Unveiling the Spectacular Corvettes Show Cars at 2017 Detroit Autorama

30Jan 2018 by vettevues

Today we are looking back at Wayne Ellwood’s coverage of the Corvettes show cars that were displayed at the 2017 Detroit Autorama.  The article appeared in the May 2017 issue of Vette Vues Magazine.

The event took place Feb 24 – 26, 2017

1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN). The wide body effect was necessary to fit large wheels and tires and to accommodate the C7 style interior.
1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN). The wide-body effect was necessary to fit large wheels and tires and to accommodate the C7 style interior.
1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN). The wide body effect was necessary to fit large wheels and tires and to accommodate the C7 style interior. It looks normal but the number of modifications and custom- designed features is near endless.
1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN). The wide-body effect was necessary to fit large wheels and tires and to accommodate the C7 style interior. It looks normal but the number of modifications and custom-designed features is near endless.
1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN)
1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN)
CORVETTES at 2017 DETROIT AUTORAMA
CORVETTES at 2017 DETROIT AUTORAMA
K Poole's Red Heat 1998 Corvette
K Poole’s Red Heat 1998 Corvette
Norm Schmelzle, from Troy (MI), brought his 1967 Silver Corvette roadster. This car is largely stock in appearance and has received its share of love and affection.
Norm Schmelzle, from Troy (MI), brought his 1967 Silver Corvette roadster. This car is largely stock in appearance and has received its share of love and affection.
Spencer Yaklin’s 1967 silver coupe Corvette is a work in progress. Spencer is from Clinton Township (MI) and has been upgrading his Corvette for a couple of years. The body work and paint were completed last year. As well, he upgraded wheels and tires to 255-35-20 front and 75-40-20 rear. The engine is the original 427 (rebuilt) with new accessories and valve covers. The carb flame arrestor is still in mock-up stage and, as we can see from the scratches on the hood, might need just a little more work.
Spencer Yaklin’s 1967 silver coupe Corvette is a work in progress. Spencer is from Clinton Township (MI) and has been upgrading his Corvette for a couple of years. The bodywork and paint were completed last year. As well, he upgraded wheels and tires to 255-35-20 front and 75-40-20 rear. The engine is the original 427 (rebuilt) with new accessories and valve covers. The carb flame arrestor is still in the mock-up stage and, as we can see from the scratches on the hood, might need just a little more work.
Jim Depew, from Highland (MI), showed off his 1967 black Corvette with white stinger and white interior….a rare order to be sure. This 427 tri-power with side pipes and Cragar mags is reflective of every boy’s dream in those days.
Jim Depew, from Highland (MI), showed off his 1967 black Corvette with a white stinger and white interior….a rare order to be sure. This 427 tri-power with side pipes and Cragar mags is reflective of every boy’s dream in those days.
Edward Cesa’s 1957 Corvette also carried the drag theme. Coincidentally (or not) Ed is also from Highland (MI).
Edward Cesa’s 1957 Corvette also carried the drag theme. Coincidentally (or not) Ed is also from Highland (MI).
1962 Corvette owned by Jim Dillon. His 1962 shared most of the visuals, including the black/black theme, removable hardtop, dash mounted tach and Hurst shifter. Visually, the car is jacked-up in the rear and carries larger drag tires. The engine bay is more stock looking, but something tells me that this could be a mistaken impression.
1962 Corvette owned by Jim Dillon. His 1962 shared most of the visuals, including the black/black theme, removable hardtop, dash-mounted tach and Hurst shifter. Visually, the car is jacked-up in the rear and carries larger drag tires. The engine bay is more stock-looking, but something tells me that this could be a mistaken impression.
Steve Boloyan’s 1961 Corvette black roadster, with removable hardtop, was one of three C2 Corvettes with the black/black combination, in one display area. Carolyn and her husband Steve come from Hartland (MI) and are into drag racing. So are the other two car owners in this display. But, there were some differences for the discerning eye. Steve’s car was updated with a 1970 LT1 engine, M22 transmission and 3.55:1 rear axle ratio. A Hurst shifter and dash mounted tachometer complete the 60s theme…nearly stock but with components chosen to go.
Steve Boloyan’s 1961 Corvette black roadster, with removable hardtop, was one of three C2 Corvettes with the black/black combination, in one display area. Carolyn and her husband Steve come from Hartland (MI) and are into drag racing. So are the other two car owners in this display. But, there were some differences for the discerning eye. Steve’s car was updated with a 1970 LT1 engine, M22 transmission, and 3.55:1 rear axle ratio. A Hurst shifter and dash-mounted tachometer complete the 60s theme…nearly stock but with components chosen to go.
Steve Boloyan’s 1961 Corvette black roadster, with removable hardtop, was one of three C2 Corvettes with the black/black combination, in one display area. Carolyn and her husband Steve come from Hartland (MI) and are into drag racing. So are the other two car owners in this display. But, there were some differences for the discerning eye. Steve’s car was updated with a 1970 LT1 engine, M22 transmission and 3.55:1 rear axle ratio. A Hurst shifter and dash mounted tachometer complete the 60s theme…nearly stock but with components chosen to go.
Steve Boloyan’s 1961 Corvette black roadster, with removable hardtop, was one of three C2 Corvettes with the black/black combination, in one display area. Carolyn and her husband Steve come from Hartland (MI) and are into drag racing. So are the other two car owners in this display. But, there were some differences for the discerning eye. Steve’s car was updated with a 1970 LT1 engine, M22 transmission, and 3.55:1 rear axle ratio. A Hurst shifter and dash-mounted tachometer complete the 60s theme…nearly stock but with components chosen to go.
Steve Papalas, Wixom (MI), had his 1968 Corvette race car on display in the Roush Performance display
Steve Papalas, Wixom (MI), had his 1968 Corvette race car on display in the Roush Performance display
Steve Papalas, Wixom (MI), had his 1968 Corvette race car on display in the Roush Performance display
Steve Papalas, Wixom (MI), had his 1968 Corvette race car on display in the Roush Performance display
Sal Distefano, from Taylor (MI), calls his red 1967 Corvette coupe BAD DOG. It runs a 396 small block with Sniper fuel injection (carb-style), a 5-speed TREMEC transmission and hydraulic clutch. Redline tires and side pipes. The brakes are Wilwood on 13 inch drilled brake rotors. The ride is controlled and quite amenable, due to coil-overs front and rear. Wheels are 17 x 7 Ridler Wheels. It was all put together at Jack’s Speed Shop.
Sal Distefano, from Taylor (MI), calls his red 1967 Corvette coupe BAD DOG. It runs a 396 small block with Sniper fuel injection (carb-style), a 5-speed TREMEC transmission, and a hydraulic clutch. Redline tires and side pipes. The brakes are Wilwood on 13-inch drilled brake rotors. The ride is controlled and quite amenable, due to coil-overs front and rear. Wheels are 17 x 7 Ridler Wheels. It was all put together at Jack’s Speed Shop.
Sal Distefano, from Taylor (MI), calls his red 1967 Corvette coupe BAD DOG. It runs a 396 small block with Sniper fuel injection (carb-style), a 5-speed TREMEC transmission and hydraulic clutch. Redline tires and side pipes. The brakes are Wilwood on 13 inch drilled brake rotors. The ride is controlled and quite amenable, due to coil-overs front and rear. Wheels are 17 x 7 Ridler Wheels. It was all put together at Jack’s Speed Shop.
Sal Distefano, from Taylor (MI), calls his red 1967 Corvette coupe BAD DOG. It runs a 396 small block with Sniper fuel injection (carb-style), a 5-speed TREMEC transmission, and a hydraulic clutch. Redline tires and side pipes. The brakes are Wilwood on 13-inch drilled brake rotors. The ride is controlled and quite amenable, due to coil-overs front and rear. Wheels are 17 x 7 Ridler Wheels. It was all put together at Jack’s Speed Shop.
Pat Fader, White Lake (MI) is especially proud of his NCRS Top Flight 1957 Corvette in Cascade Green with Shoreline Beige interior.
Pat Fader, White Lake (MI) is especially proud of his NCRS Top Flight 1957 Corvette in Cascade Green with Shoreline Beige interior.
Pat Fader, White Lake (MI) is especially proud of his NCRS Top Flight 1957 Corvette in Cascade Green with Shoreline Beige interior.
Pat Fader, White Lake (MI) is especially proud of his NCRS Top Flight 1957 Corvette in Cascade Green with Shoreline Beige interior.
Robert Chiusano's 1963 Corvette, from Springville (IA). The chassis is by Art Morrison in Fife (WA). Wheels by Coddington and stereo by Kicker. The engine was built by Gary Myers at Motorhead Manufacturing in Ely (IA) while the fuel injection was provided by Fox Injection, Denton (NC)
Robert Chiusano’s 1963 Corvette, from Springville (IA). The chassis is by Art Morrison in Fife (WA). Wheels by Coddington and stereo by Kicker. The engine was built by Gary Myers at Motorhead Manufacturing in Ely (IA) while the fuel injection was provided by Fox Injection, Denton (NC)
Robert Chiusano's 1963 Corvette, from Springville (IA). The interior was designed at Scott Takes Underground in Cedar Rapids (IA) and fabricated at Gable’s Street Rod Custom Interiors in San Bernardino (CA).
Robert Chiusano’s 1963 Corvette, from Springville (IA). The interior was designed at Scott Takes Underground in Cedar Rapids (IA) and fabricated at Gable’s Street Rod Custom Interiors in San Bernardino (CA).
Robert Chiusano's 1963 Corvette, from Springville (IA). The chassis is by Art Morrison in Fife (WA). Wheels by Coddington and stereo by Kicker. The engine was built by Gary Myers at Motorhead Manufacturing in Ely (IA) while the fuel injection was provided by Fox Injection, Denton (NC)
Robert Chiusano’s 1963 Corvette, from Springville (IA). The chassis is by Art Morrison in Fife (WA). Wheels by Coddington and stereo by Kicker. The engine was built by Gary Myers at Motorhead Manufacturing in Ely (IA) while the fuel injection was provided by Fox Injection, Denton (NC)
Don Habben, from Washougal (WA), trailered his yellow 1957 Corvette.
Don Habben, from Washougal (WA), trailered his yellow 1957 Corvette.
Don Habben, from Washougal (WA), trailered his yellow 1957 Corvette.
Don Habben, from Washougal (WA), trailered his yellow 1957 Corvette.
Don Habben, from Washougal (WA), trailered his yellow 1957 Corvette.
Don Habben, from Washougal (WA), trailered his yellow 1957 Corvette.
1978 Indy Pace Car Corvette owned by Joe Hall from Swartz Creek (MI)
1978 Indy Pace Car Corvette owned by Joe Hall from Swartz Creek (MI)
1959 Corvette owned by Werner Meier, Farmington Hills (MI)
1959 Corvette owned by Werner Meier, Farmington Hills (MI)
1963 Corvette Mike Garver, Glen Arbor (MI)
1963 Corvette Mike Garver, Glen Arbor (MI)
1967 Corvette owned by Angela & Mary Kae Carlisimo, Commerce (MI)
1967 Corvette owned by Angela & Mary Kae Carlisimo, Commerce (MI)
The Superformance Grand Sport continuation car is powered by a combination Lingenfelter-Edelbrock supercharged powerplant.
The Superformance Grand Sport continuation car is powered by a combination Lingenfelter-Edelbrock supercharged powerplant.
Lingenfelter Special Edition 2016 Corvette Convertible Z06
Lingenfelter Special Edition 2016 Corvette Convertible Z06
1959 Corvette owned by David Shipley, West Bloomfield (MI)
1959 Corvette owned by David Shipley, West Bloomfield (MI)
The 1971 Jimmie Johnson performance build is a marketing tool but shows how older cars like the C3 can be modernized.
The 1971 Jimmie Johnson performance build is a marketing tool but shows how older cars like the C3 can be modernized.
2017 Corvette Grand Sport on display in the GM performance booth.
2017 Corvette Grand Sport on display in the GM performance booth.
2017 Corvette Grand Sport on display in the GM performance booth.
2017 Corvette Grand Sport on display in the GM performance booth.
1954 Corvette roadster owned by Larry and Robbie Griffey of Knoxville (TN)
1954 Corvette roadster owned by Larry and Robbie Griffey of Knoxville (TN)
1954 Corvette roadster owned by Larry and Robbie Griffey of Knoxville (TN)
1954 Corvette roadster owned by Larry and Robbie Griffey of Knoxville (TN)
1954 Corvette roadster owned by Larry and Robbie Griffey of Knoxville (TN)
1954 Corvette roadster owned by Larry and Robbie Griffey of Knoxville (TN)
1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN). The LS9 fills an already spacious engine bay. Notably, while appearing very clean, this car does not omit essential features like wipers and heater.
1965 Corvette Called Split Ray was built by Dennis Johnson and Scott Roth, of the Auto Shoppe in Knoxville (TN). The LS9 fills an already spacious engine bay. Notably, while appearing very clean, this car does not omit essential features like wipers and heater.

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