After the votes were tallied, Dave and Tracy Maxwell’s 1953 Corvette, meticulously crafted by Kindig-It Designs, clinched the esteemed Ridler Award at the 2024 Detroit Autorama.
With over five years of meticulous labor invested, the car’s entirety was shaped in secrecy, meeting one of the Ridler Award’s prerequisites: the vehicle’s unveiling must occur at the Autorama. “Keeping people away from the car was one of the most difficult parts of the build,” revealed Baylee Kindig, Dave’s daughter.
The sheer craftsmanship of this vehicle is astounding. Bearing little resemblance to a 1953 Corvette, every element was handcrafted from aluminum. From the chassis to the suspension, bodywork, and interior, Kindig-It Design painstakingly fabricated each detail.
Drawing inspiration from the 1954 Corvette concept, the Corvair, Dave, and his team elevated the design to new heights, imbuing it with unparalleled elegance and style, surpassing Chevrolet’s original ’50s vision.
Adding to its allure is the remarkable V-12 engine nestled beneath the hood, a deviation from the conventional V-8 setup.
Crafted by Race Cast Engineering, renowned for its innovative LS-based V-12 engines, this powerhouse churns out nearly 800 horsepower, with the potential for a swift ascent to 1,000 naturally aspirated horses with minimal modifications.
The accompanying drivetrain, reminiscent of the C7 Corvette, features a torque tube and 8L90E transaxle, while the custom-designed suspension, wheelwork, and cantilever suspension design by Kindig-It, alongside EVOD-built wheels tailored to Dave’s specifications further accentuate the car’s ingenuity and prowess.
The sheer dedication and expertise poured into this masterpiece are immeasurable. “I am afraid to count,” quipped Baylee, acknowledging the countless hours invested in its creation.
As for the total cost, it remains a mystery, but what is evident is the celebration of skill and artistry epitomized by this exceptional vehicle. Amidst stiff competition within the Great 8 finalists, Dave and his team’s creation unequivocally outshone the rest, deserving the accolade of the 2024 Ridler Award.
Also read: Classic Car Revival: Restoring the Iconic Chevrolet Impala