In previous articles, I have discussed how important it is to look below the surface to discover what a classic offers and this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette graphically demonstrates that. It looks pretty sad and tired but below that faded exterior beats a heart of pure gold. It is a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately. The new owner could treat it to a refresh they feel it deserves, but preserving its current appearance may prove irresistible. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Scottsville, New York. The bidding sits below the reserve at $38,900, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.
Chevrolet offered 1960 Corvette buyers a choice of seven paint shades, with 1,268 people selecting Tuxedo Black. That figure falls far short of Ermine White’s tally of 3,717 as the most popular color but ahead of Cascade Green’s 140 as the rarest. The seller indicates this car’s paint is original, and it certainly shows some age. There are numerous imperfections, chips, and other problems. However, the fiberglass beneath is sound, with no evidence of hits or accident damage. The news gets better the deeper we dig because the frame is as solid and clean as the day this classic rolled off the line. The soft-top is new, and the chrome’s condition is consistent with the rest of the exterior. I have no trouble believing the seller’s claim that this gem draws crowds wherever it goes, and its “survivor” appearance would undoubtedly command respect. The wheels are a later addition, but they suit the car’s character.
One of my favorite themes with older classics is a faded exterior contrasted by a pristine interior. The seller chose that path, retrimming everything in this Corvette’s original colors and materials. The impact is dramatic and would undoubtedly draw comments. The lack of wear and physical damage suggests it has been treated respectfully since the work ended. The winning bidder will feel no shame when they hit the road with the top down.
Potential buyers will welcome the news this classic retains its original 283ci V8 and four-speed manual transmission. The engine initially inhaled through a Dual-Quad setup, meaning the first owner had at least 245hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque under their right foot. The Dual-Quad system disappeared, but sourcing a replacement may not be difficult. The seller recently rebuilt the engine, so it is in excellent health. They upgraded the handling by fitting a Martz front suspension setup with coilovers and rack-and-pinion steering. That should improve its poise and steering feel, creating a more enjoyable driving experience. They confirm it is a turnkey proposition where the buyer can experience immediate enjoyment. It runs and drives better than when it was new, and the original four-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly.
This 1960 Corvette is a deceptive classic, and it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback. Some readers will opt for a cosmetic refresh, while others will favor preservation. There is never a right or wrong answer in these cases, only a decision that reflects an enthusiast’s personal tastes. So, it’s over to you for some creative ideas.
First generation corvettes are works of art,
in my top five of best looking cars ever.
Not everyone agree and that is fine.
They lost me with the installation of the rack & pinion, coilovers, etc…Otherwise a nice car.
Original wheel covers are so much better. Why so many want to mess with these and add other wheels is a sign of boredom. And great the new owner is given the chance to change that ugly black into a color more inviting be it solid red or white but this will do as long as the seller doesn’t go crazy on his reserve.
I see no reason to preserve the old paint as this is the furthest thing from a survivor. New interior (incorrect BTW) wrong steering wheel, front suspension swapped out, wrong wheels and who knows what else. I like the car but at this point restomod it or put it back to original as it floats somewhere in between those worlds now.
Since the car has had some changes, it’s not totally original or not restored back to original condition as possible. I say purchase the car, enjoy it while driving it!
If the new owner wants to paint it do be it! We all have our ideas as what we would do with it.
One word comes to mind. ENJOY.
My smile would get wider with every mile. Have been a solid axle driver since 1960 and I still am.
It’s not original or a survivor so put a sweet metallic black paint with silver coves and a nice set of wheels and tires then drive it. That would be my go at it.
But since I do not have 38k that ‘s not going to happen
If it had flames and a roll bar it could be a hot rods to hell clone
The car needs fresh paint and rechromed. I’m ok with mechanical upgrades to improve ride and dependability. No fun trying to hunt down stock OEM stuff and if you can find it be prepared to dig deep. Purist money doesn’t look any different or isn’t worth more than anyone elses.
I love it. I wouldn’t touch the paint. Several commented about this car needing paint. Do you know how much work goes into a quality paint job? Labor and material will eclipse 20K, not considering the two or three year commitment. Ask me how I know. If my wife’s next husband wants new paint, he can go for it. As far as the mods, he’s spot on. If it were mine, I’d add one of the new Sniper fuel injection systems along with a five speed tremec and a rear gear ratio change depending on what it is now. It needs to be able to cruise comfortably at interstate speeds.
OBG
It only costs 20 g if you farm it out.
I have all the equipment and have painted 5 cars a Jeep commando and 2 trucks all with great results and about $1,000.00 in cost per vehicle it takes LOT of prep work it’s not hard but is time consuming
It’s like anything it’s much cheaper and more satisfying to do yourself it is not rocket science
Wife’s next husband OBG??? I’m curious about that remark. You plan on going somewhere or she’s already made plans for you? Back on the car. To each his own how they choose to express their prized possession. I’ve never seen a patina win a car show.
OBG??? Is that an acronym? As far as the wife’s next husband, who knows? I’m not planning on going anywhere, but come to think of it, the coffee has been kinda bitter lately. LOL! Car shows? Not for me. Been there, done that. Nobody loves Corvettes more than I do. Over the years I’ve had three C3s and two C2s. As a recovering twenty year NCRS member, I truly believe to each his own. If you want to make a change, go for it. We’re not cropping the Mona Lisa or repainting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Yes, OBG is an acronym for your username Old Beach Guy
You couldn’t be anymore correct OBG! Thats kinda catchy I like that. im not a purist by no means. But on the other end of the spectrum I’ve seen crap on the street that should be ticketed an fined for being an eyesore. Better yet eye pollution. At least they don’t have to worry about it being stolen.
And some even makes its way to the car websites. AHEM🐸 Maybe you might want to try switching coffee cups I’ve seen it done on YouTube
ROGER OLE BEACH GUY, you are dead right, This beauty was built when I was 28 and in south America hunting nazis with the Israelis Today after my last movie has just been picked up by a movie company I could afford this lovey BT my leg being so heavily wounded I cant shift gears . My wife love s ia also so her S7 may be replaced, AND if any of you cars guys knows of a nice 57-58 Caballero I’m ready to buy.
Nice Looking Vette I like the songs about them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1Gmc9ue7B0
If you had her driven a C1 you would appreciate the mechanical updates. Especially the dual master cylinder for safety. I also agree with Old Beach Guy on his suggestions on other mechanical updates. In their original form these car are like driving a early 50’s Chevy pickup.