2016 SEMA -Retro Designs Displayed a C7 in the Mobil-1 Booth at the 2016 SEMA Event

MOBIL-1 display had a red-hot C7 Chevrolet Corvette built by Retro Designs: Speed and Custom. 

MOBIL-1 Displayed a C7 Built by Retro Designs

Text and Photos By: Wayne Ellwood

At the MOBIL-1 display, a red-hot C7 previously seen here in 2015 was again on display. This one is built by Retro Designs: Speed and Custom. Wheels were “Fifteen52” by Apex RSR and tires were Michelin Super Sport tires in 295/30ZR/19 and 345/30ZR/19. Power upgrades included a custom fabricated airbox and very large turbocharger provided by East Coast Supercharging. With this little bit of technology, the LT1 engine is stated to produce 700 HP and 650 lb-ft. The aero body work was by Stance Craft, and the rear diffuser was made by APR Performance. The car has a cage installed inside a mostly stock interior.

2015 C7 Widebody by Ivan Tampi at the 2016 SEMA Event

Ivan Tampi presented at SEMA the XIK Widebody Corvette

Text and Photos By: Wayne Ellwood

This is one of those cars that catch you by surprise. Ivan Tampi is the designer, and he has assembled a certain number of partners to assist in the development of his ideas. Ivan’s has worked the design field for many years and is developing a number of new projects for various manufacturers and private clients.

2016 SEMA – 50TH ANNIVERSARY REPORT - JEFF NOWICKI C7 CONCEPT Z

JEFF NOWICKI C7 CONCEPT Z AT 2016 SEMA

JEFF NOWICKI C7 CONCEPT Z AT 2016 SEMA

Text and Photos By: Wayne Ellwood

Nowicki Autosport launched his Concept Z last year. This year the car is updated, and Jeff calls it his all-new ConceptZ, which includes a range of styling, and aerodynamic aids for 2015+ Corvette Z06 models. These components are showcased on a black “Michelin-themed” 2016 Z06. The car is a nod to the more than 25-year relationship Nowicki Autosport founder Jeff Nowicki has shared with the tire company.

2016 SEMA – 50TH ANNIVERSARY REPORT - Chaparral 2X VGT Concept

Chevy Chaparral 2X VGT Concept at SEMA 2016

Text and Photos By: Wayne Ellwood

The Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT concept race car was developed for the Vision Gran Turismo project, which celebrates the 15th anniversary of PlayStation® racing game Gran Turismo® by inviting manufacturers to give fans a glimpse into the future of automotive design.

2016 SEMA – 1963 BLACK CORVETTE BY BOBBY ALLOWAY

1963 Black Corvette by Bobby Alloway

1963 Black Corvette by Bobby Alloway, Blount (Louisville, TN).
This car is actually Bobby Alloway’s personal car.

Text and Photos By: Wayne Ellwood

1963 Black Corvette by Bobby Alloway, Blount (Louisville, TN). This car is actually Bobby Alloway’s personal car. It looks a lot like a project that was completed for a customer about 5-6 years ago. This time, Bobby built a car for himself, and he did introduce some new ideas. The color scheme changed from black with a red stinger to black with a blue stinger. Apparently, in researching the colors, Bobby also found that this color combination also drew the highest auction bid for a Corvette, to date. Interestingly, the blue interior and stinger are color correct for a 1967 Corvette, when four were built in this combination.