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Low Mileage Survivor: 1960 Chevrolet Corvette

Purchased by the current owner in 1965, this Corvette made a trip over to Germany in 1974, and then back to the states in 1978. Upon its arrival back in the states, this Corvette was parked with only 89,000 miles. In very solid shape, with a great charm, this Corvette project is currently bid up to $25,000. Take a look at it here on eBay out of Miami, Florida.

Obviously stored indoors for the majority of its hibernation, this Corvette still needs to be awakened. It is not clear what condition the engine is in, but it is safe to assume it was a driver before its long term storage. The question I have is why was the car parked? It seems that the seller lost track of time? The amazing news is that the seller claims that this Corvette has a whopping 89,000 original miles. Not exactly low miles, but not exactly high miles either. Hopefully the 283 V8 has weathered well through the years of storage, and maybe the engine was lucky enough to have been prepped for long term storage. Although I don’t hold high hopes, as we have all run out of time in life on situations and lack the ability to do what is needed sometimes.

The interior is a little rough, but manageable. The carpet is definitely dry rotted and long gone by this point. I wouldn’t be surprised if mice got to it.  Also the driver side seat has seen better says. On the positive side, the dash appears to be in reasonable condition, as do the door panels, and console.  There is cracking in the rim of the steering wheel, but overall the interior doesn’t appear to be a total waste. I dare to say you may get lucky enough to do a carpet kit, upholstery, and general cleaning to make this interior nice.

The paint no longer holds a brilliant luster as it once did, but the paint seems fairly healthy on this fiberglass classic. With a careful hand, the paint could likely be buffed to quite a nice shine. The chrome certainly needs attention, but again a good cleaning and polishing would make it presentable enough for a survivor. The hardtop is included in the sale, but the rear glass is missing. I am sure there is a story tied up with that somewhere. While the 5 slots mags are cool, they may not be the best rollers for this survivor grade project. In my opinion, it would be cool to find original wheels and caps that match this car. While we have all seen plenty of restored Corvettes, I feel that this project would make for a stunning survivor. Would you preserve this Corvette survivor?

Comments

  1. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    I always get sad when I see a once beautiful car that ends up like this. I know most can be brought back but it’s a shame they got in this shape in the first place.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar TimM

    Awesome car I hope it’s saved by someone

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Kenbone

    Best lookin’ vette ever. These just scream bad azz.5 slotted mags were good look on ’em love to see it rollin’

    Like 2
    • Avatar Bing

      I rescued a 60 Vette 20 years ago. Even back then it was an expensive journey. Seeing this C1 sitting at this price, and knowing what I learned, there is no way a new owner comes out on the right side of this. I now look to more “restored” examples for new projects. Finding a driver quality car, and spending your money while you cruise is more sensible in the long run.

      Like 8
      • Avatar TimM

        I agree Bing these cars are going at such ridiculous prices but the time you put 20 grand in it your upside down already!! We all know how far 20 goes in the car world these days!!!

        Like 1
      • Avatar hemidave

        Bing you are absolutely correct, I run a restoration shop and this price is off pace with reality. We found a nice driver quality car for a customer for 52K. Restoration parts alone will exceed 30k on this one. It may be too far gone for small fix- clean up and drive

        Like 0
  4. Avatar ccrvtt

    The rear 3/4 view is one of the greatest designs of all time. It would be nice if the paint would buff up since this looks to be an original color. It wouldn’t have to shine like a modern base coat/clear coat to be presentable. In fact it would look better with a hint of satin sheen. I agree to ditching the slotted mags and finding original wheels & covers.

    A sympathetic refurbishment would be the optimal treatment for this car, then drive it everywhere and share it with the world.

    Like 9
    • Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

      Well said, ccrvtt.

      Like 2
  5. Avatar OhU8one2

    I would just make it a reliable driver, mags and all. Do the needed interior work. Locate rear window and give it a simple detail.

    Like 7
  6. Avatar geomechs Member

    This is always a frustrating situation for me as this series is my favorite of the Vettes. But they’re constantly above my means. If I could ever score something like this I would restore the interior and make sure the engine and drive train was in good shape. Polish up the exterior and find some stock wheels. Then it would come very close to being my daily driver. I could have a lot of fun with this.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar bobhess Member

    Am I the only one who wonders about “obviously stored indoors”. Those slotted mags were on a ton of cars after they were introduced. Corvettes and Zs must have kept the aftermarket wheel business going.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar Bob

    I remember in 1973 my younger brother bought a ’59 driver for $500.00. He drove it for a few months and parked it in my dad’s garage. He hated driving it, said it was the most uncomfortable car he ever drove. He sold it in ’93 before moving to Florida.

    Like 1
    • Avatar 38ChevyCoupeGuy

      @ Bob, Hello sir, this is a one in a million shot, but I have to ask. Did the 59 your brother bought in 73 by any chance have the aluminum slots and yellow body? Looking for my father’s he sold in 73 when I was born. I don’t have any numbers to go by. Thank you sir. I had to ask…. Never know

      Like 1
  9. Avatar Ric Parrish

    When I got back from the war in 1970, you could buy these for $350-400. It’s a miracle they were saved.

    Like 2
  10. Avatar mike D

    I, too, Brian, think this can be buffed out, find an inconspicuous , spot about a foot square and try.. if it works, great, if not, that is good too . would keep the oxidized look , but I have to wonder WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INTERIOR?? that would have to be redone .. I am also wondering if it is a relatively minor issue with the engine and the owner thought ” why bother”? bet it can get up and running … if not… maybe a crate 350?? would love it if I had the bucks

    Like 0
  11. Avatar plwindish

    Sadly, even keeping it original and just getting it back on the road might be a costly project.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar bobhess Member

    Agree on an expensive rebuild regardless which way you go. Speaking of slotted mags…. We use these as rollarounds when the race tires aren’t on the car.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

      Very cool Bugeye!

      Like 0
  13. Avatar SC/RAMBLER

    What’s wrong with the “day two” look. A lot of the cars we drool over today we’re modified with wide wheels and tires, air shocks, aluminum intake etc. within days of purchase and the originals tossed. If you want to restore to original then ofcourse change to form. but for daily driver or weekend cruiser, especially if not repainting I see nothing wrong with aftermarket wheels intake etc.

    Like 2
    • Avatar ThisGuy

      I don’t get the whole “it has to be exactly like it left the factory because they built it that way” line of thinking. When I hear people talk like that I can only think they must be super boring or have zero imagination.
      I for one would keep it as a day 2 car. Add some Von Dutch striping or 70’s style panel painting to it and make it mine.

      Like 1
  14. Avatar Eddy

    Sadly, no one will really care about these cars in another 20 years and you’ll find it even more difficult to find quality people who will work on them

    Like 0
    • Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

      Very few will care, just as there are those even within this forum that have the same indifference towards a beautiful T-Bucket that Brannon and Smith “Gumball Rally” had towards the guy’s car when they paid him to be a “rabbit” and draw off Lt.Roscoe’s troops. The new cadre of gearheads have a different appreciation, as is evident by more fart cans and fewer V8’s,I.e., 5 years ago an article ran in a magazine referencing a then eight year old Integra Type-R that originally sold for $24,000; he bought it for $45,000!
      Everyone has a different idea of what they think is perfect, as is evident by the feedback we get from the significant other upon completion of a task we did…

      Like 1
  15. Avatar Jason

    Love the mags/slots. Old school hot rod

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Lemble

    We have all looked at plenty of restored cars. Nothing wrong with them, sure is nice to see a period car from the different decades after they were new. Leave the slots on this and make it safe to drive. Rub out the paint and get new interior and have some fun.

    Like 2
  17. Avatar Bing

    Eddy,
    You may be spot on. Times change and as us baby boomers leave, the demand goes down. Ten years ago I bought at an estate auction a beautifully restored 36 Ford Pheaton. A former documented senior car, it was 2++. When I had my time with the car, and with other projects in the wings, it took six months to sell the car, as the values had dropped about 20 percent in the time I owned it.

    Like 1
  18. Avatar MB

    A base 283 car in this condition will require $30-40k of restoration to make it presentable, and $40-50k to make it show worthy. You could drive it with about $4-10k just to make it safe enough to drive. Not worth anywhere near current bid. If this was a fuel injection car, $25k would be reasonable. No sale here, I’m not president of the more money than brains club.

    Like 1
  19. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Ended: May 23, 2019 , 11:01PM
    Winning bid:US $29,400.00
    [ 72 bids ]

    Like 0
  20. Avatar TimM

    Wow I love that style but that’s a ton of money for a car in that shape!!!!

    Like 0

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