Early Corvettes usually fall into two camps, fully restored or completely taken apart, but this 1956 example listed on eBay lands somewhere in between. Located with a clean title and described as a “driver project,” it’s being offered as something you can use while continuing to sort out the remaining details. The seller even frames it as a more approachable way into C1 ownership, noting it’s meant to be enjoyed without going all-in on a full restoration right away.
According to the listing, this Corvette has been an ongoing project for nearly four years, but the current owner is stepping away due to health reasons. It’s powered by a 350 cubic-inch V8 sourced from a 1971 Camaro, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and Hurst shifter. The engine setup includes dual four-barrel carburetors on a GM intake, and the seller says those carbs have been rebuilt. Supporting upgrades include a new aluminum radiator, water pump, and a complete exhaust system in an original-style aluminized configuration.
The fuel system has also been addressed with a new tank, lines, pump, and carburetor work, while braking components include a new master cylinder and brake lines. A new clutch has been installed as well. The listing doesn’t present this as a finished mechanical build, but it does suggest a significant amount of work has already been completed to get the car closer to usable condition.
Inside, the seller notes that the upholstery has been redone, including seats, door panels, and other trim pieces. New gauges, a clock, and a tachometer have been installed, though not everything is currently hooked up. The original speedometer is said to function but needs a cable. There are also a few electrical items still in progress, including turn signals and brake lights, which the seller says need to be connected.
The convertible top situation is also mid-process. The original frame is included, along with a new Al Knoch top that has not yet been installed. The seller mentions that window regulators have been replaced, though further adjustment and additional components are still needed.
As for the exterior, the listing describes the paint as older with some touch-ups and notes that the bodywork underneath shows imperfections. That’s consistent with the “driver project” label—it’s not being presented as finished, but rather as something to continue improving over time.
For someone who wants a classic Corvette they can actively work on without starting from zero, this could be an interesting middle ground. It has a running list of completed upgrades alongside a clear list of what still needs attention, which isn’t always the case with projects like this.
It’s not a turnkey car, and it’s not a full teardown either. It sits right in that space where you can drive it, tinker with it, and decide how far you want to take it.
Looks to be already gone.
Probably sold off eBay, there were 4 bids when the seller ended the auction.
Steve R
I know it looks to be gone, but did you notice how the one picture it was sitting between the garage door and the neighbors garage sidewall? How the heck the owner gets a car in and out of that space, I cannot fathom.
Is it me or is it to much red!
Agreed, It’s almost like you need those old red decoding glasses we had back in the 60s.
If stuck with a Red/Red 56 or 57 Vette, I would suffer through it. ;~)
Look at the Italians. They can’t get enough of” red”.
EBay says “sold for $35K. If that’s true, than it’s a good deal.
The red “ended” indicated it did not sell the item on eBay, if it had there would have been a green “sold” with either a line through the price which means they took an offer or the price without a line signifying the item sold at full asking price.
Steve R
Yep, Steve R. is correct.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Tue, Apr 14 at 2:24 PM because the item is no longer available.”
The seller might have made a deal off of EBay, or didn’t like the direction the auction was taking, so pulled it. We will never know for sure.
The car didn’t sell, the eBay listing says the auction was ended with the “reserve not met”.
I would say the sellers reserve of $46K was probably a little unrealistic. While the seller calls it a 4 year restoration, it has more of a quick repaint to sell look to me. There’s still some work to do and expensive things to finish and/or replace. None of the gauges are original, accept the speedometer. I’m not impressed with the job of re-upholstering the seats, the seat belts and ashtray are wrong and what is going on with the shifter? It has a 350 and a 4 speed which neither of which are terrible, but neither are original to a 56 either. The missing flywheel cover and rattle can black frame and suspension “restoration” are a little worry some too. The next owner can expect to spend somewhere between $2000-$2500 to recover the top frame. All of this probably explains why a car that looks good at first glance only bid to $35K.
It looks like Steve R beat me in with the answer to Russell’s confusion about the “selling” price.
I wouldn’t kick it out of the garage.
But I wouldn’t pay $46K for it either-
No wiper motor & a make-shift plate over heater opening makes me wonder if it is a reproduction body, I’ve seen several 56/57 Corvettes on ebay with these bodies.