1956 Lister Inspired, Alloy Bodied, Corvette Powered, Sports Racer
2023 Quail Gathering Custom Bodywork winner!Dark Blue w/Red interior, 265ci dual quad V8, 4-speed manual transmission.
This unique, custom-built sports racer features an aluminum body mounted on a 1956 Chevrolet Corvette frame and running gear. Originally registered in Pennsylvania in 1961 as a “Lister Chevrolet” with a Special Number Plate, it now carries a California title using the 1956 Corvette VIN stamped on the frame. The Pennsylvania brass tag remains affixed to the firewall.
The one-off body, constructed by an unknown builder, includes a tube frame substructure and roll bar. It is presumed to have been used for hill climbs or amateur racing, though limited research has not confirmed its race history. The car was acquired by its owner in 2017. And at that time was in bare metal. The ownership history is documented since 1983. The previous owner enlisted Panel Crafters (Joe Stafford) of New Hampshire to restore the aluminum body and sourced a period-correct engine block, heads, intake, and dual carburetors. At that time, the car was powered by a Buick nailhead engine, paired with a 3-speed Ford truck transmission.
Under its owner’s guidance, a professional restoration by Dog House Restorations of Watsonville, CA, commenced in May 2021 and spanned over three years. Major work included re-restoring and painting the aluminum body, installing a later model Muncie 4-speed transmission, a new wiring harness, converting the front suspension to a Martz bolt-in subframe with disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, and adding a custom 20-gallon fuel tank and fuel system. Additional modifications comprised a custom grille, subtle body modifications, a new exhaust system, a full set of Smith gauges, Halibrand-style 5-bolt wheels with period-correct tires, new master cylinders, and rear drum brake systems, a cut-down windshield, a Mercedes-style hood locking system, aircraft-style flooring mat, vintage-style Porsche rearview mirror, and a fully custom leather interior.
The car comes with extensive documentation dating back to 1983, including four binders of recent restoration photos and receipts. Notably, this car is the 2023 Quail Motorsports Gathering Custom Coachwork Category Winner!
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