This Vette was built by the late Rick Leonard of Special Interest Auto's of Oregon. The car has all late model Vette suspension and an LS1 motor. The interior was designed to enhance the upgraded performance angle as well. Santana hand built the dash, console and bucket seats. Also on the list was to scratch build all the trunk panels and door panels. The interior is covered in MB Tex vinyl and uses German Squareweave carpeting. The top is a production EZ On top made from Haartz Stayfast cloth. Rich had Carl Brouhard custom paint the grab handle coving to match the engine valve covers. Although the dash looks like a stock Vette dash, when placed side by side, there is a huge difference in style. The custom built door panels are also one off items from Santana Interiors. The car also sports a rockin' stereo installed by Santana's.
Re-worked stock seats, custom covered dash pad. Santana armrests with underpulls. Speakers built into kick panels. Trunk covered in trunk lining with false wall. MB Tex vinyl with perforated inserts. Charcoal square weave carpet.
On the inside, nearly four boxes of sound deadening material were used to help keep noise to a minimum. Rich did this interior with a beautiful mix of modern thinking and classic design. Believe it or not the front bench is actually the factory frame with custom padding and covered in German vinyl.
View full story at superchevy.comRay always wanted to build a car in his youth, and decided there was no better time than the present. So off he went to build a unique and stand out hot rod. Big Bock Ford power, lots of IT, mini tubbed, bagged all four corners, and discs all around. The car has subtle treatments on the outside and the interior matches the theme. Rich started out with stock front seat frames, but made all new foam and built the rear seat to match. Even with a narrowed rear end, Rich was able to get 7 more inches width than the stock rear seat, due to rear panel design and execution. The console also has a stock look, but has been highly modified to house window switches and air system. It also has a storage area under the custom armrest. The material used is MB Tex vinyl and German Squareweave carpet. That same material was used in the trunk as well. Rich had custom machined pieces made for the fuel lid and horn button by Excalibur Machine in Diamond Springs, Ca. The high point of this car for the owners, besides driving the wheels off it, was being invited to the 2008 Fresno Autorama by Blackie Gejian while at the '08 Sacramento Autorama.
This rod features, BMW vinyl covering Santana-built dash, door panels, and rear cargo area. The seats are modified BMW seats.
MB Tex vinyl upholstery, FINE TUFT carpet, sculptured headliner, custom trunk lining with false wall, Santana custom console, saddle stitched dash, modified Honda front seats, and Santana custom rear seat.