I’m a big fan of custom paint as long as it is done right. This 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is said to have been inspired by car customizer and painter George Barris. Painted 45 years ago and I’m sure it was a stunner back then! It can be found here on eBay with a current bid over $22,000. With a buy-it-now price of $36,000, the car is located in Purcellville, Virginia. It definitely needs some attention, but it has a ton of potential.
Obviously the rear portion of the paint has suffered the worst over the years. The seller is honest that the paint “varies from fair to poor” but after 45 years, it’s not surprising that there are some rough spots. A quality reproduction paint job like this one will set the new owner back several thousand dollars. It would be a shame not to keep the cool sunset fade, but a single-color would certainly be an easier way to go.
The new owner won’t have to worry about meticulously restoring the matching-numbers engine…because there isn’t one. The ad states “Mechanically sound with strong Vortec 350 crate engine with less than 10,000 miles on it, backed up by a Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Engine casting number is 10243880.”
The interior looks decent. I think this car may be a good candidate for fix-it-as-you-drive-it. It certainly has a great look and drips with nostalgia. It would almost be a shame to do a full restoration. What do you think? What would you do with this car?
Sorry. Crazy Eddie Price Guide in full bloom. BIN $36,000? GFY!
Sorry. Crazy Eddie Price Guide in full bloom.
Some people confine their taste to their mouths.
Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?
I think it’s kind of cool. IMO $36k for a running and driving C1 isn’t that over-the-top.
Add some Cragars or Rallyes, paint it and drive it. I like the fact it is not numbers matching. Weather permitting, this can be a sweet daily driver. But, not for 36K!
I’m surprised that with all of that customization, that it doesn’t have triple taillights.
Cool period custom cruiser. Has all of the charm of “yesteryear.”Good bones and turn-key ready. It doesn’t get any better. This ’62 is way over due for a long road trip, allowing it’s inserts to warm up and burn off the cobwebs at the same time…”Keep on Cruis’n”
I would drive it as is for awhile just to get the looks at cruise night and gas stations.
It’s a great candidate for a drive as is. Offer only what you would pay for a fun convertible , but more than a Miata or MR2. Better yet buy an MR2.
At least the color shift is complete before it reaches the trunk. While difficult to match, better than trying to redo the fade. From the looks of it, that’s going to be the biggest expense. Engine and tranny are not original, so gas up and go. Get your kicks on Route 66.
Paint reminds me of a popsicle.
A truly vintage modified car, even when gaudy, represent a specific point in time. They were what most kids saw at the local cruises and drive ins or at the local track. The problem is when people add certain modern parts to them. This car is fine, until the hood is opened. The Vortec head based engine with modern accessories is out of place and hurts the cars appeal. There is absolutely no reason in the world a dead reliable, period correct, small block couldn’t have been put together. A handful of vintage speed parts would complete the look. At that point, drive it, it would justifiably turn heads with its current paint and wheels. There is no need to update its external appearance.
Steve R
36k no fricking way
Get rid of the fender flares, paint it a solid color, black, white, honduras maroon or some other stock color and drive it.
’56 – ’61s I like due to the C1’s rear end (an Italian sorta thing?).
Drive as is, prep the (another) engine as more period correct &
same w/paint, chrome, etc? Learn the make/model as I go? Then sell (in my case) for the 1 in the 6 yrs mentioned?
Happy boy @ that point.
I think $22 is generous ..doubt it goes much higher but I like the 62 color should be a dark shade..black