2005 Leno 32 Bowtie Deuce Roadster

(From General Motors Press Release)  Think of the Leno 1932 Bowtie Deuce Roadster as the offspring of several automotive legends: the ’34 Chevy, the ’32 Ford Deuce roadster, the GM small-block V-8 engine and America ’s sports car icon – the Corvette.

Outside, the styling is unmistakably early ‘30s. It begins in front with the hood and grille styling cues of the 1934 Chevrolet and continues with the metal body of a ’32 Deuce. Hard to miss are the custom 18-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels styled similarly to those on the all-new Corvette Z06, as well as the BASF Custom Star Silver paint.

Inside, the Leno ’32 Bowtie Deuce Roadster pays homage to early Corvettes, with the leather seat trim pattern, instrument panel and gauge surrounds reminiscent of legendary early ‘50s Corvette interior styling.

To celebrate 50 years of arguably the most famous engine ever, the GM Performance Division chose to use the GM small block, in the form of the LS7, to power the roadster. It’s the same engine used in the 2006 Z06 and is available to enthusiasts only in a crate through GM Performance Parts.

Working with Jay Leno, GM has taken this engine superpower to new heights, developing a High Output version of a production LS7, an oxymoron considering the engine already boasts 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This special version of the LS7 has modifications that should help it reach the 580+ horsepower range, or more than enough to keep dust from settling on the roadster. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio.

Other notable performance features on this car include a rear suspension module borrowed from the sixth-generation Corvette, a capless refueling system and a Cadillac CTS-V differential developed for production by the GM Performance Division.

Finally, to make sure everyone knows this is truly a GM vehicle, the GM Performance Division has emblazoned the Corvette and 50th Anniversary Small Block logos on the vehicle, and used the frame of a 1932 Chevrolet owned by Leno to legitimize this as a classic GM hot rod.

“Because of the 50th anniversary of the small block, this year we focused on tradition, but this Deuce is anything but traditional,” said Leno. “I’ve enjoyed working with GM Performance Division the last few years and look forward to our continued relationship.”

Leno has collaborated with GM since 2002, restoring and improving vintage vehicles using GM Performance Parts, including Leno’s ’55 Buick Roadmaster and ’66 Olds Toronado. He has a penchant for high performance, much like GM Performance Division, and appreciates GM’s ability to deliver that performance.

Vehicle Highlights

High Output LS7 engine with 580+ hp (estimate)

ssR T56 manual transmission

Corvette rear suspension module

CTS-V differential

Brembo brake package

Special BASF Silver paint

18-inch front and 20-inch rear custom aluminum wheels

ITW capless refueling system

GM Design unique hood panels, grille shell and grille insert similar to ’34 Chevrolet

Body and chassis by Hot Rods & Horsepower

Seat trim pattern similar to early Corvette models

Leather-trimmed interior

IP gauge surround styling similar to early Corvette IP