An Australian-built V12 LS engine became the heart of an extraordinary project that clinched the prestigious 2024 Ridler Award for Kindig-It Design. The winning masterpiece, a 1953 Corvette named Twelve Air, stands as a testament to innovation and craftsmanship. Although the car is labeled as a ’53 Corvette, it is essentially a custom creation inspired by the C1 model, meticulously crafted from scratch for owners Dave and Tracy Maxwell.
Every detail of Twelve Air, from its design to its engine, was shrouded in secrecy during its five-year development. The grand reveal at the Detroit Autorama astonished the automotive world when it was unveiled that the car housed an Australian-made V12 LS engine, a collaboration between Dave Kindig and Race Cast Engineering, spearheaded by Matt and Shane Corish.
Race Cast Engineering, known for its precision manufacturing of cast products, ventured into uncharted territory by creating the V12 LS engine. The process involved innovative techniques like 3D-printed sand casting to bring the engine block to life. The engine’s components, such as the heads by Higgins and camshafts by Clive Cams, were tailored to meet the specific power requirements set by the owners.
The V12 LS engine for Twelve Air was meticulously crafted by a network of Australian businesses, showcasing the country’s engineering prowess. The engine’s unique features, including a custom intake manifold and front cover, were designed to blend seamlessly with the car’s aesthetics while meeting the Ridler Award standards.
With a focus on performance and sound, the engine was fine-tuned to produce 650hp while emitting an exotic exhaust note reminiscent of vintage F1 cars. The intricate engineering behind the engine’s components and configuration aimed to deliver a distinct driving experience for Twelve Air, aligning with Dave Kindig’s vision for the project.
Following years of meticulous planning and construction, the completed engine was shipped to Kindig-It Design, culminating in the unveiling of Twelve Air at the Detroit Autorama. The car’s triumph at the Ridler Award marked a significant milestone for Australian engineering, with the Corish brothers expressing pride in their contribution to the project.
As the automotive industry continues to push boundaries and explore new possibilities, collaborations like the one behind Twelve Air exemplify the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that define the pursuit of automotive excellence. The success of this Australian-built V12 LS engine serves as a testament to the ingenuity and skill inherent in the global automotive community.