Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: Historical Vette

in Forum: Member Introductions and Stories


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Historical Vette (1/10)
 5/9/24 9:30am
TwinTurbo WidebodyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Ventura, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Twin Turbo 1-off Widebody


Joined: 5/9/2024
Posts: 28

Hello
Thanks for your interest.   I want to express something about this information.
All of it is to help preserve and promote some very historically notable people responsible for
Creating my ride:   Sure I am the current conservator and have added 2020+ tech to the original 1980 build but nothing would have happened had Bob Larson not started all of it with his original plan and if Clyde Hensley not saved this very unique ride.
 
74 TwinTurbo WideBody 
 
Life path of a Historical Corvette
 
1-Bob Larson/Bob Larson, Engineering very 1st inductee of “Hot Rod Hall of Fame”, Dearborn, MI  . “Now renamed “Hot Rod History” https://hotrodderhistory.com/contact/
Engineered a method to install twin turbos into C3 Corvettes without modifying original hood height!  His marketing: “Drive 74 Twin Turbo Custom Widebody to Chevrolet Dealerships to promote his aftermarket Twin Turbo Performance Kit!”
 
 
2-To assure peak performance Bob wanted pre 1975 to avoid emission control restraints.
3-Bob found a 1974 Corvette Coupe that had been totaled.  Perfect! He only needed the VIN number!
4-Bob then rebuilt entire car starting with new modified chassis he got directly from Chevy.  Converted top to 1980 t-top and curved rear window.
5-Original body was replaced with standard Greenwood Widebody kit. https://www.motortrend.com/features/1508-john-greenwood-retrospective-a-corvette-legend-passes/
 
This Widebody was quickly rejected as Bob disapproved of the final result.  
6-(1980)Wanting HIS OWN DESIGN, Bob had famous local modeler Dave Schilk clay over the Greenwood Style to Bob’s exacting spec!  https://hotrodderhistory.com/untold/?album=86&album_ses=1#aigpl-album-gallery-1 
 
After the body was approved, Dave was instructed to destroy all molds. Leaving an assured 1 OFF Widebody!  (Genius💯)
5-Powerplant was custom built by Carl Holbrook, balanced & blue printed. High Power Sounds infectious to any performance thinker.
5-Bob’s plan for marketing his Twin Turbos was to be as a Driver Magnet at any Chevy Dealership he would be at!  (Bob possessed a confidence level that charts were not able to explain) 
 
Also here is current status of 74 Twin turbo. 
Bob's turbos did not age well after 40 yrs.  
-2 New 62mm Precision Turbos added
-Turbo paths, all material, boost control and wastegates planned  by KENNY DUTTWEILER (Speed Demon engine & turbine builder, Grand Nationals
 
 
-FITech Injection system
-MSD ignition system 
-New high output fuel pump
-New gas tank with custom filler cap.
-Two additional oil intercoolers installed. (Originally made as tranny coolers but both fit perfectly on chasis)
-Electric Brakes 
-WilWood Performance Brake system
-BeCool twin fan, 3core radiator
-Rebuild of original 350ci Carl 
Holbrook Racing engine
-Rebuild transmission to L480e quality. Confirm with DNC transmission 
-New Hi Amp Alternator 
-RideTech CoilOver system front & rear.
-New BFG 10" Radials 
-All gold trim in and out now powder coated Gold.
-windshield and door glass replaced.
-100% new interior 
-Entire body taken to raw fiberglass, all original Bondo removed and replaced as with polyester resin
-New Carbon Fiber Hood (my design) formed to house engine performance add ons.
-Entire exterior painted.
-All Fuel lines replaced for high octane use. (Original lines were for Unleaded Regular)
-Custom Air scoop incorporated in front below nose.
 
Much More still to be done🤔😎



______________

 

Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Re: Historical Vette (2/10)
 5/12/24 5:29pm
NorskyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7240

Awesome ride!  Thanks for the history and continued good luck as the build continues.  Keep us posted!



______________

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Historical Vette (3/10)
 5/21/24 10:36am
TwinTurbo WidebodyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Ventura, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Twin Turbo 1-off Widebody


Joined: 5/9/2024
Posts: 28

Hello Adam

I am hoping to use your C3 Registry as the platform to outline the history of my Ride.   What restrictions must I observe?  Amount of content wise?

thank you for developing this site!

 



______________

 

Re: Historical Vette (4/10)
 5/21/24 10:51am
F4GaryGold Member
Gold Member
Send Private Message

Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1463

Does the license plate mean anything?



______________

   

Historical Vette (5/10)
 5/21/24 11:01am
TwinTurbo WidebodyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Ventura, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Twin Turbo 1-off Widebody


Joined: 5/9/2024
Posts: 28

My plate UATHUIL is pronounced “oo-a-huul “.  Gaelic for “UNIQUE”.    I figured the Irish needed BOOST (turbo pun😎)

I appreciate the curiosity 



______________

 

Re: Historical Vette (6/10)
 5/21/24 11:06am
TwinTurbo WidebodyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Ventura, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Twin Turbo 1-off Widebody


Joined: 5/9/2024
Posts: 28

Nice rides in your post.  Are all current in your garage?



______________

 

Re: Historical Vette (7/10)
 5/21/24 3:02pm
F4GaryGold Member
Gold Member
Send Private Message

Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1463

Yes.  The LT-1 needs to go and is for sale.  I only have a 2 car garage and the wife's car is outside in the N. Texas weather.



______________

   

Historical Vette (8/10)
 5/21/24 4:09pm
TwinTurbo WidebodyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Ventura, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Twin Turbo 1-off Widebody


Joined: 5/9/2024
Posts: 28

Nice rides are a pleasure!  Enjoy



______________

 

Re: Historical Vette (9/10)
 5/22/24 12:42am
Kentvetteuk
Limited Member
Send Private Message

, - France

Vette(s):
1978 L48 Auto. Red with Oyster Leather interior. Owned since 1990.


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 126

That Wide Body looks very special - the rear end treatment is certainly an eye-catcher - amazing.  👍



______________
Stephen J Irons
Corvette Club France
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!
Re: Historical Vette (10/10)
 5/22/24 12:00pm
TwinTurbo WidebodyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Ventura, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Twin Turbo 1-off Widebody


Joined: 5/9/2024
Posts: 28

Many thanks for your compliments.   Rear bumper was a high point of design when Bob Larson first conceived the overall build design.   If interested in history Vette Vues provided a nice story on the ride in 2020.   Let me know & 1 can attach article pages.



______________

 

Our Sponsors help support C3VR