. However, Mel was a professional Welder and Machinist, so there was nothing that he couldn’t tackle. He elected to scrap the ’55 frame, modifying one from a ’91 model to fit below the body. With that engineering feat complete, he turned his attention to the fiberglass. He stripped this bare before adding fender flares to cover the enormous 17″ Boyd Coddington billet aluminum wheels. He decided to take the custom touches a step further, modifying the rear with billet aluminum housings to accept a set of 1959 Cadillac bullet taillights and custom exit points for the exhaust. The panels require some fine massaging before the buyer applies the color of their choice. The windshield is present, but the trumpets poking through the hood hole confirm that this Corvette is anything but ordinary.
Chevrolet introduced a V8 to the Corvette range in 1955, with the 265ci powerplant delivering 195hp. This ’55 model didn’t have an engine when it came into Mel’s care, so he decided to follow a pretty radical route to give the car the type of performance that was the stuff of fiction when this car rolled off the line. Hiding in the engine bay is a 454ci V8, with the big-block’s capacity enlarged to 524ci. Sitting atop the engine is a Hilborn injection system that will be controlled by a FAST module that the buyer needs to install. The engine and its surroundings need paint, but with a range of plated and billet aluminum components hanging from it, the final result should be stunning. The engine’s power will feed to a 1991 Corvette independent rear end via a four-speed 700R4 transmission. Mel took a “complete package” approach during the build, with the ’91 Corvette front end located via RideTech airbag suspension and Bilstein shocks. The rear is awaiting the installation of a similar system, and the buyer will need to install the new Wilwood master cylinder and calipers. The final pieces of the puzzle are the Evans aluminum radiator and a Jegs electric cooling fan that will keep the temperature under control. There is no doubt that this Corvette will be a force to be reckoned with when it takes its rightful place on our roads.
The interior is another aspect of this Corvette where the buyer can make their mark. It retains its original seats trimmed in White leather. Mel planned to modify these to work together with a custom console he was creating. This was to be wrapped in carbon fiber to provide a more modern feel, while he also polished a set of custom electric gauges to fit into the dash. The buyer could utilize the items as listed, or they could follow their own path to completion. It is also worth noting that this deal includes a selection of parts that will help the buyer fulfill Mel’s (or their) dream.
This 1955 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod will be a stunning classic once finished. The difficult engineering work is complete, but there is room for the new owner to make their mark on this classic via the paint color and interior trim. If you have been considering a project build, this Corvette is one where you could let your imagination off the leash. It deserves to be finished, and it would be fitting if someone could realize Mel’s dream by completing the work to a high standard. I know that our loyal readers possess the skills and dedication, and I’m sure that I’m not alone in wanting to see the finished product. Are you up for that challenge?
What a well-written article about an interesting, but sad story. Let’s hope Mel’s ambitious project can be taken to another level with the next owner. I wish we could do a follow-up article down the road to see how Mel’s One-Of-A-Kind Dream ‘Vette turned out.
Looks like a well done build up to this point. Wheels don’t fit the package but it should come out a great looking car. Price a bit steep for the work and money yet to be put into it.
Sad that it was a ‘55.
A 1954 would have been less sacrificial…
Agree….. Sad to see one of 700 ruined like this….
A 91 fame? Interesting. I would think there would be a difference in length if nothing else. Heckuva job. The only thing that doesn’t look right are the inner fenders. Otherwise this will look amazing when done. How does that big block even fit?
There is quite the difference .. ;>)
He trimmed and re-welded the frame back together to fit the desired wheelbase.
All of the polished aluminum dash bits he machined and polished himself.
He custom built a special pedal box for it as well. He hand bent and welded the custom exhaust. He had a center console designed and had part of it mocked up in carbon fiber.
The inner fenders were pretty much mock ups and aren’t finished in.
Contact me if you have any questions or want to see another 350 photos.
Customs are always kind of shaky ground. Some will call it “visionary”, while others will say, “not the way I would have gone… at all!”
Quite correct and pricing them is the same. Finished resto-mod Corvettes, on newer chassis .. done .. are fetching well over $100,000 … but … this isn’t finished … which in some ways is good and some ways, not.
The owner had skills I could only wish for. It will be a rocketship when completed with that engine set-up.
The body’s shot. The frame is 34 years old.
It’ll roll but it won’t steer. Rat mill needs “sorting.” This project needs to be undone and parted out.
Dreams never die just the dreamer.
Untill now.
Having a soft spot in my head for the early Corvettes. (My Dad and I restored a ’55, sold it and then restored a ’58 which he used as his daily driver.) I appreciate the effort that went into this. The big block would have never been easy to squeeze in the original frame. The later Vett frame was the way to go. The original chassis on these were just terrible. I would love to complete this project, but current status (place, time, current project load, etc.) Prevents me from doing this one. Maybe a nice C4 in realitivly stock condition ?????
Bub, are telling us you don’t like it?
I recommend ditching the big old dinosaur under the hood and get an engine that is current tech. Then make a run at it. Right now its lost in the 80’s technology, to use the term loosely! The last 454 with any beans was shelved in the early 70’s.