Hot New 1959 Restomod Corvette Unveiled By Kevin Hart

SEMA PART 1A: Kevin Hart – 1959 Resto-Mod Corvette at the Magnaflow Display

Kevin Hart proudly displayed a 1959 Restomod Corvette at the SEMA 2022 Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, making these restyled classics a must-see event. The classic bodywork coupled with modern performance makes Restomod Corvettes one of the hottest trends around.

INTRODUCTION

Text and Photos by Wayne Ellwood

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Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew at SEMA 2022

Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew was featured at the 2022 SEMA Show, discussing their inaugural television series. Chris Jacobs was the host for an on-site, live interview. I had to watch a few of these shows to determine if this item deserved an in-person look. It did not.

On the other hand, Kevin Hart revealed two recently updated cars. The car of interest to us was the 1959 Corvette, which Kevin had purchased at last year’s BJ Auction for $750,000 plus fees. As purchased in 2021, this 1959 Corvette had already been restored.

Builder, John Clevenger, had updated a rather rough-looking Corvette into a relative work of art. During this original restoration, Clevenger started with an Art Morrison C7 Corvette frame with an independent front suspension.

He added an electronically operated hood which, in turn, reveals a super clean engine compartment. He used a 2020 Corvette engine with a 4L75E overdrive automatic transmission, and Wilwood brakes will help to slow down this custom convertible.

When Kevin Hart picked up this car at BJ, it was already a small gem. Still, it was again sent for more work and re-appeared at SEMA in an even more brilliant form.

1959 C1 Corvette Restomod of Kevin Hart Unveiled

This car was unveiled in the MagnaFlow booth at the SEMA 2022 Show as part of the Kevin Hart Collection.

This vintage convertible is called “Mint Condition.” It comes in a mint-colored exterior.

The current restoration results from his collaboration with Bent Custom and features one-off Billet aluminum parts from Ogden Chrome.

Kevin’s name shows up on the vehicle, which has custom badging in silver. The Corvette badge at the rear also includes the car’s name, with the color matching the luxurious beige leather interior.

This beautiful 1959 Resto-Mod Corvette of Kevin Hart was unveiled at the SEMA 2022 event in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the MagnaFlow booth.
This beautiful 1959 Resto-Mod Corvette of Kevin Hart was unveiled at the SEMA 2022 event in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the MagnaFlow booth. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Comedian Kevin Hart boasts an impressive car collection, to which he recently added a 1959 Corvette. Boasting a Franny Green exterior and classic whitewall tires, this classic vehicle is not just for show; it houses a modern 6.2-liter Corvette LT1 motor that puts out 460-horsepower, as well as an Art Morrison frame, 4L75E transmission, Wilwood brakes, and a high-performance suspension. Additionally, massive retro EVOD wheels fill the fenders with low-profile rubber. Hart paid a steep 5,000 for the car at a Barrett-Jackson auction, but one look reveals that it's worth every penny.
Comedian Kevin Hart boasts an impressive car collection, to which he recently added a 1959 Corvette. Boasting a Franny Green exterior and classic whitewall tires, this classic vehicle is not just for show; it houses a modern 6.2-liter Corvette LT1 motor that puts out 460 horsepower, as well as an Art Morrison frame, 4L75E transmission, Wilwood brakes, and a high-performance suspension. Additionally, massive retro EVOD wheels fill the fenders with low-profile rubber. Hart paid a steep $825,000 for the car at a Barrett-Jackson auction, but one look reveals that it’s worth every penny. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Kevin had purchased the 1959 C1 Corvette Restomod at last year's BJ Auction for $750,000 plus fees.
Kevin purchased the 1959 C1 Corvette Restomod at BJ Scottsdale Auction in 2021 for $750,000 plus fees. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
This vintage convertible is called "Mint Condition," and as you can guess, it comes in a mint-colored exterior.
This vintage convertible is called “Mint Condition,” and as you can guess, it comes in a mint-colored exterior. It has an electric-activated 3-position automatic hood. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Kevin's name shows up on the vehicle, which has custom badging in silver. The Corvette badge at the rear also includes the car's name, with the color matching the luxurious beige leather interior.
Kevin’s name shows up on the vehicle, which has custom badging in silver. The Corvette badge at the rear also includes the car’s name, with the color matching the luxurious beige leather interior. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Kevin Hart Partners With MagnaFlow and unveiled his hot new 1959 Corvette Resto Mod.
Kevin Hart Partners With MagnaFlow and unveiled his hot new 1959 Corvette Resto Mod. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Kevin's 1959 C1 Corvette Restomod has a 2020 Corvette engine with a 4L75E overdrive automatic transmission and Wilwood brakes.
Kevin’s 1959 C1 Corvette Restomod has a 2020 Corvette engine with a 4L75E overdrive automatic transmission and Wilwood brakes. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
The 1959 C1 Corvette Restomod has a 2020 Corvette engine.
This 1959 Pro-Touring-style Corvette has a new 2020 Corvette LT1 direct-injected 6.2-liter V8 engine that puts out 460hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque paired with a 4L75E automatic transmission. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Kevin's 1959 C1 Corvette Restomod has a 2020 Corvette engine with a 4L75E overdrive automatic transmission.
Kevin’s 1959 C1 Corvette Restomod has a 2020 Corvette engine with a 4L75E overdrive automatic transmission. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
This vintage sports car convertible is called "Mint Condition," and it is a professionally built 1959 Pro-Touring-style Corvette. Kevin Hart unveiled it in the MagnaFlow booth at the SEMA 2022 Show as part of the Kevin Hart Collection.
This vintage sports car convertible is called “Mint Condition,” and it is a professionally built 1959 Pro-Touring-style Corvette. Kevin Hart unveiled it in the MagnaFlow booth at the SEMA 2022 Show as part of the Kevin Hart Collection. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart revealed his new car at SEMA this year.
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart revealed his new car at SEMA this year. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
The Mint Green exterior and whitewall tires give the car a stock appearance, but underneath, it has a new 6.2-liter Corvette LT1 motor that puts out 460 horsepower.
The Mint Green exterior and whitewall tires give the car a stock appearance, but underneath, it has a new 6.2-liter Corvette LT1 motor that puts out 460 horsepower. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
The comedian attended SEMA 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and unveiled resto modded Chevrolet Corvette C1.
The comedian attended SEMA 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and unveiled resto modded Chevrolet Corvette C1. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood
1959 C1 Corvette Restomod that Kevin Hart Unveiled at the SEMA 2022 show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
1959 C1 Corvette Restomod that Kevin Hart Unveiled at the SEMA 2022 show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo Credit – Wayne Ellwood

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Are you looking to have work done on your Corvette or want to customize your Vette? We have created a Directory of Corvette Custom and Restoration Shops by State. Check out our directory.