Denise’s Delight: Fancy 1941 Chevy is All Corvette Inside

Some special hot rods can command your attention by their presence alone. Others can grab you with their performance and engineering, and on rare occasions you happen on an example that does both. That is the case with the ’41 “Vette” belonging to Denise Wasson-Martinez of Riverside, California. For wrapped inside her stunning, custom 1941 Chevrolet hot rod lurks a potent C4 Corvette!

Denise’s green dream started life in 1941 as a 5-window post sedan and has evolved into what is seen here. While it is still recognizable as a ’41 Chevy, every body panel has been modified to some degree. The Chevy was reworked to sit between the frame rails of a C4 Corvette. In essence, this is now a 1941 Corvette as all of those systems are retained and in their proper factory configuration.

Not only does the LS-1 motor sit like a jewel in a fine setting, it's got the power to match the shine. Denise has the heavy foot in the family so beware of the woman wearing the matching green fingernail polish.

An LS-1 motor and 700R4 trans provide the go-power. Of course they are performance enhanced to give it that extra punch because that’s what hot rodders do (both male and female). Foose wheels and Goodyear rubber all around keep Denise connected to the pavement. Bowtie turn signals in the front fenders along with vintage Corvette tail lights incorporated into the rears gives the ‘Vette vibe another another extra boost.

Tastefully understated interior conveys a simple elegance and luxury throughout.

The beautiful interior is a testament to the less is more school of design. Only necessary controls, gauges and creature comforts reside in the dash. Luxurious, leather upholstery practically begs you to sit down and enjoy its comforts. High and low amps for the sound system reside in the trunk along with the custom fuel tank. 

A spacious and well-appointed trunk not only houses the fuel tank and amps but can comfortably accommodate small dinner parties.

At the recent Super Run 2012 in Henderson Nevada, this stunning automobile got so much attention that it was chosen as “Participant’s Pick” for the event. That was quite an accomplishment since there were well over 900 other entries competing for the award.

Denise's husband Al Martinez is responsible for keeping the '41 Vette looking perfect. However, in case there is any ambiguity regarding who’s car this is, a small identifying mark has been discreetly placed on the vehicle. Bonus question - how many bowtie emblems can be found on this beauty?

The ’41 Vette has spent most of its time attending major shows since its completion and has not spent much time on the boulevard. Now that the car has appeared at (and won) many of these prestigious events, Denise will be seeing more time behind the wheel of her green beauty. But don’t count on seeing it parked in the lot of the local strip mall where most gals can be found shopping as chances are much better of catching a glimpse of her as she rockets past you on the road!

While it is obvious that no expense was spared on this creation, the ’41 Vette is not an “order the car: write the check” situation. Denise’s rolling masterpiece is the result of a collaboration of a talented circle of family and friends who worked together to make sure that this would be something special. Do you think they succeeded? 

About the author

Paul Lambert

Paul Lambert is an independent writer who grew up during a time in Southern California car culture when big horsepower and high speed were celebrated above all. He now understands that turning, stopping, appearance and comfort are equal in importance...almost! Paul tries to find something likeable and interesting about anything with wheels and thinks that the people, history, and culture of hot rodding are often as important to the story as the cars and events being featured.
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