BARKER WITH A BITE

A Lifetime of Speed

Always the Chevy fan, Wayne Barker dedicated most of his life to making cars go fast for many well-known customers, as well as his own cars, which often bested them, because, as it turned out, Barker was quite the driver in his day, second only to his brother. He also became known as a big-block guru throughout drag racing, always searching for the next best way to unleash the power of a big block.

A New Chapter in Performance

Barker left drag racing behind to focus on other extensions of his past life, building cars for numerous enthusiasts between the coasts, including his own special ’56 Chevy sedan delivery motivated by his favorite engine, the all-aluminum ZL1 427. The most famous of its breed, the new ZL1 crate engine from GM Performance Parts builds on the technologies incorporated in every exceptional big block that’s come before. The result of this development is a potent powerhouse capable of reliably generating thundering amounts of torque and enough horsepower to boil the hides right off this ride. Then again, when driven with some modicum of restraint, it also pulls down 1,000-mile rod-run weekends without a thought, returning an amazing 19.4 mpg on the highway!

The Power Behind the Machine

Not surprisingly, this isn’t just a run-of-the-mill “rare as they come” all-aluminum 427 ZL1, but rather a limited-edition 454ci GMPP ZL1 crate engine Barker purchased back in 2002—number 116 of 200! While retaining many of the historic aspects of the original ZL1, including the rattle of solid lifters, the Ram Jet fuel-injection system has enabled this engine to retain excellent idle quality and, as we mentioned, amazing economy from such a strong performer. Producing 510 hp at 5,750 rpm, and 493 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm, this isn’t just a “collectible” pretender, but an engine that lives up to one of Chevrolet’s most notable legacies. So much, in fact, that some dyno gurus believe the real numbers are actually much higher, which is a nice thought!

A Perfectly Tuned Setup

Good thing there’s a B&M 700R4 automatic fitted with a TCI 2,000-stall converter sending power to a Dana 36 centersection of the C4 Corvette independent rear suspension. At the end of the axles, powerful Corvette ZR1 calipers clamp down on giant vented rotors snugly stuffed into rarely seen 18-inch magnesium five-spoke factory Corvette rims. The 275/40ZR18 BFGoodrich g-Force T/As enable power application and cornering capability not often realized in a classic like this. At the opposite end, the C4 Corvette front suspension fully enables the BFGoodrich 275/40-17 g-Force T/As with quick turn-in and absolute stability, even at imaginary speeds.

A Roar Like No Other

From inside, the sound of that ZL1 engine roaring through ’69 Camaro big-block Chevy headers and Edelbrock mufflers is invigorating even at idle, and when taken to its limits, the feeling is beyond description—something on the order of base-jumping for the first time, but scarier. Fortunately, comfort levels are impressive for occupants surrounded in black and red leather, red carpet and other materials beautifully sewn by Larry Keener. He also united the reflective cedar floors with the red carpet and more leather offset with sweeping Coca-Cola-style contours displayed on both sides.

Custom Craftsmanship and Unique Controls

This same appeal carries through the interior with a wood-grained dash and Barker’s matching trim all around. A tilt-column puts a red leather-wrapped Corvette steering wheel in hand, with a fat grip ensuring maximum control of this highly capable sleeper.

Between the fully adjustable plush seats is another example of Barker’s craftsmanship, a custom console complete with all the necessities, other than a shifter, which is on the column. And in case you are wondering about the arm with the T-handle grip between the console and the right side of the driver’s seat, you’ve spotted another of Barker’s inventions, his hand controls. Yes, this awesome ’56 was built, for the most part, from Barker’s wheelchair, leaving many asking, “How?” Barker often answers by saying he may take a little longer to accomplish a task, but he’s never taken on something he hasn’t figured out, and improved upon! And considering that Barker’s incredible capabilities are well beyond those of most of us, our guess is the results of his efforts would prove better and, yes, faster. Barker also praises his nephew, Garrett Barker, for all he’s done.

A Show-Ready Exterior

From the outside, this ’56 sedan delivery looks as if it never left a dealership, with glistening PPG Bright Red paint concealing all the effort put forth over several weeks. This was followed with airbrushed Coca-Cola logos and other details that make it stand out. Originally discovered at the annual “yard sale” running the length of Highway 127 in southeast Tennessee, the body was in fairly good condition, although, as always, there were some specific issues that needed to be addressed. As signs of age were worked away, every detail was given the utmost attention, from the floors and inner body panels to the gaps around the hood.

Ingenious Modifications

Then again, the “bonnet” no longer opens, as the fenders and hood have been united into a single unit that rises hydraulically. Also note how the reworked side molding fully conceals the split between the upper and lower portions of the fender—very cool stuff that Barker doesn’t think twice about.

Built to Drive, Built to Win

Since completing his sedan delivery, Barker has logged in excess of 20,000 miles traveling across the continental United States, often just to attend a rod run or see some friends. Whatever the occasion, Barker is quick to jump behind the wheel, and even quicker once the tires hook up and all heck breaks loose. That’s when Barker knows he’s done as before, and done it right.