John Shope’s influence on custom design has long extended beyond any single medium. Known for a career defined by sculptural form and mechanical precision, Shope now brings that same design discipline to the automotive world with two custom-built Corvettes offered through John Shope Designs at the 55th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction.
The first is a reimagined 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody Convertible, Lot 1401. This ’61 custom widebody convertible showcases Shope’s flair for blending classic design with contemporary performance. Under the hood sits a Blueprint LS3 V8 engine, exhaling through a stainless-steel exhaust system. A Tremec six-speed manual transmission keeps the driving experience engaging, while a Roadster Shop cantilever chassis with independent rear suspension gives the car handling far beyond what its early-’60s body would imply. Modern stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, and the car rides on a set of one-off, three-piece custom wheels.
Its appearance is just as striking. The car is finished in an elegant Ferrari DiGrezio Silver, a color that highlights the crisp body lines and the carefully executed widebody treatment. The widened stance allows the larger wheels to sit naturally beneath the car, giving it a balanced, proportional look.
Inside, Shope ensured the car offered comfort as well as style. The cabin was stretched to comfortably accommodate taller drivers, a thoughtful touch. Ron Mingus crafted the full custom leather interior, which includes a redesigned dash, upgraded instrumentation, and a Bluetooth stereo system to bring modern convenience into the classic cockpit. For all the custom craftsmanship involved in the build, the car still proudly retains its original VIN tag, maintaining a connection to its 1961 heritage.
Joining it is a far more assertive build, the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Widebody Coupe, Lot 1373, known as “Night Train.” Finished in a custom PPG Candy Blue, the body was fully removed from its chassis and reshaped through extensive hand fabrication. The result is a widebody silhouette that reinterprets one of the most iconic Corvette designs while preserving its unmistakable identity.
Beneath the hood sits a Texas Speed–built LT4 engine producing more than 700 horsepower, paired with GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission. A switch-controlled stainless-steel exhaust allows selectable sound routing, while a Roadster Shop chassis finished in Burnt Silver powder coat supports the build. Brembo brakes, power steering, and one-off Curtis Speed wheels inspired by the original 1963 hubcaps complete the exterior profile.
The interior blends modern luxury with vintage influence. Italian leather with octagon and diamond stitching, an Alcantara headliner, painted interior panels, custom gauges, aircraft-style switches, air conditioning, and Bluetooth audio create a refined yet performance-focused environment. A removable rear suitcase with a custom display case adds a final personal detail. Like its counterpart, “Night Train” retains its original 1963 VIN tag.
One of the build’s most memorable touches is found in the rear: a removable, custom-built suitcase that houses a display case complete with a rare bourbon, Versace glasses, and a signed metal display plate. It’s a detail that captures the spirit of the entire build—luxurious, daring, and unlike anything else on the road. Like the convertible, “Night Train” retains its original 1963 VIN tag, honoring the legacy of one of the most iconic Corvettes ever produced.
Offered at no reserve, both Corvettes reflect John Shope’s ability to translate sculptural artistry into automotive form. Together, they represent a focused evolution of design, craftsmanship, and performance at one of the most anticipated auctions of the year, Barrett-Jackson: The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction, January 17–25, 2026.
