Imagine purchasing an original van Gogh but not being able to look at it. Sound ridiculous? How about owning a classic car and not being able to drive it?

That's a common conundrum faced by those who work hard to own a classic Corvette only to discover their dream machine is "all show but not much go" - great to look at, but not much fun to drive.

That conundrum has been eliminated for anyone who ever imagined themselves behind the wheel of a vintage sports car racing up the coast. Vestris' Vettes, a California-based custom car builder was founded on the premise that niche buyers of classic/collector's cars desire that great retro look and outstanding drivability, reliability and comfort, and that's what they deliver.

In early May, Vestris' Vettes made automotive history by being the first to ever produce a second generation (or C2) Corvette with an LS7 engine - a popular performance motor rated by GM at 505hp - and a Tremec 6-speed transmission. This is the same engine-transmission combination that powers the current Z06 Corvette.

No strangers to such groundbreaking territory, Vestris' Vettes was first to produce a first generation (C1) Corvette with an LS6/ 6-speed combination three years earlier.

"Make no mistake, these are not just outstanding classic automobiles at very competitive prices," Vestris' Vettes spokesperson and Director of Sales and Marketing Deanne Cecil said, "These are true American classics ready to be driven."

In addition to giving classic Vettes the reliability needed under the hood to make driving one of these legendary vehicles practical as well as pleasurable, Vestris' Corvettes are loaded with plenty of contemporary creature comforts not available in the original production models. These extras include dramatically improved suspension, rack and pinion steering, 4- wheel disc brakes, CD changer, aluminum radiator and stainless steel fuel tank.

"We are building cars that feature incredible performance from end to end by introducing new technology into all the systems of the automobile," Cecil said. "Our customers are astounded by the quality of workmanship in both the mechanical and aesthetic aspects of the car."