Creating a car from the ground up is a cherished aspiration for every automotive designer. Dave Kindig, the creative force behind Kindig-it Design, has had a deep affection for the 1953 Corvette, even though Chevrolet's iconic sports car encountered some challenges during its initial year of production. The journey began in the previous season of 'Bitchin' Rides,' and as a fitting celebration of reaching the 100th episode milestone, Dave Kindig realized his lifelong dream of crafting his inaugural ground-up design car – the Kindig CF1. This extraordinary creation pays homage to the 1953 Corvette, boasting a carbon-fiber body and a powerful V-8 engine.
The Kindig CF1: A Tribute to the '53 Corvette. Photo by Motortrend
The Kindig CF1 isn't a rare, custom creation reserved for an affluent collector; these showcased vehicles are actually the initial two series production models of the Kindig CF1 by Kindig-it Design. This achievement encompasses three remarkable milestones within a single episode: Dave Kindig's debut clean-sheet design, Kindig-it Design's inaugural pair of ready-to-drive production cars, and the memorable 100th episode of 'Bitchin' Rides!
Reviving the Legend: The Kindig CF1 Redefines the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. Photo by Motortrend
The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette marked a pivotal moment in the American automotive landscape. During the 1950s, European car manufacturers were gaining a significant share of the market, a trend that domestic makers found concerning. Surprisingly, American motorsport wasn't solely centered around straight-line acceleration or high-banked ovals; European cars were also excelling on American road courses. In response, Chevrolet embarked on a mission to create a nimble roadster, borrowing styling elements from European designs, capable of competing on race tracks against its transatlantic rivals. The endeavor yielded results, albeit with some nuances along the way.
The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. Photo by Motortrend
The 1953 Corvette boasted impressive styling, except for one glaring issue when viewed from the side – the prominently bulging front end. Most cars typically taper in size from back to front when seen from the side, with the front being smaller, but the inaugural Corvette defied this norm. Regardless of the viewing angle, anyone over approximately 5 feet, 5 inches found it impractical to drive the car due to its notoriously compact cabin.
These were the initial challenges Dave Kindig set out to tackle with the CF1. He addressed them by sectioning 3 inches from the front end, creating a more balanced side profile. Additionally, he extended the cabin's length by 4 inches without altering the wheelbase, ensuring the floor pans under the seats were level with the chassis rails. This was a departure from the traditional Corvette design, where the floor pans typically sat on top of the chassis rails. Dave envisioned the CF1 as a turn-key production car, designed to accommodate people of all heights.
Being a part of "Bitchin' Rides," Kindig-it Design's expertise in stance and wheel packages was evident. Without modifying the 1953 Corvette's wheelbase or track width, Dave enlarged the wheel openings and conceptualized massive 22x12-inch rear wheels. With these essential design improvements in place, it was time to transform this vision into an actual car.
Kindig-It Design's Transition: From Custom Shop to Full-Scale Production
Photo by Kindig-it Design
Crafting a one-off car is, well, perhaps not straightforward, but custom car artisans have the freedom to create a piece of automotive art without the constraints of mass production. However, the Kindig CF1 project was fundamentally geared towards becoming a production car, which necessitated a meticulous approach, including the creation of jigs and molds for every custom component, whether produced by Kindig-it Design or an external supplier. This process began with the body.
In the contemporary automotive aftermarket, comprehensive support exists for most beloved American classics, enabling the assembly of an entire 1953 Corvette from entirely new components. This is precisely what Kindig-it Design undertook: procuring all the necessary body panels to construct a complete car, and then embarking on a series of modifications to align the vehicle with their design and manufacturing vision. This included introducing new wheel openings, elongating doors, carving out a contoured section in the front, and significantly expanding the interior space - all aimed at enhancing the 1953 Corvette's aesthetics. However, one element had to be sacrificed in the pursuit of production uniformity: the petite tailfins on the taillight stalks.
Photo by Motortrend
Crafting jigs and templates for components like brake lines and wiring harnesses can be relatively straightforward, but when it comes to creating a reusable mold for an entire car body, particularly when working with composites, it's an entirely different challenge. While Kindig-it Design has a history of working with composites, the CF1 demanded a higher level of repeatability and uniformity. To meet this demand, Dave sought the expertise of Custom Reflection Coachworks, who are also responsible for manufacturing the production bodies. Together, they collaborated to construct robust and reusable molds for the CF1.
Photo by Motortrend
Every aspect of the CF1 bears the distinct mark of Kindig-it Design, paying homage to the original Corvette. Drawing inspiration from the '53 Corvette, which featured wire cages over its headlamps, Dave aimed to incorporate this styling into the acrylic covers that now grace the LED headlamps and daytime running lights of the CF1. A similar custom treatment was applied to the taillights, with acrylic and LEDs, harboring a delightful secret beneath the discreetly hinged driver's side taillight - the fuel filler nozzle. Furthermore, the Dakota Digital gauges and instruments were meticulously designed to mirror the appearance and typography of the 1953 Corvette, but they boast the latest HDX technology for peak performance.
In an effort to ensure consistency and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing, components like the chrome trim, windshield frame, grille, and bumper pieces were all crafted from cast aluminum. The Kindig-it team employed 3D scanning and printing technology to create test pieces, which served as patterns for the foundry. This innovation means that State Brass Foundry & Machine no longer needs to handcraft sand casting molds for CF1 parts each time Kindig-it places an order, streamlining delivery times and ensuring unwavering quality.
What Is Kindig CF1 Project?
Diverging from the conventional Corvette, which typically features a fiberglass body mounted on some form of metal chassis, the Kindig CF1 embraces an entirely carbon-fiber body. The allure of carbon fiber, renowned for its cutting-edge characteristics, cannot be overstated (the complete CF1 carbon-fiber body weighs a mere 70 pounds!). Consequently, the foundation of the CF1 had to align with this advanced approach, prompting engagement with one of the most esteemed custom chassis manufacturers - Roadster Shop. However, even the Roadster Shop Spec 7 chassis, which every Kindig CF1 will utilize, wasn't exempt from the unique Kindig-it design treatment.
The Kindig CF1 project. Photo by Motortrend
The team undertook adaptations to the chassis rails and cross members in the passenger area to accommodate the floor pan modifications envisioned by Dave, aimed at providing ample space for taller drivers. Additionally, adjustments were made to the body and wheel tub mounts to ensure they seamlessly integrated with the CF1. Beyond these modifications, the Spec 7 chassis adheres to the Roadster Shop's original specifications, effectively shrinking a C7 Corvette to fit the wheelbase and track width of a first-generation Corvette. The Kindig CF1 also diverges from the C7 by opting for a traditional IRS Dana 60-style differential.
The Kindig CF1 project. Photo by Motortrend
Situated in front of this differential is a four-speed automatic transmission (while not officially confirmed, it is likely a variant of the 4L80) coupled with a Lingenfelter LS V-8 engine featuring the stunning Borla eight-stack throttle body injection. This Lingenfelter powerplant represents a naturally aspirated amalgamation of LS3 and LS7 components, boasting a minimum output of 650 horsepower. With a full tank of fuel and ready for action, the Kindig CF1 tips the scales at less than 3,300 pounds!
Debuting the Initial Pair of Kindig CF1s at the 2021 SEMA Show
Video by 247 Car Show
As a tribute to the 1953 Corvette, which was exclusively available in Polo White with a Sportsman Red interior, CF1 001 showcases an original Kindig color named "No Strings White," complemented by a vibrant cherry red interior. This color choice holds special significance for Rick Cox, a longtime supporter of Kindig-it Design and the individual behind CF1 001. Born in 1953 and an ardent fan of first-generation Corvettes, Rick couldn't be happier with this homage.
First Two Kindig CF1s Revealed At The 2021 SEMA Show. Photo by Motortrend
In a captivating twist, Dave Kindig unveiled not one but two cars on the SEMA Monday Reveal stage just weeks ahead of the 100th episode of "Bitchin' Rides." CF1 002, custom-crafted for Rick's closest friend, Dave Jones, takes pride in introducing an original Kindig-it Design paint color. Dave Jones expressed his love for the color blue when discussing the second CF1, so Dave Kindig embarked on the challenge of creating a hue that struck a balance between vintage appeal and unique flair. The result? "Periysilver," a captivating blend of periwinkle, which adorns the engine compartment of CF1 002, and subtle silver flakes.
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