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Engineering Meets Art

Fab’d Four Recap: On the Road to the Triple Crown
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- 05 Post Imported
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The Epic Corvettes of the Triple Crown of Rodding
Precision, power, and style collide in a jaw-dropping display of America’s most celebrated sports car.
A Sea of Fiberglass and Chrome
As we strolled through the show grounds, a sea of fiberglass and chrome glittered under the Tennessee sun. You could feel the electricity in the air — each car telling its own story, each detail a reflection of its owner’s vision. Some builds stayed true to their heritage, keeping the classic curves but layering in hidden upgrades for modern drivability. Others went all-out, delivering audacious horsepower, hand-crafted interiors, and paint so deep and flawless it practically swallowed the light.
Bridging Eras with Power and Precision
What made these Corvettes stand out wasn’t just their stunning craftsmanship, but how seamlessly they bridged eras. Under those long hoods lurked LS and LT powerplants, modern suspension and braking systems, and electronics worthy of a new supercar — yet every one of them still honored the soul of the original design. It was a masterclass (without calling it that!) in how to evolve an icon without losing its essence.
Presence That Commands Attention
And then there’s the presence. From meticulously tucked engine bays to impossibly clean undercarriages, from aggressive stances to mile-deep metallic finishes, each Corvette at the Triple Crown was a rolling piece of art. These weren’t just restorations or upgrades; they were statements of passion and vision — proof that the Corvette is still the ultimate playground for builders with big ideas.
Timeless Appeal Across Generations
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless purity of a stock-bodied ’58, the menacing look of a blacked-out mid-year, or the high-tech swagger of a late-model swap, the Corvettes of the 2025 Triple Crown of Rodding reminded everyone why this car remains at the heart of American performance culture. Buckle up — these are just some of the Corvettes that stopped us in our tracks.
1956 Chevrolet Corvette
Owners: Kyle & Elizabeth Leanza







Kyle and Elizabeth Leanza’s 1956 Corvette is proof that classic style and modern power can coexist beautifully. Fresh off its appearance at Goodguys Nashville, Elizabeth’s Aztec Copper–painted roadster snagged the coveted Corvette Corral award, standing out among a sea of fiberglass legends. The rose-gold hue—true to the original Aztec Copper shade—absolutely pops in the sun, announcing that this isn’t just another restored mid-century Vette.
Under the hood, an LS6 backed by a 4L60E transmission brings the car into the modern era, delivering reliability and effortless cruising with plenty of punch. With only a few finishing touches left, the Leanzas’ “Aztec Copper Revival” is shaping up as both a showpiece and a driver—an iconic mid-year Corvette reborn with 21st-century guts and timeless style.
1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Owners: BJ & Morgan Dees
Builders: Mike Goldman Customs









BJ & Morgan Dees’ 1958 Corvette commands attention with deep, glossy black paint that glimmers like liquid obsidian. From afar, it looks classically composed, but a closer look reveals the subtle aggression hiding in its stance. Sitting on perfectly chosen custom wheels, the car balances elegance with bite, hugging the road with precision. Every curve and panel flows seamlessly, a nod to the Corvette’s timeless design while hinting at the modern performance waiting under the hood.
Step inside, and the experience transforms completely. Steve Holcomb’s Pro Auto Custom Interiors has crafted a cabin of hand-stitched red leather that’s pure luxury and functional artistry. A 500+ horsepower LS3 engine powers this restomod beast, paired with an updated automatic transmission and finely tuned suspension that makes every corner feel effortless. From the leather-wrapped dash and custom 3D door panels to accent lighting and precise finishes, this Corvette is a perfect blend of classic charisma and contemporary muscle—a showstopper that drives as beautifully as it looks.
1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Owners: Buck & Rose Wright
Builder: Pinkee’s Rod Shop












Buck and Rose Wright’s 1958 Corvette proves that subtlety can steal the show. Painted in PPG Ginger Ale with Estate Green side coves, the car balances classic lines with refined craftsmanship, making it stand out without screaming for attention. The body retains iconic ’58 cues, including faux hood louvers and twin chrome trump spears, while precision panel work and tasteful tweaks elevate the overall presence. Schott 18- and 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot tires give the car a perfect stance, blending vintage style with modern handling.
Under the hood, an LS3 V8 producing 600 horsepower replaces the original 283, paired with a Borla eight-stack induction system, Holley Terminator X EFI, Tremec six-speed, and a custom Borla exhaust. The interior is equally refined, featuring Relicate leather seats by Fast Al’s Upholstery, matching door panels, custom-machined steering wheel and controls by Leading Edge, and Dakota Digital RTX gauges. Vintage Air keeps the cabin comfortable, while the console-mounted video screen monitors additional functions. With precision engineering, subtle style, and modern performance, the Wrights’ ’58 Corvette is a classically inspired custom rod built for both show and drive.
1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Steve Jackson





Steve Jackson’s 1958 Corvette is a subtle knockout, a car that looks stock from a distance but hides serious firepower underneath. Painted a classic silver and paired with a vibrant red interior, the car retains all the timeless cues of a late-’50s Corvette, from its curves to its stance, giving it a vintage presence that turns heads without screaming for attention.
Under the hood, a 6.2L LS3 delivers modern performance, transforming this otherwise unassuming Corvette into a street-ready powerhouse. The combination of classic styling with hidden muscle makes it a perfect blend of stealth and spectacle—proof that sometimes the quietest cars make the biggest statements.
1960 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Julio delRay
Builder: Elite Auto Works Miami









Julio delRay’s 1960 Corvette takes vintage style and injects it with cutting-edge performance. At first glance, it’s a classic C1, but underneath sits a full Art Morrison chassis built to handle the 6.2L LS3 V8 producing 480 horsepower. Every detail has been meticulously upgraded: from ZR1 carbon ceramic brakes to a Tru-Trac serpentine drive system, frenched front signals, and tucked bay-side markers, the car balances a vintage silhouette with modern precision. Chrome-plated hood latches, billet dress-up kits, and subtle LED accents give it a show-ready sheen without shouting, making this Corvette as smartly composed as it is aggressive.
Step inside, and technology dominates. Dakota Digital VHX gauges, Vintage Air Gen-IV A/C, power windows and locks, iKey push-button start, and paddle-shift controls turn the cockpit into a driver-focused modern cockpit. Coupled with a custom manifold, ceramic-wrapped headers, and HRE 19-inch wheels, the 1960 Corvette is a streetable powerhouse that seamlessly blends retro character with state-of-the-art engineering. It’s a bold, uncompromising build that commands attention on every corner.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe
Owner: Harold Peck
Builder: Argyle Rod Shop








Harold Peck’s 1963 Corvette Split-Window coupe is a full-tilt modernized icon built by Argyle Rod Shop. Underneath the classic shape sits a Roadster Shop chassis and a 6.2-liter LT4 Don Hardy–built engine producing 650 horsepower, paired to an LBD-E 8-speed transmission for seamless power delivery. Curtis Speed Equipment wheels wrapped in Diamondback Red Line tires, carbon parts from Dynamic Corvettes, and a custom stainless exhaust by Mike Bowen take this Split-Window far beyond stock. Paint by Cotner’s Body Shop finishes it off with show-car gloss and precision.
Inside, Gabe’s Custom Interiors turned the cockpit into a handcrafted environment blending mid-’60s cues with modern ergonomics. With its supercharged heart, refined underpinnings, and flawless detailing, Harold Peck’s 1963 Split-Window Corvette is a definitive statement of what a classic can become—vintage silhouette, cutting-edge performance.
1963 Corvette Split-Window
Owner: Dave Ralph
Builder: Steve’s Auto Restorations










Dave Ralph’s 1963 Corvette Split-Window is a modern interpretation of classic C2 elegance, brought to life by Steve’s Auto Restorations. Originally found in Nevada with a 327ci V8 and four-speed, the car now rides on an Art Morrison GT Sport chassis with custom front and rear independent suspensions, SAR-designed 18- and 19-inch wheels, Wilwood disc brakes, and General G-Max tires. The body is meticulously refined, with hand-crafted exterior trim, custom panels, and a rich Glasurit Iridescent Black Cherry paint finish that gives the coach-built GT a deep, lustrous presence.
Under the hood, a 6.6-liter 550hp L8T GM V8 from Mast Motorsports is paired with a Tremec five-speed and a Strange rearend with 3:54 gears, delivering serious performance while staying true to the Corvette’s character. Inside, SAR reimagined the cabin with rearward-tilted dash, custom trim, buttery leather, and even bespoke luggage, blending classic cues with 21st-century craftsmanship. Honored as part of the Great 8 at Detroit Autorama and earning multiple awards at West Coast d’Elegance and Portland Roadster Show, this Split-Window is a masterclass in modern restomod artistry.
1963 Corvette “XP-63”
Owner: Eddie Pettus Jr.
Builder: Eddie’s Rod & Custom











Eddie Pettus Jr.’s 1963 Corvette, XP-63, turns heads the moment it rolls into view. Draped in a jaw-dropping BASF Glasurit Rogue Green matte finish, this C2 exudes menace and elegance in equal measure. Every inch is meticulously executed: chrome is gone, replaced with carbon fiber accents on the bumpers, air dam, side pipe covers, mirrors, and wipers, while a modest widebody stance and flared fenders give it an aggressive yet refined profile. The low front valance and flowing rear diffuser create a continuous black line that hugs the ground, making the car look ready to pounce even at a standstill. Griot’s Garage Interior Detailer keeps the paint glowing, giving Rogue Green a depth that’s almost alive.
Underneath the stealthy sheetmetal roars a Stage 1 Steve Morris LS3 with a Whipple supercharger, producing 940 horsepower and 732 lb-ft of torque on street gas, with the ability to push over 1,000 HP if desired. Carbon fiber, billet accents, and Holley EFI add precision and flair to the engine bay, perfectly balancing raw firepower with flawless presentation. The XP-63 is more than a show car—it’s a high-performance masterpiece and a streetable beast all wrapped into one unforgettable C2 Corvette.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner/Builder: Scott Waguespack






Scott Waguespack’s 1963 Corvette is a restomod built to dominate both the street and the show circuit. Riding on a Roadster Shop chassis with modern Pro Touring upgrades, this C2 blends classic lines with modern precision. Power comes from a Chevrolet Performance LT1 paired with an 8-speed transmission, delivering a driving experience that’s as smooth and controlled as it is powerful. Every detail—suspension, brakes, and fitment—was dialed in for performance without compromising style.
Finishing touches include custom wheels, high-end plating and paint by Axalta Refinish, and subtle performance accents from Detroit Speed and Summit Racing, making this 1963 Corvette more than a tribute—it’s a fully realized modern classic. The car’s blend of vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge performance is a reminder that timeless style can still pack a punch.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Steve Weaver
Builder: Mike Goldman Customs









Steve Weaver’s 1964 Corvette coupe is a pinnacle of precision from Mike Goldman Customs. Riding on an Art Morrison Enterprises chassis, this mid-year Vette packs an LS3 with 495 horsepower topped with a Borla Performance 8-stack injection—a nod to vintage racing with modern reliability. One-off Curtis Speed Equipment wheels plant it firmly on the pavement, complementing the razor-straight bodywork and flawless paint that make the car look like it rolled off a concept stand.
Inside, Chuck and the team at Hot Rod Interiors created a stunning cabin that blends timeless Corvette cues with bespoke craftsmanship. The combination of cutting-edge chassis, 8-stack power, and show-car fit and finish makes “Eight-Stack Elegance” a benchmark restomod—1964 Corvette style reborn with uncompromising execution.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Tim Brasher
Builder: Higgins Hotrod Shop








Tim Brasher’s 1964 Corvette Stingray takes mid-year Corvette style and injects it with modern performance DNA. Built at Higgins Hotrod Shop by Andy Higgins, the car rides on a Street Shop frame with full C7 suspension, giving it the reflexes of a brand-new Corvette under classic fiberglass. Power comes from an LS3 pumping out 525 horsepower backed by a Tremec 5-speed, making this Stingray equally happy carving corners or cruising long stretches of highway.
Inside, Steve Holcomb’s Pro Auto Custom Interiors brings a bespoke level of fit and finish, blending period-correct style with modern comfort. The result is a mid-year Corvette that looks like it rolled out of 1964 but drives like it’s decades ahead—a purpose-built blend of classic cool and cutting-edge engineering.
1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Jared Hamilton
Builder: Hamilton’s Garage, LLC












Jared Hamilton’s 1965 Corvette Stingray blends mid-’60s attitude with modern supercharged muscle. Out of more than 20 Corvettes at the Triple Crown of Rodding in Nashville, this C7-Z06-swapped restomod snagged a Top 30 trophy on its first outing—no other Corvette at the show could touch it. Draped in Porsche PTS Gray, hours of wet sanding, compounding and multi-stage polishing gave the car its glass-smooth, show-ready finish.
Beneath that flawless skin sits a full C7-Z06 drivetrain, with Hamilton’s Garage dialing in suspension, brakes and stance to match the power. The result is a stealthy yet unmistakable Stingray—refined, ruthless and reborn as the “PTS Gray Phantom.”
1968 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Ron Tinney
Builder: B Rod or Custom











Some Corvettes get restored. This one was reinvented. Ron Tinney’s 1968 Corvette spent over four years at B Rod or Custom emerging as a 1,000-horsepower weapon with supercharged ZRT1 power under its long hood. Built with nothing but the best, it’s the kind of car that stops conversations before it even fires up. The stance, the paint, and the fitment all whisper high-dollar craftsmanship before the thunder ever starts.
Inside, Steve Holcomb’s custom interior wraps the driver in hand-finished detail, blending luxury and race-bred attitude. With four years of obsession and a mountain of top-tier parts, the “ZRT1 Thunder” is less a restomod and more a Corvette on overdrive—1000 horsepower of raw intent wrapped in timeless 1968 curves.






