Phil Quinton’s 1958 Custom Corvette
Phil’s automotive interests, like most of us, started early. His father, Phil Sr., was a huge classic car fan. When Phil Jr. was growing up, Phil Sr. drove a silver 240Z (similar to his current classic Datsun 240Z). This led Phil to his first car, a Datsun 510, which he began rebuilding at 15. During the following 30 years, school, family and business consumed the bulk of Phil’s time. He was still able to dabble with cars - enjoying a variety of Audis including a R8, but cars weren’t his primary focus. With the sale of his company in 2019, Phil went all in on the car hobby.
In October of 2021 he purchased a 1958 Corvette from Alex Manos of the Beverly Hills Car Club. I imagine that many of you have seen ads for the Beverly Hills Car Club. The BVCC sells many vehicles that require restoration and Phil went in with eyes wide open. Phil had always wanted a C1 Corvette and was inspired by Kevin Hart’s 1959 Custom Corvette. Although it definitely needed work, the 1958 Vette that Phil acquired gave him the foundation for what turned out to be an absolutely stunning and tasteful restomod.
Phil chose Gary George in Watsonville to execute the build. The project began in late 2021 and was completed in August 2023. Two years is quick for a high quality build and Phil has been very happy with the final product. Phil wanted to drive the car as well as show it as exemplified by the trunk design - fits two sets of golf clubs as well as two travel bags. Phil has already racked up 1400 miles on the odometer, including a trip up to Calaveras County for Cars & Coffee last October where his Corvette was voted “Feature Car”! The car was a finalist for the Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year last year as well as a finalist for the GM Iron Builder of the Year.
The hardware utilized in the build includes an Art Morrison chassis with fully independent front and rear suspension as well as rack and pinion steering. Power is provided with an LS3 V8 producing 495 horsepower paired to a GM 4L60 automatic transmission. Wilwood four wheel disc brakes provide the whoa for this incredible ride. Interior touches include Vintage Air, tilt Ididit steering column, Dakota Digital gauges, power windows and a beautiful Nardi steering wheel. The exterior Axalta Chrome mint pearl paint complimented by white coves makes this ride complete. Overall, an absolutely stunning car.
Although this Corvette was built as a top tier show car, I really respect the fact that Phil drives it. According to Phil, the car is a “keeper” and upcoming trips include Hot August Nites, weekends in Carmel and Napa, and another Cars & Coffee in Calaveras County! We look forward to seeing Phil and his beautiful 58 restomod on the road!
