1971 Chevy Corvette Stingray Jimmie Johnson Concept is No Ordinary Resto-Mod

Classic Stingray comes packing the C7's 460-hp LT1 unit.

Chevrolet will be making the Stingray’s LT1 block available to hotrodders in January, and what better way to introduce the 460-hp powerplant than by dropping the crate engine into Jimmie Johnson’s 1971 Corvette Stingray. The six-time NASCAR champion has quite the collection of classic Chevys fitted with modern LS engines, but this one-off 1971 Vette is undoubtedly one of the prettiest.

Beyond the 6.2-liter direct-injection LT1 sitting under the hood of the C3, other resto-mod touches include a Super Magnum six-speed manual and free-flowing stainless-steel exhaust system, as well as a fully-adjustable coilover suspension, and disc brakes borrowed from the C6 Corvette Z06. Cosmetic tweaks include custom hood vents inspired by the C7, restyled front fender vents, and 18-inch Dark Android Rally alloys that ape the design of the 71’s original 15-inch rally wheels. The silver-accented blue paintjob draws inspiration from Johnson’s race car.