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Corvette Based 1960 Devin Project

It is an interesting proposition, picking up a project that stalled early in the process. On the plus side, you’re not hampered by being halfway through someone else’s vision of the perfect car. But then, you might just be buying a collection of disjointed components without a clear plan for, or the possibility of, success. Either way, a stalled project is exactly what we have in this 1960 Corvette packaged with a Devin fiberglass body. Advertised here on craigslist for $16,000 and located in Los Angeles, it’s definitely something you won’t see every day. Many thanks to Larry D for the tip!

Bill Devin was a product of the same postwar California racing scene that produced so many of the custom manufacturers of the fifties and early sixties. Having made his money in dealerships and developed a passion for racing, he took the next logical step and began producing his own cars in the form of fiberglass body kits (although at least one model, the Devin D, was offered with a chassis). These kits were fitted to a variety of platforms, ranging from custom tube frames with any engine that could be made to fit, too (inevitably) the Beetle. Many were paired with British roadsters and racked up impressive wins on the track.

This might be the reason that the body doesn’t seem to mesh well with the frame it currently rests on. I’m not going to say that it can’t fit, but it doesn’t seem to at the moment; that 108″ Corvette wheelbase is a far cry from the measurements of a Triumph or an MG. To emphasize the positives, this does mean that we get a pretty good look at the frame, which seems solid. Although they’re not shown in the ad, the seller states that a 1960 327 and a four-speed come with the car. Also included but not pictured is a dash and steering column (with the VIN), and a clear California title.

This may be a case where you’re not buying a car so much as a collection of parts plus a title. Given the possible issues with fitting the body to the frame, it might be a better route to negotiate an amicable divorce and pair the chassis, engine, and drivetrain with a salvageable C1 body. On the other hand, if it could be made to work, you might just wind up with a unique machine well-positioned to both chew asphalt like bubblegum and steal the show at any vintage event. Which way would you go with this one-of-a-kind find?

Comments

  1. Avatar Ike Onick

    $16,000 seems reasonable.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Ike Onick

    $16,000 seems reasonable if the Corvette comes with it

    Like 5
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      Sorry. The deadly combo of fat fingers and too much coffee.

      Like 4
  3. Avatar Gord

    The 327 was not available in 1960.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Roger Hackney

    1963 first year for 327 .

    Like 2
    • Avatar Andy Parrish Member

      I think it was available on the ’62 Impala, but you’re absolutely correct: no way in ’60. Sorry I didn’t catch that.

      Without a photo, there’s no telling what’s up with the engine. This is definitely one where I’d want to see every component in person before making a call on it.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Larry D

      @Roger Hackney

      No. The 327 debuted in 1962.

      Like 5
    • Avatar Gord

      All 1962 Corvettes were 327’s

      Like 6
  5. Avatar Mike

    The front end looks like an emoji. 😬

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Phlathead Phil

    Looks like a “whatjamajig” on some kind of steroid. Lotsa money for a frame. Shame on whoever did this to a ‘60 corvette.

    Like 4
  7. bobhess bobhess Member

    I view most car designs as art converted into transportation. I view this this pile of parts as a one panel comic strip with nothing humorous about it. Fits very nicely into the “you’ve got to be kidding” category.

    Like 8
  8. Avatar Daniel Wright

    I will leave this with the oft quoted. Step away from the JC Whitney catalog and the hot glue gun…we can get you help.

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Gm guy

    Actually 1962 was the first year of the great 327.

    Like 2
  10. Avatar SDJames

    It looks like a teenage Opel GT. Kind of ungangly, all legs (tires) and braces.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar ChingaTrailer

    Looks like a Scaligetti Corvette and a Jeep got drunk together . . .

    Like 3
  12. Avatar Frank Farrell

    I always get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I think of how miserable I would feel and what I would do if I bought it, and then come to the realization that I won’t, and how that wreck is someone else’s problem.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Steve Wilbur

    You are correct….this isn’t something you see every day. Thank goodness for that!

    Like 3
  14. Avatar CCFisher

    I’m no fan of the 1960 Corvette, but how does one get drunk enough to think that this is an improvement? A bare chassis with a seat bolted in would look better.

    Like 3
  15. Avatar Phil Maniatty

    When I was growing up in Burlington, Vermont, an older man (probably younger than I am now!) in town built his own car using a Devin body. I don’t remember what type of frame he used, but it was powered by a Ford flathead V-8. I used to ride to his house on my bicycle to watch/help him work on the car.

    Like 2
  16. Avatar Steve RM

    If the body fit the wheelbase, this could be pretty cool looking. But what do you do with this? Lengthen the body? Shorten the chassis?
    Nope

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Gary Rhodes

    Makes me wonder how bad the Vette was that got sacrificed for this turd

    Like 0
  18. Avatar JukeOfEarl

    Although it’s a Devin SS in both these videos, it shows how nicely they look when finished correctly.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkggmzHLN8M

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG5vz3kOia8

    Like 1

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