Fancy owning an American classic from the 1950s, but without the drawbacks of engineering from the same era? That's what German tuning company Pogea Racing has developed for one of its customers. The body is from a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette but it has been fitted with a modern Corvette engine and custom chassis.
Holding everything together is a tubular frame. Manufactured in collaboration with Foose Designs in the USA it is claimed to significantly increase the car's torsional rigidity and provides a solid base for the height-adjustable suspension.
The LS3 motor has received some performance enhancing modifications. The intake and exhaust are designed to be free flowing and performance camshafts are fitted. Power from the tuned V8 is claimed to be 485hp. Performance claims are 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 179mph.
Brakes also come from a modern Corvette. There are 330mm disks at the front and 300mm disks for the rear wheels. Wrapped around these are three-piece Pogea Racing wheels designed to resemble classic American five-spoke alloys.
To make room for the 12-inch wide back wheels and 305/30 R19 tyres the rear wings are wider. The extension has been integrated by copying the profile of the original wheel arches and duplicating the tail lamps. Ferrari red was chosen for the body with white for the side panels behind the front wheels, but the overall effect is as American as apple pie.
The colour scheme is carried through to the interior. A Vallelunga steering wheel with a flattened lower rim and more modern seats free up extra leg room. There is also a modern Alpine multimedia system and air conditioning.
If you want Pogea Racing to build you a car like this it will set you back about £187,000.
John Lambert - 2 Feb 2012