The World powerplant was hoisted down into the engine bay and bolted to the Corvette's T10 four-speed gearbox. The rear was opened up and filled with 4.11 gears spinning the Posi-traction differential. A pair of Kook's stainless headers and full-length exhaust now tunnels the spent gases out the stealthy factory outlets fixed in the rear bumper. Seeing the danger of doubling the Corvette's original output, Joseph was wary about fully opening up the 454 for fear of quickly discovering the roadster's weak points. A set of trick MT whitewall slicks wrap around the Vette's original wheels, while the capricious '59 brakes remain the same.
Other tricks and subdued modifications reside on this re-invented drop-top, including a highly altered factory air-cleaner tin that was made to accept the dual Edelbrocks, nickel-plated valve covers to resemble the factory pans, but with tiny "454" monikers, and a very modern sound system. A 10-disc CD changer was mounted to the bottom of the trunk's spare cover panel. Tucked in the hub of the fullsize spare, the changer is surprisingly safe from vibrations and jostling that would cause persistent skipping and interruptions. The CD control pod is found in the center waterfall between the bucket seats, but the overall enjoyment of the personalized stereo system is dubious once the blaring roar of the built stroker motor fires up.
Though the '59 has not seen an official track time for fear of snapping something, Joseph keeps his foot to the floor on sunny days and weekend jaunts. A jack of all trades, the roadster shuts down would-be street racers, as well as taking first place at a local car show, and wowing the crowds at national Corvette meets and concours events.
Though the drop-top was initially purchased for his wife, Joseph's persistent inability to leave well enough alone has made it a little too wild for her tastes. Joseph will never admit if that was the intended strategy or not, but we have a pretty strong inclination when we see his smile as the pedal is pinned to the floorboards.
Interior: This '59's cabin...
Interior: This '59's cabin is beautifully and nearly perfectly restored back to the day it rolled off the assembly line.
Valve Covers: The nickel-plated...
Valve Covers: The nickel-plated valve covers look the part of original factory equipment except for the tell-tale "454" attached.
59-Pod: The CD changer located...
59-Pod: The CD changer located in the trunk is controlled with this pod. Attached to the waterfall's door, it can be tucked away or dropped down to skip through Joseph's favorite tunes while he cruises in his black-and-red roadster.
Air Cleaner: This might look...
Air Cleaner: This might look like a factory air cleaner from above, but from below it reveals itself to be yet another modification on this tricked-out roadster. Made to adapt to the dual-carburetor intake setup, this factory tin was modified to accept the 1,000-cfm pair of Edelbrocks.
Spare Changer: The fullsize...
Spare Changer: The fullsize spare tire was a key feature for the Corvette in 1959. With a little ingenuity, Joseph installed a 10-disc changer to the bottom of the trunk floor panel and a felt-lined pad to the changer itself to protect it from skipping and vibrations.
Rear Rubber: The whitewall...
Rear Rubber: The whitewall tires up front may look nondescript, but a better look at the rear rubber will unveil a pair of Mickey Thompson MT whitewall street slicks. Pretty tricky.