SEMA->ke216 is now in full swing and the cars keep on coming. This stunning vehicle is a 1971 Corvette Stingray->ke4603 that NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson and the guys at Chevrolet put together as a way to show off the 6.2-liter, LT1 V-8’s new availability in GM->ke1024 Performance’s E-Rod series of aftermarket powertrain solutions.

The team started with a rough ’71 Stingray that had seen better days. It’s deep Brands Hatch Green paint showing signs of fade and the worn out 350-cubic-inch V-8 in need of spicing up. A frame-off restoration was needed to bring the Vette’s body back into shape. Johnson helped the design team sketch up the perfect look for the resto-mod. Modern flair like the C7->ke4579 hood heat extractor and side gill vents were added to bring the two Corvette eras together.

Of course, the worn out suspension was updated to modern, adjustable, coil-over shocks with thick anti-roll bars, and the brakes were swapped for those normally found on a C6 Corvette Z06.

Click past the jump to read more about the Chevrolet Corvette Jimmie Johnson.

Preview Video

Exterior

The C3 Corvette Stingray keeps its original shape, with its bulging front fenders, T-top roof, sloping B-pillars and chrome bumpers front and rear. The original hood that housed the 350, V-8 powerplant is swapped for the domed hood found on the more powerful 454 V-8 and 350, V-8, LT-1 Vettes. A similar heat extractor like the one found on the current C7 Corvette Stingray is added. The signature side gills also sport a similar look.

Johnson chose an exterior paint color called J.J. Blue. The deep grey is accented by even deeper After Midnight trim and Satin Dark Android graphic accents. The look fits the Stingray rather well.

The wheels are 18-inch Rally-style rollers designed to look like the 15-inch Rally wheels originally on the car from 1971. The larger wheels not only look the part, but also provide the clearance needed for the large brakes to fit and allow for low-profile tires for better handling.

Interior

Johnson and the Chevy team didn’t let the interior go unnoticed. The seats are styled after the original buckets but are covered in black leather with suede inserts. A placard on the seatback shows off Johnson’s signature. The three-spoke steering wheel also gets updates with suede wrappings. A few carbon-fiber trim pieces help round out the interior’s makeover.

The Corvette still enjoys its removable T-top roof panels and removable rear glass for a convertible-like open-air experience.

Drivetrain

Of course the biggest news is under the Stingray’s hood. It’s the latest in GM’s arsenal of small-block engines, the 6.2-liter, LT1 V-8. Just like the LT1 found in the current Corvette Stingray, this engine gets all the same technology that makes the C7 so powerful. Direct fuel injection and variable valve timing help make the most power without using an excessive amount of fuel while the aluminum block and heads help keep weight down.

The LT1 also features oil-spray piston coolers to keep internal temperatures down. A two-stage, variable-displacement oil vane pump keeps oil flowing throughout the engine while an offset water pump and thermostat keep the water circulating. A coil-on-plug ignition system ensures a powerful spark from the iridium-tipped spark plugs.

All this translates into a mighty 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Chevy is backing up the engine with a Super Magnum six-speed manual transmission for quicker shifts than the original four-speed manual unit.

Drivetrain Specifications:

{0{Construction Time lapse}0}

{0{Prices}0}

While this Corvette is a beautiful work of automotive art, Chevy would be quick to point out the LT1 is available for sale in GM’s growing list of E-Rod powertrain packages. GM has done the legwork by offering a pre-packaged, ready-to-start, plug-and-play engines and transmissions that allow customers to drop in a modern LS engine into whatever they chose.

Chevy is offering the LT1 with both a wet and dry oil sump system so folks can get exactly what they need.

{0{Conclusion and Unveiling}0}

Jimmie Johnson’s 1971 Corvette Stingray turned out to be a beautiful example of what time, money, and an antique car can do. There is little wonder why the resto-mod trend is growing these days, with vintage cars offering on-par performance to today’s sports cars. While it’s somewhat sad to see what could have possibly been a numbers-matching, mostly original Corvette be modified, its also amazing to see what modern technology can do for these vintage machines.