Fastened mostly on existing mounting points, the composite carbon-fiber body contributes to the slight weight savings without sacrificing strength and rigidity. By shortening the overall length by six inches and widening the rear by four inches, the impressive Nassau body creates a powerful presence. Only the original hard tonneau cover is left intact; all other body pieces are modified-even the flat rear deck, which is treated to a fresh fuel-filler door. All sculpted air inlets are functional, allowing the venting of warm air and the intake of cool. The front end is kept clean with integrated projector beam headlamps and dual-purpose directional signal/parking lights. The rear features the most daring and nostalgic styling of all: 12 distinct taillights hark back to the original Grand Sports, which had 12 holes cut into the rear panel for lights, airflow, and weight savings.
A specially designed Flowmaster twin-pipe cat-back system vents exhaust gases through two inline resonators, exiting out a center-mounted dual tip. But the real performance gain comes from an optional Vortech supercharger package that boosts output of an LT1 from 300 to 420 horsepower. Consisting of an MSD ignition, K&N filtercharger, and 8-psi Vortech Gearcharger, the package significantly enhances the 5.7-liter engine's performance.
As with all the cars he's built, Guldstrand has focused on the man/machine interface. "You have to keep the car balanced. It all goes back to the guy behind the wheel and what he's capable of doing," Guldstrand said. Since his design work served as the foundation for the '84-present Corvette suspension, Guldstrand is sufficiently qualified to elevate the chassis' performance. The suspension was modified to improve roll centers and add anti-squat to compensate for the increased power. To accomplish this, the tall stock bushings on the front fiberglass leaf springs were replaced with polyurethane wedges, dropping front ride height by 0.75 inch. The rear suspension was dropped an inch by using new bolts and polyurethane bushings, without altering the original geometry. Further improving road handling is a set of massive Pirelli PZero Asimmetrico tires (front 295/35ZR18, rear 335/30ZR18) wrapped around 18-inch three-piece O.Z. Italy wheels. To handle the kind of hard driving this car encourages, the factory heavy-duty disc brakes were dimpled and channeled to help vent brake pad gases and reduce heat. Guldstrand chose to avoid cross-drilling because of typical problems with rotor cracking under hard usage.
To enter the car, a microswitch hidden in the molded door handles must be triggered by hand or via a key fob, which then activates the electric lock/unlock mechanism. The interior is familiar Corvette fare, with high sills, a digital speedometer amid analog gauges, and hip-hugging leather seats. An engraved plaque beside the shifter indicates the production number and authenticity of the vehicle. In our case, we were in command of Nassau #001 completed only the day previous for an eager customer.
A turn of the key ignited the fuel-injected V-8, signaled by a throaty exhaust that warns bystanders that beneath the soft edges lurks one bad-ass car. A faint supercharger whine indicates that this special Corvette has more to offer than meets the eye.
Heading north to open canyon roads, where the Nassau could be flogged without scaring the neighborhood, the ride quality was surprisingly compliant. No apologies were needed for the low-profile tires or the lowering.
With shifting duties handled by the four-speed automatic, we were able to focus on negotiating the twisty hillside turns with both hands on the wheel.
Making our way around decreasing- radius turns, sneering at switchbacks, and gobbling up straightaways, we became comfortable with the Nassau's impressive limits. The balance and tightness of the car inspired confidence that would permit indulgence in tail-happy oversteer without drama.
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