UPDATE 06/18/2024: We’ve recently experienced an influx of classics that haven’t sold on the first attempt, and this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette continues that trend. It is unclear whether it is a sign of a softening market, but this classic failed to reach the reserve last time when the bidding stalled at $47,100. This was despite the action being quite spirited. The details remain the same for this classic, but the seller has taken a new approach with a BIN figure and the option to make an offer. Why not take a closer look and decide whether you believe it will find a new home this time?
05/23/2024: In previous articles, I have discussed how important it is to look below the surface to discover what a classic offers and this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette graphically demonstrates that. It looks pretty sad and tired but below that faded exterior beats a heart of pure gold. It is a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately. The new owner could treat it to a refresh they feel it deserves, but preserving its current appearance may prove irresistible. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Scottsville, New York.
Chevrolet offered 1960 Corvette buyers a choice of seven paint shades, with 1,268 people selecting Tuxedo Black. That figure falls far short of Ermine White’s tally of 3,717 as the most popular color but ahead of Cascade Green’s 140 as the rarest. The seller indicates this car’s paint is original, and it certainly shows some age. There are numerous imperfections, chips, and other problems. However, the fiberglass beneath is sound, without evidence of hits or accident damage. The news gets better the deeper we dig because the frame is as solid and clean as the day this classic rolled off the line. The soft-top is new, and the chrome’s condition is consistent with the rest of the exterior. I have no trouble believing the seller’s claim that this gem draws crowds wherever it goes, and its “survivor” appearance would undoubtedly command respect. The wheels are a later addition, but they suit the car’s character.
One of my favorite themes with older classics is a faded exterior contrasted by a pristine interior. The seller chose that path, retrimming everything in this Corvette’s original colors and materials. The impact is dramatic and would undoubtedly draw comments. The lack of wear and physical damage suggests it has been treated respectfully since the work ended. The winning bidder will feel no shame when they hit the road with the top down.
Potential buyers will welcome the news this classic retains its original 283ci V8 and four-speed manual transmission. The engine initially inhaled through a Dual-Quad setup, meaning the first owner had at least 245hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque under their right foot. The Dual-Quad system disappeared, but sourcing a replacement may not be difficult. The seller recently rebuilt the engine, so it is in excellent health. They upgraded the handling by fitting a Martz front suspension setup with coilovers and rack-and-pinion steering. That should improve its poise and steering feel, creating a more enjoyable driving experience. They confirm it is a turnkey proposition where the buyer can experience immediate enjoyment. It runs and drives better than when it was new, and the original four-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly.
The seller listed this 1960 Corvette here on eBay with a BIN price of $59,995 OBO. It is a deceptive classic, and it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback. Some readers will opt for a cosmetic refresh, while others favor preservation. In these cases, there is never a right or wrong answer, only a decision that reflects an enthusiast’s tastes. So, it’s up to you to come up with some creative ideas.
First generation corvettes are works of art,
in my top five of best looking cars ever.
Not everyone agree and that is fine.
They lost me with the installation of the rack & pinion, coilovers, etc…Otherwise a nice car.
…@Jack Barley I assume you’ve never driven a C1.
@Dennis6605 I own a 1960 vette with a stock chassis
Original wheel covers are so much better. Why so many want to mess with these and add other wheels is a sign of boredom. And great the new owner is given the chance to change that ugly black into a color more inviting be it solid red or white but this will do as long as the seller doesn’t go crazy on his reserve.
I see no reason to preserve the old paint as this is the furthest thing from a survivor. New interior (incorrect BTW) wrong steering wheel, front suspension swapped out, wrong wheels and who knows what else. I like the car but at this point restomod it or put it back to original as it floats somewhere in between those worlds now.
Since the car has had some changes, it’s not totally original or not restored back to original condition as possible. I say purchase the car, enjoy it while driving it!
If the new owner wants to paint it do be it! We all have our ideas as what we would do with it.
One word comes to mind. ENJOY.
My smile would get wider with every mile. Have been a solid axle driver since 1960 and I still am.
It’s not original or a survivor so put a sweet metallic black paint with silver coves and a nice set of wheels and tires then drive it. That would be my go at it.
But since I do not have 38k that ‘s not going to happen
If it had flames and a roll bar it could be a hot rods to hell clone
keep org wheel covers and add full white walls this was last year for them 1961 was first year of thin white walls
The car needs fresh paint and rechromed. I’m ok with mechanical upgrades to improve ride and dependability. No fun trying to hunt down stock OEM stuff and if you can find it be prepared to dig deep. Purist money doesn’t look any different or isn’t worth more than anyone elses.
I love it. I wouldn’t touch the paint. Several commented about this car needing paint. Do you know how much work goes into a quality paint job? Labor and material will eclipse 20K, not considering the two or three year commitment. Ask me how I know. If my wife’s next husband wants new paint, he can go for it. As far as the mods, he’s spot on. If it were mine, I’d add one of the new Sniper fuel injection systems along with a five speed tremec and a rear gear ratio change depending on what it is now. It needs to be able to cruise comfortably at interstate speeds.
OBG
It only costs 20 g if you farm it out.
I have all the equipment and have painted 5 cars a Jeep commando and 2 trucks all with great results and about $1,000.00 in cost per vehicle it takes LOT of prep work it’s not hard but is time consuming
It’s like anything it’s much cheaper and more satisfying to do yourself it is not rocket science
OBG, since it’s not original, I would go a step further to maximize the fun of driving it. I’d buy an engine stand to put that 283 on in case I’d ever decide to sell it MUCH later. Pull all the chrome off and send it off for replating. then I’d put a slick tuxedo black paint job on it. I’d drop a chesty 327 in it with about 350 horse with turbo mufflers and put a 342 posi in the pumpkin. I’d replace all the chrome when it returned and voila! A beautiful brand new 1960 Corvette that could hold it’s own against almost anything that pulled up next to you at a stop light.
3.42 wasn’t available for a 1960, 3.08, 3.36, 3.55, 3.70, 4.11, 4.56 was your choices
Wife’s next husband OBG??? I’m curious about that remark. You plan on going somewhere or she’s already made plans for you? Back on the car. To each his own how they choose to express their prized possession. I’ve never seen a patina win a car show.
OBG??? Is that an acronym? As far as the wife’s next husband, who knows? I’m not planning on going anywhere, but come to think of it, the coffee has been kinda bitter lately. LOL! Car shows? Not for me. Been there, done that. Nobody loves Corvettes more than I do. Over the years I’ve had three C3s and two C2s. As a recovering twenty year NCRS member, I truly believe to each his own. If you want to make a change, go for it. We’re not cropping the Mona Lisa or repainting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Yes, OBG is an acronym for your username Old Beach Guy
The person that buys this is NOT trying to win a car show, drive it the way it is & enjoy it!
You couldn’t be anymore correct OBG! Thats kinda catchy I like that. im not a purist by no means. But on the other end of the spectrum I’ve seen crap on the street that should be ticketed an fined for being an eyesore. Better yet eye pollution. At least they don’t have to worry about it being stolen.
And some even makes its way to the car websites. AHEM🐸 Maybe you might want to try switching coffee cups I’ve seen it done on YouTube
ROGER OLE BEACH GUY, you are dead right, This beauty was built when I was 28 and in south America hunting nazis with the Israelis Today after my last movie has just been picked up by a movie company I could afford this lovey BT my leg being so heavily wounded I cant shift gears . My wife love s ia also so her S7 may be replaced, AND if any of you cars guys knows of a nice 57-58 Caballero I’m ready to buy.
Frog,
I enjoy your writings, however this one has me puzzled.
Do you mind explaining more in the English language that this classroom is engaging within?
Thanks brother, Billy
Nice Looking Vette I like the songs about them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1Gmc9ue7B0
If you had her driven a C1 you would appreciate the mechanical updates. Especially the dual master cylinder for safety. I also agree with Old Beach Guy on his suggestions on other mechanical updates. In their original form these car are like driving a early 50’s Chevy pickup.
Yes Dennis, an old pickup! I kept my ’58 all original but with an LT1. It was a handful and I could never understand how they could race them . This car is great for the red interior and original paint with no cove color $ 12.50 option. I see it has the traditional weak spot cracked above the front wheel. Bring the paint up, paint the bare spots and have one over a few unwrecked original C1s.
@dennis6605. I enjoy the feel of the original suspension and brakes. Same for my 1961 Apache pickup
@dennis6605. Yes I enjoy the feel of the original suspension and brakes on my C1. Same for my 1961 Apache pickup. I try to keep them original.
Jack Barley… sorry I assumed wrong. But when I put disc brakes, rack & pinion, dual master cylinder, LT 1 on my ’59 it was so much easier and fun to drive. The only other changes I would make would be a 5-6 speed tranny and a Art Morrison chassis. As you point out; To each their own.
I imagine a few wouldn’t like my ’32 Ford either. Chevy drive line and all Jag suspension
The Vette is showing its age for sure any why the slow sale
SAW a 57 Cabellero yesterday with an LT1 and all kinds of goodies . Who woulda thought of THAT!
Love it, but paint it for a $ 1000.00 and some labor ? No way… materials alone will be 3K. I painted my 62 few years back, friend let me use his shop & trainee body man. Never again. Drive it , enjoy it ! we are getting old and too soon Washington will ruin the car world for good ! From OBG, Old Bald Guy…
The car is a enjoyable driver period. Don’t restore, you will be upside down in investment. My thought is it isn’t worth the 59k in present condition. Let time be your appreciation factor.
As always interesting comments,, some I get others not a clue. For me I like the car and I would love to have it. I see it as a no rules car. Buy it drive it and cast its fate and yours into the wind. As you get use to it and start to see what it needs you take care of it and see where you end up. It could be a great journey and hopefully a great destination.
Joe, I have the same thoughts. And, at $50k, it would be a nice car to have. There are too many ‘pretty’ solid axle cars selling at $60k to pay more.
Just me but, with the condition is in now, I would drive it, fix the mechanicals as needed, and enjoy pissing off the purists.
If I were to do any ‘unneeded’ maintenance it would be to build a small block with dual 4’s…on a blower…sticking through the hood!
Take that, purists
At $60k obo and just looking at the picture condition of things to me it looks like a great ground for opportunity to own one. And if there are no flaws in the fiberglass and needing only prep and paint I think you could get a respectable job starting around $5000. Anything more than that a guy is definitely based in a high rent district.
$5k for a paint job? You gotta be kidding!
Head down to Tractor Supply and pick up a gallon for $60, throw in $15 for a couple brushes, hit the C store for a half rack for another $15 and, with tax, you’re in for a hunnerd bucks.
@Ruxvette not kidding. Figure the overhead a shop has to include salaries, lease/mortgage, accounts payable, insurance, taxes, utilities etc. if he is running an above board business. Yes highly possible to go north of $10k quick. But someone that has talent and skills can fraction that cost down significantly. I’ve seen a barn paint job a kid did that was flawless and black even. You can’t cut cost more than that.
Yup, I hear you. BUT…the key words are ‘you could get’ and ‘respectable’.
I’m way behind on paint/reducer cost by IF you have the equipment AND the shop AND can do the job yourself I’m thinking a couple grand.
I cannot imagine any ‘respectable’ paint shop squirting the car, after you have fully prepped the body for less than $10k…unless the paint guy is a relative/friend bring it in after hours kinda guy.
But, that’s just me.
I would snatch this up in a heartbeat if I wasn’t so invested in my other cars but let’s see what tomorrow brings. In past times I have seen overseas buyers taking them across the pond which depletes the supply here. Didn’t see listed anywhere if the hardtop was included or available.
YEAH I made the mistake of sell my 1966 Sunbeam with a boss 302 to a japanese guy.
Big dummy.
If you have a classic where the quality of the paint job will play a a big part in overall value of the vehicle, you can start at $15K + , and it will go up from there real fast , a pro shop, booth, labor, material, is an expensive deal period . Add body repair and panel alignment, and you better make sure the investment makes sense.
Ruxvette
I realize and know the cost of some paints supplies and materials is in the stratosphere. It’s not something you want to invest in regarding poor prepping. I was heading to a car show one year and pulled into a do-it-yourself car wash just to rinse the dust off and a beautiful 1959-1960 Oldsmobile 98 pulled into the next bay to do the same thing. Moments later I heard screaming and cussing you couldn’t imagine. The paint had started flaking off of his car. He had went to Tijuana and gotten it painted. So I have to agree and I understand about production paint jobs and poor quality paint. Prep is what is most important.
I forgot to add there’s a few shops in this corn stalk State where I live that will prep and shoot a car for much less than $10k. One guy is in his 80s and is incredibly talented and good.
With the original driveline this is a great buy at the BIN
Despite the upgrades which are not a positive for me this 1960 is a steal at this price. When the market turns around on Classic cars, this is one we wish we bought especially with the original driveline.
DENNISON . I’m with you and have 54 Buick with pretty much the same gear with more to come. i still looks like a beautiful 1954 Century but drives like a 2024 with good mileage,