I was a bit shocked to see bidding already cresting $20K for this 1954 Chevy Corvette, which is a hodgepodge of body panels and other bits that make it a blank canvas for the next owner. Perhaps that’s the appeal, as the seller says that next steps are to “…make it pretty,” with lots of work already done underneath. It will likely never be a candidate for a sympathetic, original restoration, so it could be an ideal platform for a vintage racer build or restomod, if you’re into that sort of thing. Find it here on eBay with just over three days left.
While I am not the world’s biggest Corvette fan, I do think the original C1s were incredibly pretty cars. With the headlight mesh, whitewalls and a darker color over a red interior, they’re drop-dead gorgeous, even if the driving experience didn’t live up to expectations when first introduced. This car shows very little in the way of its original features, with evidence of fiberglass repairs (or entire replacement panels) on all corners that makes you wonder what this Corvette looked like previously. The seller notes, “The body has had a lot of work already done and is hinged and latched.”
Can any of our body experts weigh in on how the repairs look to their eyes? I’m not a fiberglass expert, but I suppose it can look fairly ugly/muddy even after repair. The seller says the chassis is solid, and “…very nice,” which is reassuring that despite the car’s tired appearance, it may have been stored carefully but just received some bumps and bruises over the years. It is far from stock, with its original motor long gone. The seller does claim many spare parts are included that aren’t pictured, which hopefully includes the top portion of the windshield frame.
Says the seller: “The car has been set up with an aluminum headed 383 SBC and a T-5 5 speed trans. Later 56/57 rear differential.” While this isn’t anything a purist would touch, it does leave the door open to modify this C1 as you see fit. I love the idea of a vintage track car build, with a cut-down windshield, roll bar, a single racing bucket and some period wheels, preferably staggered out back. Upgrade the brakes, fuel system and suspension as needed and get invited to any Historic Sportscar Racing event your heart desires.
I am not impressed with new fiber parts on car.
The guages are a fortune alone and the top is 3000 after market for frame .
Ever price a paint job on a good body shape vette ? It starts at 10-15 and then you climb up.
I suggest spend 60 and get an all original.
It’s a hot rod for sure in future
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/chevrolet/corvette/1939826.html
Wonder why he won’t restomod it like the 61/62 in the background? Perhaps he ran out of money?
I know it’s not likely, but the wheelbase on that one looks extended to me.There’s so little original there, anything is an available option.
I’m no expert on ‘Vettes, but the body proportions look off to me, too, especially forward of the doors. But, perhaps the lack of a windscreen is playing tricks on my eyes…
So agonizing to see one of these all chopped up and with a hatchet-job V8 conversion. If one absolutely must have a C1 with a V8, get a ’55 or later. Leave the sixes to those who appreciate them for what they are…
Unless the photos are out of proportion, then this car has definitely been stretched.
It reminds me of the C1 custom bodies you could get mounted on a C5 chassis.
You don’t build “track day” cars, you buy them. It’s uneconomical to build one from scratch. There are always plenty of quality used race cars for sale, if you look. The only reason to build one is that you have your heart set in a specific, year, make and model.
This car will probably have a cure as a cruiser.
Steve R
Far cry from original, that’s for sure. Looks to me like it’s had quite a few mods done to it. Hard to say without knowing what he started with as to if he’s a savior or a masochist. LOL
Beats seeing it as a total wreck or overgrown with vegetation!
Could definitely make for a nice driver though!
I don’t think the chassis looks stretched but the car does look lowered to me. The seller may not have run out of money either. I have a friend who does beautiful custom work on cars, like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/302681219496?ul_noapp=true where after he finishes a custom, he sells it because it is the process of his art that he enjoys. That is why he never painted his last car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waEP9EA_Cwc
Never again! I personally think that projects like this are only for some one who has deep pockets, lots of time and knowing full well that the return will be totally negative!
I think what the 20K is really buying is a (hope & pray) good title and an original vin number.The front section of the body does look stretched to me as well. I also agree any money spent on this will be a labor of love. If the person can do most or all of the work themselves they may recoup the material costs in a sale. But if a lot of the work is farmed out it will be $100,000 down the drain.
This takes me back more years then I care to remember. Does anyone remember The Shark? (I think that was the name.) It was a 1950’s ‘Vette that was significantly modified w/ fins, elongated nose and headlight frames. It went through various modifications and then seems to have disappeared like a lot of early customs. I’d like to have this one so I could modify it with a clear conscience; fins, frenched/tunneled headlights, 59 Cadillac taillights, lowered, channeled(?), whatever. It’s a great ‘blank canvas’ for creative customizing. What I’ve suggested isn’t to everyone’s taste but if I had the money (Lotto?) I’d like to realize my dream.
Of course the auction ended “Reserve not met – at that fanciful level, only the well known Mr S Hill is gonna bid.