Since the first concept car was shown in 1953, the Corvette was something special. Style, performance, and status were the hallmarks of early ‘Vette owners. In 1960, the year of this example, production topped 10,000 for the first time, and this is one of only 1,766 that came with the automatic transmission. Finding an unrestored original early Corvette is a dream come true for many of us! You can pick it up here on craigslist in Bradenton, Florida for $46,500. Thanks to Patrick S for this tip!
Perhaps even more exciting than simply finding a 1960 Corvette is its connection to Leo Gephart, its original owner! Leo Gephart was instrumental in forming such popular auctions as Barrett-Jackson and is credited with being one of the pioneers of early car collecting, himself owning and dealing with specialty and classic cars such as the Corvette. The next owner of this Corvette will not only be owning a great piece of Americana but a unique and important piece of car culture history.
This Corvette is in good shape for being over 60 years old, but will definitely need a lot of work to bring it back to showroom condition. It comes with the original number’s matching 283 cubic inch engine and automatic 2 speed Powerglide transmission, as well as the original hard and soft tops. It also comes with a new carpet kit and dash pad. While we are not told if the seats and door panels are new or original, they look to be in great shape, as does the steering wheel and dash, with only very minor pitting visible on some of the trim.
There’s no mention if the engine is currently running or not, but other than some surface rust and a few wires along the firewall, nothing looks to be out of place. I’ve always liked those finned Corvette valve covers, it lends an extra touch of design and class to the engine.
Thankfully, fiberglass doesn’t rust, so that’s one less thing to worry about. It looks like some repairs have already been done to the body and most or all of the chrome trim is present, so potentially not much work will need to be done prior to repainting. No photos are shown of the underside, so that may be a bit of a gamble. Either way, this ‘Vette has a lot of potential! What do you think is the best way to honor this car’s history? Would you keep it as original as possible while still driving it, or would you do a full body-off restoration to bring it back to its former glory?
Looks to me if you survive the buy in price you’ve got a body off restoration on your hands. I’d bet here is a lot more to this car that needs to be checked out before laying down the heavy money.
About $10,000 high on the price. Given what needs to be done to get this one back to decent condition at $35k you would at least be even with what you could purchase a restored one.
I am seeing fully restored 60’s Vettes go in the 64K – 80K range. These are appeare to be absolutely perfect shape. Some super rare ones for 100K plus. This one is rough shape with rust appearing in places and an automatic from Ohio for 46K.. I think that is guaranteed underwater purchase when finished.
As a young kid a neighbor friend had one identical to this one. Always lived inside his garage. Still smelled brand new in 1967. I doubt he put over 100 miles a year on it, guess he knew what he had…
He would take me for rides in it whenever I asked for one though.
Of course I was 10 years old at the time and he was paying me 75 cents an hour to repaint his house. I still wonder who got the best out of that deal.
This one looks like a lot of money but bet someone wants it.
I have a 60 corvette that is cascade green with white coves. My mom bought it in 1972 for 1200.00 . It got hit in 73 and body shop did a poor job on the fender repairs. Needs to be redone and finished . It is a 283 auto.!
Are you selling your cascade green 60
Maybe Craig Jackson will buy it and restore it.
A year out of H.S. I took a leave from college. Worked and bought a ’59 Vette. White, black int., 283″, 270 hp, 4 spd., 4:11 rear end. It was 4 yrs old and had been run hard but it was fast and looked good. Bought it for $2000 and sold it for the same a year later to go back to school. Should have put it away. Hindsight is always 20/20.
An automatic transmission in a car like this is akin to a condom. You miss the whole experience!
Not the hole experience.
At the ask, shouldn’t the engine run? And why is the hood so far from the fenders? Otherwise, this is one of my favorite Vettes.