An extraordinary feat of automotive ingenuity has emerged from the heart of Australia, where a remarkable V12 LS engine has powered a 1953 Corvette to clinch the esteemed 2024 Ridler Award. Crafted by Kindig-It Design, this award-winning masterpiece christened Twelve Air stands as a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation.
Although bearing the guise of a ’53 Corvette, Twelve Air transcends its origin, embodying a bespoke creation meticulously handcrafted for owners Dave and Tracy Maxwell. Every component of this automotive marvel, inspired by the 1953 GM Motorama Corvair concept car, was meticulously fashioned from scratch, bearing no resemblance to off-the-shelf GM parts.
The journey to create Twelve Air spanned five years shrouded in secrecy, adhering to the stringent Ridler Award regulations that demand absolute confidentiality until the grand reveal. The pivotal element that set Twelve Air apart was its power source – an Australian-made V12 LS engine, a collaboration between Dave Kindig and the visionary minds at Race Cast Engineering, specifically Matt and Shane Corish.
Race Cast Engineering’s foray into V12 LS engines stemmed from a pioneering spirit, where salvaged LS1 blocks served as the foundation for their groundbreaking work. Utilizing cutting-edge techniques like 3D-printed sand molds and aluminum casting, the Corish brothers birthed a revolutionary engine block that laid the groundwork for Twelve Air’s powerplant.
Aussie innovation permeates every aspect of the Twelve Air engine, with LS7-based heads from Higgins, bespoke camshafts by Clive Cams, and meticulous assembly by Dandy Engines and BNR Engines. The engine’s distinctive features, including a custom intake manifold and intricate front and rear covers, were tailored to meet Ridler Award specifications, ensuring both performance and aesthetics were impeccably balanced.
The 564ci V12 LS engine, meticulously crafted to deliver 650hp at 5400rpm, embodies a fusion of power and precision. Designed to emit a distinctive vintage F1 sound, the engine’s unique configuration, including a 15-degree split-pin crank and specialized components, culminates in a symphony that echoes a blend of V8 and straight-six melodies.
With a relentless pursuit of excellence, the Corish brothers dispatched the completed engine to Kindig-It Design, culminating in Twelve Air’s triumphant unveiling at the Detroit Autorama, where it secured the coveted Ridler Award. This milestone achievement not only reflects the unparalleled artistry of Kindig-It Design but also underscores the collaborative spirit of the Australian automotive industry.
In essence, Twelve Air stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and unwavering dedication of Australian craftsmen, who have etched their mark on the global automotive stage. The fusion of cutting-edge technology, traditional craftsmanship, and audacious design has propelled Twelve Air to the pinnacle of automotive excellence, setting a new standard for bespoke automotive creations worldwide.
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