When Luke and co. happen upon the Death Star in A New Hope, they think it’s a moon.
Which is evidently why Timeless Kustoms named their custom 1954 Corvette after it: on first glance, “The Death Star” looks like any ol’ spit-shined classic car with a Darth Vader paint job. But upon closer inspection, it’s both more fearsome and awe-inspiring, a Frankensteinian Blue Devil-ZR1-C6 roadster hybrid.
The project started when the California-based customizers got their hands on the ‘54 ‘Vette in parts-car condition, according to CorvetteBlogger. From there, it was all hands on deck: Art Morrison provided the chassis (which relied on a C6 Corvette), ZR1 lent them some Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and the wheels came from Boze’s ZE Mesh series. For intimidation purposes, they then finished the ride with blue racing seats and a Cyber Gray paint job.
“But why does a 155-HP car need racing seats?”
So glad you asked. While the original ‘54 Corvette’s Blue Flame I-6 engine and two-speed Powerglide transmission were notoriously underwhelming, even in their day, this junker was already missing them when Timeless Kustoms acquired it.
In its place, the Death Star now has a Blue Devil 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8 crate engine out of the ZR1, which it showcases through a polycarbonate window in the hood. That means you’re getting 638 HP and a top speed of 205 MPH. In other words, racing seats are more than appropriate.
This build was actually completed all the way back in 2010, but it befits their moniker that Timeless Kustoms is still sharing and getting love for the build.
Should you be interested in more than blasts from the past, they’re currently selling a custom ‘67 Mustang and ‘69 Camaro.
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