Taking on the challenge of tinkering with an automotive legend like the C1-generation Chevrolet Corvette is no small feat. However, this custom model, crafted and transformed by Kindig It Designs, demonstrates that with the right tweaks, you can turn a classic Corvette into something even more extraordinary.
Kindig It Designs, led by Dave Kindig who presents Motor Trend’s Bitchin’ Rides, first unveiled its special CF1 Roadster at the SEMA Show back in November 2021. This particular example is the fifth one built by the shop and took home the John D’Agostino Award of Excellence at SEMA last year. While some traditionalists may hate it, it’s impossible not to respect the hard work that has gone into it.
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To create the car, work started with the fitment of a new chassis from Roadster Shop that supports new floor pans positioned lower than an original C1 Corvette. Interestingly, Dave Kindig and his team have retained the car’s original wheelbase but improved interior space by 4 inches, ensuring that even taller drivers can enjoy it.
Under the hood, a potent new engine takes center stage – specifically, an LS V8 from Lingenfelter, tuned to unleash 652 horsepower. Paired with an automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels, this setup is a far cry from the original C1’s modest 3.9-liter straight-six rated at around 150 horsepower. While the exact weight of the CF1 Roadster remains a mystery, there’s little doubt that it now boasts performance leaps and bounds beyond its former self.
Adorning the exterior are lightweight carbon fiber panels painted in Cha-Ching Silver while the interior is dominated by Auburn Red leather that looks superb. Among the key interior features include the bucket seats, flat-bottomed steering wheel, an updated dashboard, and new gauges.
The car will be auctioned off by Mecum at its Kissimmee sales event starting on January 4 and is expected to sell for between $500,000 and $600,000.
