Jeff Hayes Customs | 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
If you’re familiar with custom Corvettes and Barrett-Jackson Auctions, you’ve likely heard of renowned builder Jeff Hayes. He and his shop, Jeff Hayes Customs, are widely celebrated in the world of car collecting, producing the best Corvette RestoMods on the market, including the Corvette C1 1962. Jeff even holds the record for the highest-selling vehicle at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction; his 1967 Corvette Stingray Restomod sold for $1.1 million at the auction in 2024.
Previously, Classic Auto explored some of Jeff’s impressive creations, including his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible RestoMod and a 1963 Split-Window Chevrolet Corvette Coupe RestoMod. We were pleased to once again connect with Jeff, this time at the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction.
Jeff gave us a tour of one of his older creations that was sold at Barrett-Jackson: a Chevrolet Corvette C1 1962 RestoMod, which he built back in 2017. The car once again changed hands at the Scottsdale auction this year, giving Jeff the chance to view and reflect on his past work. If you need coverage for your RestoMod, or other classic car, contact us at 888-901-1338.
The Corvette C1 Vs C2
Since 2008, Jeff Hayes has built a Chevrolet Corvette RestoMod every year for the Barrett-Jackson Auction. He constructed his first high-end RestoMod Corvette in 2008 and sold it at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Palm Beach. A year later, he sold a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette C2 RestoMod at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale.
In total, Jeff has crafted eight custom C1 RestoMods as well as many C2s. With his experience working on both Corvette iterations, he has valuable observations on their main differences.
Jeff prefers the look of the C1, as it has a more nostalgic feel compared to the sportier C2. Still, he prefers working on C2s, due to their superior engineering. He no longer revitalizes and customizes C1s.
Unlike the Corvette C1, the C2 features a metal birdcage that’s attached to the door hinges and the striker on the back of the door. The birdcage addition was a major improvement from the C1 because it enhances the car’s overall structural integrity. This difference greatly impacts the long-term quality of the RestoMod.
Jeff noted that one of the most critical parts of working on a RestoMod is getting the door gaps correct, as this ensures the doors will open and shut without issue. Getting this detail perfect is an important part of a quality build. The problem with the C1’s body is that it shifts over time without the birdcage addition. Even with a high-quality restoration, the car’s door gaps change, and other parts inevitably drift. For that reason, Jeff now focuses exclusively on C2s.
Chevrolet Corvette Chassis
Jeff Hayes’ 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1 RestoMod features an Art Morrison chassis. He noted that by the time he began developing Corvette RestoMods, Art Morrison had already created a custom C1 chassis for his own 1960 Chevrolet Corvette C1. Jeff mounted his stunning C1 RestoMods on Art Morrison’s chassis.
While Art Morrison featured a C1 chassis, he had yet to develop a chassis for the C2. Jeff asked Art to craft a custom C2 chassis, since Art produces chassis with unparalleled quality. Art was interested in taking on the project, and Jeff gladly helped him by providing C2s for the chassis measurements.
Eventually, Art Morrison sent Jeff a completed C2 chassis to receive his input. Through the years, Jeff has helped Art improve upon the chassis, and he is proud to have played an important role in its creation.
Jeff noted that Art Morrison’s quality and engineering are second to none, and he trusts Art’s work to empower his custom RestoMods to function the way they should.
Corvette RestoMod Specifications
Jeff Hayes’ stunning 1962 Corvette C1 Restomod features a 6.2-liter GM LS3 Hot Cam crate engine mated to a GM 4L70E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The powertrain also includes a Ford 9-inch rear end with Strange axles and 3.70 gears.
Its stunning exterior boasts a Pearl Gray and platinum flake finish as well as an adapted front grille sourced from a 1958 Corvette. Other notable body details include its removable hardtop that’s body-color, Eiko high-definition headlights, and power-operated hood and cowl vent.
The car’s body rides on low-profile red line tires, and features Wilwood 4-wheel power disc brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in the rear.
When you take a look inside this head-turning Corvette, you’ll see its striking custom seats with distressed red leather upholstery. The cabin also features modern luxuries, such as Dakota Digital gauges, LED lighting, and a Jensen touchscreen interface.
Reflecting on the Chevrolet Corvette C1 1962 RestoMod
Jeff takes tremendous pride in his meticulous approach to crafting RestoMods. He and his team dedicate a year to perfecting each Corvette’s body, treating every historic classic with incredible precision and care.
After he and his team spend countless hours block sanding and doing bodywork, these remarkable cars pass to new owners, often changing hands several times. While many of these owners are experienced and knowledgeable in handling classics, some don’t know how to treat and maintain classic vehicles.
For that reason, Jeff was pleased to behold his past creation at this year’s Barrett-Jackson Auction, as his Chevrolet Corvette C1 1962 remains in excellent condition. Its body and interior are still stunning, and its Pearl Gray finish is still breathtaking. Jeff said that seeing his creation in such great shape nearly ten years later makes him feel all the more proud of his work.
Get Premier Classic Car Insurance for Your Corvette C1 1962
It’s always a tremendous pleasure to speak with Jeff Hayes, as his immense automotive knowledge and enthusiasm are a reflection of the passion and dedication that go into modifying classic cars. We look forward to seeing more of his remarkable RestoMods at future Barrett-Jackson Auctions.
Whether you own one of Jeff Hayes’ highly acclaimed RestoMods or a standard classic ‘Vette, you need premium Corvette insurance to safeguard your ride. With Classic Auto, you can rest assured that you’re getting the top-tier insurance your classic deserves. We can protect your valuable ride by tailoring a custom policy based on agreed-upon value coverage.
Learn more by calling 888-901-1338 or get an instant quote for your ride here.
