Custom Corvettes at SEMA 2013 – An Overview Full of Photos!

Discover the world of custom Corvettes from SEMA 2013 and get an up-close look at the incredible vehicles and vendors on display.

Today we are looking at the Vette Vues Magazine archives and Going Behind the Scenes of Corvettes at SEMA 2013. This is a new series that we will be covering each month. Make sure you sign up for our e-Newsletter so you get notice when the next article comes out.

Wayne Ellwood covers the Custom Builds and Vendors from the 2013 event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Corvettes at SEMA 2013 Overview and Photos
Corvettes at SEMA 2013 Overview and Photos

In this article covering Corvettes at SEMA 2013:

Article and Photos by Wayne Ellwood as it appeared in Vette Vues Magazine in 2013.

1964 CUSTOM by MANTIC – Miscellaneous outdoor display

This yellow 1964 custom Corvette roadster by Mantic has only mild custom exterior touches, wheels from a C6, and a fully customized interior featuring a modified center stack. No additional details were provided.

1964 custom Corvette roadster by Mantic at SEMA 2013
1964 custom Corvette roadster by Mantic at SEMA 2013

1978 FORDETTE by FRP CUSTOMS AT SEMA 2013                                                           

1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs featured molded-in front and rear bumpers, with C6 headlights, C5 tail lights, and a diffuser. The hood is a modified high rise, and the doors open in a suicide fashion. Mechanically the car has Wildwood brakes, big MHT wheels, and matching tires in 255x35x20 (front) and 315x35x20 (rear). The engine is a 5.4 liter supercharged Ford modular engine with double overhead cams, a Tremec 5-speed transmission, and an 8.8 four-link Ford rear end.

1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs at SEMA 2013
1978 Candy Apple Red Corvette-Ford combo built by FRP Customs

2012 C6.R Race (press) Corvette

2012 marked the end of the C6.R for Corvette Racing. The new C7.R would be introduced to the racing community at Daytona in 2014. Despite being a lame-duck model, C6.R fans continue to gather around the banner.

C6.R for Corvette Racing - Photo from 2013 SEMA
C6.R for Corvette Racing - Photo from 2013 SEMA
C6.R for Corvette Racing - Photo from 2013 SEMA
C6.R for Corvette Racing - Photo from 2013 SEMA
C6.R for Corvette Racing - Photo from 2013 SEMA
C6.R for Corvette Racing – Photo from 2013 SEMA
C6.R for Corvette Racing - Photo from 2013 SEMA
C6.R for Corvette Racing – Photo from 2013 SEMA

2013 C7 Bare Chassis Display

The new C7 race car and the Z06 street car share the same production-based aluminum frame. However, the frames for the race car and production Z06 were built in-house at the Corvette’s Bowling Green (KY) assembly plant for the first time. The construction process leverages advanced manufacturing materials – such as laser welding, Flowdrill-machined fasteners, and a GM-patented aluminum spot-welding process – the production structure is significantly stronger than its predecessor

2013 C7 Bare Chassis Display at SEMA 2013
2013 C7 Bare Chassis Display at SEMA 2013
2013 C7 Bare Chassis Display at SEMA 2013
2013 C7 Bare Chassis Display at SEMA 2013

2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept

GM introduced the Blade Silver (convertible) Atlantic concept, featuring a new Carbon Flash Metallic front splitter, rocker extensions, rear lower diffuser, Fusion Gray headlamp housings, and hood accents. It is trimmed with a suede-wrap interior package. And, impressively, a fixed clear glass shield behind the seats to improve occupant comfort with the top down.

2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette “ATLANTIC” Convertible Concept  at SEMA 2013

2013  Corvette GranTurismo Prototype

GM also revealed its Gran Turismo prototype….a tribute to the 15th anniversary of the Sony Play Station Gran Turismo driving simulation system. Painted in a dark flat blue paint and featuring more “add-ons” than a tweeny could hope for, this concept is not likely to find a home in the garages of customers; instead, its goal is to promote the brand among gamers.

2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013
2013 Corvette GranTurismo Prototype at SEMA 2013

2013 Corvette “PACIFIC” Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 

GM’s other geographically referenced concept was the Pacific coupe concept, equipped with a carbon fiber hood, a visible carbon-fiber weave on the removable roof panel, and a satin-black front splitter and rocker extensions. The Z51 rear spoiler is painted Carbon Flash Metallic with a Carbon Flash graphics package. The interior features a carbon fiber trim kit, along with the available Competition Sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber finish.

2013 Corvette PACIFIC Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 
2013 Corvette PACIFIC Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 
2013 Corvette PACIFIC Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 
2013 Corvette PACIFIC Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 
2013 Corvette PACIFIC Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 
2013 Corvette PACIFIC Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 
2013 Corvette PACIFIC Coupe Concept at SEMA 2013 

2013 LSX 454 Crate Engine

2013 LSX 454 Crate Engine at SEMA 2013 
2013 LSX 454 Crate Engine at SEMA 2013 
2013 LSX 454 Crate Engine at SEMA 2013 
2013 LSX 454 Crate Engine at SEMA 2013 
2013 LSX 454R Crate Engine at SEMA 2013 

1965 Corvette Custom: Allan Woodall Owner

Alan Woodall at SEMA 2013
Alan Woodall at SEMA 2013

Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette was first seen at the Detroit Autorama in 2012. As with all the top-end customs, the features are too numerous to count but include the full custom treatment for both interior and exterior, center lock wheels, a big engine, and automatic transmission with paddle shift.

Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013
Allan Woodall’s 1965 Black Corvette at SEMA 2013

BONDURANT DRIVING SCHOOL 

The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving is an American performance driving school specializing in instruction for high-performance driving, teen defensive driving, law enforcement and special forces driving, and open-wheel race car training.

CLASSIC REFLECTIONS COACHWORK

Classic Reflections Coachwork (CRC) introduced their newest product… a C2 body style on the C6 chassis. Owner Ken Marsden of Lakewood (WA) gave me details—the base version for $67 K, plus relevant taxes. The car shown was a customer car and was based on a new 2013 Limited Edition LS7 (Z-06) convertible and incorporates most of the CRC options, such as turbine wheels, side pipes, exposed carbon stinger hood, completely new interior, woodgrain steering wheel, etc., etc….total price adds to $135,000. CRC closed its doors in 2022, but some aspects of the business continue as smaller operations.

Classic Reflections Coachwork C2 Body for C6 Chassis at SEMA 2013
Classic Reflections Coachwork C2 Body for C6 Chassis at SEMA 2013
Classic Reflections Coachwork C2 Body for C6 Chassis at SEMA 2013
Classic Reflections Coachwork C2 Body for C6 Chassis at SEMA 2013
Classic Reflections Coachwork C2 Body for C6 Chassis at SEMA 2013
Classic Reflections Coachwork C2 Body for C6 Chassis at SEMA 2013

EDELBROCK SUPERCHARGERS

Edelbrock offers a series of supercharger kits at different levels of output and complexity. Using the Corvette as a display vehicle signals their confidence in using their powering enhancing systems in all levels of street and sporting cars.

Edelbrock Superchargers at 2013 SEMA event
Edelbrock Superchargers at 2013 SEMA event
Edelbrock Superchargers at 2013 SEMA event

GOOD GUYS DISPLAY

The Good Guys Rod & Custom Association is the world’s largest hot rod association and producer of America’s favorite car shows. They provide an annual event schedule that enables more enthusiasts nationwide to enjoy these automotive events.

Good Guys Rod and Custom Association at SEMA 2013
Good Guys Rod and Custom Association at SEMA 2013

HAWK BRAKES

Inside, the HAWK Performance Friction booth featured Mike Skeen’s # 12 SCCA World Challenge race car.

HAWK Performance at SEMA 2013
HAWK Performance at SEMA 2013
HAWK Performance at SEMA 2013
HAWK Performance at SEMA 2013
HAWK Performance at SEMA 2013
HAWK Performance at SEMA 2013

HRE WHEELS

HRE Performance Wheels used a Pearl White C7 to show off their wheels. One side of the car featured chrome wheels, while the other featured a bright Electric Blue set of five-spokes.

HRE Performance Wheels at SEMA 2013
HRE Performance Wheels at SEMA 2013
HRE Performance Wheels at SEMA 2013
HRE Performance Wheels at SEMA 2013
HRE Performance Wheels at SEMA 2013
HRE Performance Wheels at SEMA 2013

LG MOTORSPORT AERO PARTS

The LG Motorsport C7 was on display across the aisle from the ITT (Koni) booth…turns out that LGM has been contracted to help Koni with the prototyping of new shock absorbers for the C7, and Lou was emphasizing his new aero devices.

LG Motorsport C7 at SEMA 2013
LG Motorsport C7 at SEMA 2013
LG Motorsport C7 at SEMA 2013
LG Motorsport C7 at SEMA 2013
LG Motorsport C7 at SEMA 2013
LG Motorsport C7 at SEMA 2013
LG Motorsport C7 at SEMA 2013

LINGENFELTER PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) is an American automotive engineering company specializing in high-performance automobile modifications, specifically engines and induction systems. Now headquartered in Brighton, Michigan, the company brings its latest creations to the annual SEMA show.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering at SEMA 2013
Lingenfelter Performance Engineering at SEMA 2013
Lingenfelter Performance Engineering at SEMA 2013

NOWICKI MOTORSPORT                     

The total Concept 7 package includes upgrades to the wheel, tires, brakes, and multiple carbon fiber enhancements, including a new heat extractor hood, carbon front grill center bar, fender gill inserts, rear taillight bezels, spoiler, lower diffuser, carbon A-pillar trim, rear quarter air intakes and carbon wheel house flares. The Brembo GT kit brake package is bigger, lighter, and gives more friction area. The wheels are 20 x 11 inch HRE Performance wheels on the rear with 9.5 x 20 fronts, and Michelin PSS (Pilot Super Sport) 305x30x20 and 275x30x20 front.

Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013
Nowicki Autosport at SEMA 2013

STS TURBOCHARGER SYSTEMS

Several smaller vendors/tuners were using Corvettes as their promotional vehicles. One of these is STS Turbo Systems. I took a moment to chat with some of the folks doing the development work for the C7. Not surprisingly, they report that it’s getting more and more difficult to package these systems on each successive stage of the Corvette. So, space seems to be getting tight.

STS Turbo Systems at SEMA 2013
STS Turbo Systems at SEMA 2013
STS Turbo Systems at SEMA 2013
STS Turbo Systems at SEMA 2013

TOYO TIRES

As one of the world’s larger tire manufacturers, Toyo sponsors many events at SEMA, including the Toy Walkway and their own tire displays.

Toyo Tires at the 2013 SEMA event
Toyo Tires at the 2013 SEMA event
Toyo Tires at the 2013 SEMA event

TRANSFORMER MOVIE CAR # 4

The Corvette and Camaros used for the Transformer 4 movie by Michael Bay were on display in the Grand Lobby. This special green project was the culmination of the “transformer” series.

Transformer 4 Corvette at SEMA 2013
Transformer 4 Corvette at SEMA 2013
Transformer 4 Corvette at SEMA 2013

TS DIDIT DESIGNS: C7 WIDEBODIES

The original C7 widebody kit was designed by TS DESIGNS for FORGIATO Wheels and was their first show at SEMA in 2013. Since then, they have built several kits and full cars, but this style has remained fairly consistent throughout.

C7 widebody kit was designed by TS DESIGNS for FORGIATO Wheels at SEMA 2013
C7 widebody kit was designed by TS DESIGNS for FORGIATO Wheels at SEMA 2013
C7 widebody kit was designed by TS DESIGNS for FORGIATO Wheels at SEMA 2013
C7 widebody kit was designed by TS DESIGNS for FORGIATO Wheels at SEMA 2013
C7 widebody kit was designed by TS DESIGNS for FORGIATO Wheels at SEMA 2013
C7 widebody kit was designed by TS DESIGNS for FORGIATO Wheels at SEMA 2013

VOSSEN WHEELS

Every car model has different parameters and clearances for their wheels. For example, VOSSEN utilizes their Vehicle Tailored Engineering to optimize wheels for each vehicle, maximizing concavity and perfecting overall fit.

Vossen Wheels at SEMA 2013
Vossen Wheels at SEMA 2013

WILWOOD BRAKES DISPLAY

Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems. Since the company’s inception in 1977 by Bill Wood, we have developed a substantial matrix of brake components and engineering techniques that allow us to quickly and reliably create brake systems for almost any application. Their core ability is rapidly developing custom-engineered brake systems using a combination of off-the-shelf and custom components. 

Wilwood Brakes at SEMA 2013
Wilwood Brakes at SEMA 2013
Wilwood Brakes at SEMA 2013

We hope you enjoyed the Revisit of Corvettes at SEMA 2013 and explore the range of custom builds and vendors featured at the show. Stay tuned as we bring you more of Vette Vues SEMA archives over the next few months. Sign up for our e-News, so you are notified when the next segment comes out.

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SEMA REVISITED SERIES:

If you enjoy custom Corvettes, you are sure to enjoy our series, the History of Corvette Body Kits by Generations:

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