Freedom is a wonderful thing. And it’s great that car owners have the freedom to do just about anything they want with their pride and joy on four wheels. Hey, it’s their property and their money, right? In this case, an owner treated their 1960 Corvette to a not-so-cheap frame-off restoration but decided to leave the original white patina exterior paint as is, thin spots and all. It certainly makes for a unique presentation and I can’t recall seeing another ‘Vette restored like this. The restoration is documented in great detail in a big 3-ring binder and full-ownership history of the car from day one is also included, which is a big plus with any Corvette, especially one that’s 65 years old. You’re looking at a most unique Corvette to say the least!
The seller claims that the “Fiber-glass reinforced plastic body” (as Chevrolet called it) is in good shape and has never been hit. Eight paint colors were offered to Corvette buyers back in 1960 with more than a third choosing this ‘Vette’s color, the popular Ermine White. It’s still wearing its original factory paint, flaws and all, and the chrome and trim are original as well. Buyers had the option of either a soft top or removable fiberglass hardtop (or both for a “nominal extra cost”) in 1960. Nothing is mentioned of a soft top, so I’m assuming this Corvette only has the matching white hardtop. The seller includes photos of the very clean underside and the restoration included new bushings, brakes, brake lines, fuel line, and gas tank to name a few. Shiny black tires, rims, and dog dish hubcaps completes the cool vibe of this ‘Vette. (This same look, but with a white soft top, was featured in the 1960 Corvette sales brochure.)
If you ordered an Ermine White ‘Vette in 1960, you had your choice of four interior colors: blue, black, red, or turquoise. The new red interior looks immaculate and really pops. The Corvette’s iconic instrument panel (with a tach and a 160-mph speedometer), dash, gauges, and sporty steering wheel are a great mixture of racing and jet-age styled cockpit cues that a driver would never tire of looking at. I know I wouldn’t.
The seller shares that under the hood is “a freshly rebuilt 283ci/270hp dual-quad engine paired to its restored 4-speed manual transmission and posi rear!” 1960 would mark the first year that Corvette sales would reach 10,000 units. In all, 10,261 Corvettes rolled off the assembly line (and a record number of 1960 Thunderbirds – 92,843 units – were also sold). So, what do you think? This unique 1960 Corvette is currently located in Colonial Beach, Virginia, and is listed for sale here on eBay with an asking price of $68,900 or best offer. I know choosing this route for a restoration isn’t for everyone, but it’s getting its fair share of views (373 in the past 24 hours). It it sells, the next owner will be getting quite a Corvette conversation piece (and a fun car to drive).
All that time and money and no paint. Dumb.
In 2016 I bought a ’66 Corvette 427, 4-spd. convertible that had been in a residential garage for 40 years. It was partly disassembled after the guy blew the motor in a street-race. It was also white, with peeling paint looking alot like this one. I began a thorough frame-off rebuild, mainly to NCRS standards. I had the body on a dolly, ready for my body guy to pick up and refinish. The body guy kept putting me off, with excuses week after week. The drivetrain was almost ready, and I was getting frustrated (he was already late finishing our ’71 454 4-spd). My wife said, “Just put the body back as-is, everyone loves barn-finds”! I replied “Thats dumb, I can’t drive it with paint like that”…… Then I got to thinking (this happens sometimes after “discussions” with my wife). Maybe she was right (this also happens sometimes).I was anxious to drive it, and could always paint it later.
We mounted the faded, peeling body back on and got a personal lic plate “AS FOUND”. We have had more fun with this Corvette than most of our shiny ones , and it even won a few “crowd favourite” show awards. BTW, the body shop finally delivered the ’71 454. It was immaculate in Ontario Orange, but we rarely drove it (afraid of stone-chips etc), and sold it the next season.
@bobhess- No offense intended, but based on your knowledge, experience, and past comments, I am kind of surprised by your comment/opinion. If you care to hear my opinion, I would really have fun driving this anywhere. It would be a great conversation-starter.$20,000 worth of prep and paint would make this a trailer queen. Each to his/her own.
In a world of over-restored and resto-modded C1s, this one really stands out. I wouldn’t touch it.
Since matching numbers on the engine is not mentioned, we’ll assume that it isn’t. So, asking price seems fair for a fully restored C1.
I’m good with each his own. This series of Corvettes is one of my favorites as it has everything a good sports car should have including good looks. In my book, leaving the paint to look like all the clear coat over rust ’50s trucks doesn’t do it justice. Putting it on the road until you get time or money to paint is ok with me. Have done it many times but did get back to paint all of them. Besides, that smooth, shiny paint will flow though the air much better.
I think it’s great. Mechanically sound with a restored/new interior. I’d love to drive this.
What I don’t care for are trendy fake-patina paint jobs with clear coat. Keep it real or repaint it.
I think it’s great. Mechanically sound with a restored/new interior. I’d love to drive this.
What I don’t care for are trendy fake-patina paint jobs with clear coat. Keep it real or repaint it.
He can have my nice 27-foot Airstream for the Vettt
Best part no freaking out about driving it .
Let it be imperfect and original on the outside and sound inside .
I for one applaud this build
Paint is an absolute pain in the ass to maintain and causes worries .
And no car show BS – No nothing .
It’s a middle finger to all the fuss a$$ perfectionists.
“All that time and money and no paint. Dumb.” What an odd comment. The body and paint can easily be the next step in this car’s journey. If the seller had done that step I’m sure he would pass that cost on to the buyer. That could add a significant amount to the asking price. I can put a beautiful paint job on it for very little because I’m not paying labor, but a restoration shop is going to want big bucks. OK, rant over. I love the car and would drive it as is until I prepare for a strip and repaint. I’d go again with Ermine White and drive the wheels off.
Love it
Car looks like crap… that’s more than patina….this car should have been treated to fresh paint
It is beautiful as it sits. Pop that top off and never stop driving. Love the black walls too.
I knew two guys on their way back to college many years ago who found one like this parked alongside the road. They stopped long enough to steal the intake and carbs.
If I had this one I’d keep it looking as it is.
Perfect! Bravo to the owner who did this!
I hope the new owner enjoys this car as much as I did.
I think it is just fine the way it is! I would just drive it for awhile and then decide if I want to go the next level. However, I think the price is a little ambitious for its current condition. If you decided to finish it you could easily be into 6 figures. Would it be worth it?
Bravo ,
This car is awesome !
Those that do not understand this are behind times .
Motorcycle people figured this out 20 years ago .
The interior is absolutely beautiful. Which is a big dollar item. You can drive it, enjoy it, and paint it if you want down the line.
At one time it also had a soft top, because you can see the soft top brackets through the rear window. I like it just the way it is.
As I said, I have a 2010 27-foot Airstream on Barnfinds and would love to trade it for an old Corvette or older hot rod.
To each his own as stated earlier. My opinion would be finish the cosmetics if money permits. I’m not a fan of clear over patina primer cleared flat finishes satins etc. All have zero appeal to me and it speaks volumes about those who do this.