Sitting in this garage is a classic with a story to tell. This 1959 Corvette is an unfinished project that has stalled due to the seller’s ill health. The finish line is in sight for a build where the owner envisaged a driver-grade vehicle rather than a pristine show car. It requires a passionate enthusiast who can see the build to its conclusion, which is why the seller has listed the ‘Vette here on eBay in Colleyville, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $35,100, although there is a BIN of $49,000 for those who view this classic as an automotive must-have.

It is unclear when the seller commenced this restoration or when the process stalled, but it appears the process was well advanced when they were forced to put down the tools. Chevrolet offered 1959 Corvette buyers a choice of seven paint shades and the same number of two-tone combinations. If the seller was performing a faithful restoration, it is 1-of-805 cars produced in Roman Red with White coves. It was comfortably the most popular choice but still only accounted for just over 8% of total sales. The paint in the supplied images looks nice, with a healthy shine and no visible flaws or defects. The fiberglass is excellent, and those trim pieces that aren’t currently attached appear to reside in the trunk. The seller includes a White soft-top and a color-matched hardtop for effective protection in harsh weather. They don’t mention frame rust, and the lack of visible corrosion in the supplied photos gives cause for quiet confidence. The windshield isn’t fitted but is in good order, and the ‘Vette rolls on a set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels.

The seller admits that the 283ci V8 occupying the Corvette’s engine bay isn’t original, although the Carter Dual-Quad setup suggests it could be a relatively potent unit. The Code 469 version available in 1959 produced 245hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. Those craving more could tick the box beside the 469C option on their Order Form, pushing the power to 270hp. While those figures fall short of the range-topping Fuelie option, it cost buyers less than half the price. Therefore, from a bang-for-you-bucks perspective, either Dual-Quad option looked very attractive. This V8 sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, opening the door to comfortable sub-16-second ¼-mile ETs. The seller sourced or installed a range of new parts during their build, including a fuel tank, radiator, exhaust, and brake components. The 283 starts and runs well, and the impression is that the new owner only faces minor reassembly and tuning before the car is genuinely roadworthy.

Ordering a 1959 Corvette finished in Roman Red brought buyers a choice between Black and Red interior trim. This car features the latter and remains in the same unfinished state as the rest of the vehicle. The painted surfaces are refreshed, and most of the gauges are installed. However, more work is required to return the inside of this classic to its former glory. Everything needed is included, and the impression is that items like the door trims and seatcovers are new. Therefore, achieving a factory-fresh state should involve spending more time than money.

After a faltering start, the Chevrolet Corvette cemented its place in the market as the 1950s progressed. The badge achieved record sales of 9,670 cars in 1959, which was also the last year the total was in four-figure territory. This ‘Vette is a promising project and is ideal for someone wishing to be hands-on without facing panel or paint restoration. The images and listing text suggest that returning the car to active service for summer is an achievable and realistic goal. Is that prospect enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further?