The original 1953-55 Chevrolet Corvette was a stunning game changer for the American auto industry. A true sports car, it seated two, featured three carburetors, was sparsely equipped and featured a stylish, swoopy body made of an exotic material for the time. It turned heads when new and never stopped. It was rare and expensive, a reasonable performer and was a great way to begin competing with the likes of Jaguar, Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, among other European sports cars, but everyone knew there was more to be had from the Corvette formula, some of which was revealed when the Corvette became available with a V-8 in 1955. Modern motorists, however, require a bit more from their cars, not just in the terms of creature comforts, but robustness. Trying to use an original Corvette in modern traffic patterns might be a bit much for some. Fortunately, Advanced Automotive Tech Inc. of Rochester, Michigan, made it possible to enjoy the style of the original and the durability of the modern Corvette with custom bodies that extensively recall the original. This 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has been treated to the 1953 treatment and is one of two Commemorative Edition Concepts produced by AAT. Powered by the 5.7L/405 HP V-8 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, the Millennium Yellow Coupe features a number of modern Corvette amenities such as Active Handling, memory power leather seats, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, dual-zone climate control and a Delco-Bose AM/FM/CD stereo system, but also a custom black and yellow interior with custom embroidery, a body that resembles the original Corvette complete with the chrome grille and headlight grilles, 1953 style bumpers, side trim, cone tail lights and a recessed rear license plate, among other specialized details. Tucked behind Bridgestone Potenza tires on chrome wheels, yellow brake calipers sparkle in the background, with the entire ensemble serving as a fabulous tribute to the original America’s Sports Car.
