Original and unmolested C1 Corvettes typically fetch impressive prices in the classic market. However, this 1957 example confirms that even modified project candidates can hold their own. It has spent thirty years in storage and is a restoration that stalled before it started. The seller admits they will never get around to returning the car to its former glory. Therefore, they have listed it here on eBay in Chicago Ridge, Illinois. It has received a single bid of $44,000 in a No Reserve auction.
The history of this Corvette is slightly vague, although the seller believes it received a repaint many years ago. It would be interesting to know if it was completed in the factory colors because that would make this 1-of-263 Corvettes finished in Venetian Red with Beige coves in that model year. The seller admits it needs a repeat performance, and the existing paint defects and minor fiberglass imperfections mean that stripping it back to a raw state would be the best approach to achieve a high-end result. They supply some underside shots confirming that the frame is rock-solid, with no evidence of anything beyond the occasional dusting of surface corrosion. There is no soft-top, but the factory hardtop and glass look pretty good. Some chrome items require restoration, but the original hubcaps look excellent.
This classic rolled off the showroom floor with a 283ci V8 under the hood. Depending on how much money the original owner was willing to spend, this would have placed between 220hp and 283hp at the driver’s disposal. That is largely irrelevant because this Corvette is no longer numbers-matching. The 283 has made way for a 350 of 1975 vintage, and its specifications are unclear. A four-speed manual transmission backs the small-block. While the pedigree of this V8 is unknown, the seller states that it starts and runs well. This classic hasn’t seen active service for three decades and isn’t close to being roadworthy. The brakes are inoperative, and there’s little doubt that some perishable components will be well past the “best before” date. Returning this beauty to the road could be an achievable short-term goal, but my instincts suggest that this Corvette won’t prowl the streets again until it presents beautifully.
Assessing the Corvette’s interior is challenging due to the lack of photos. However, the seats look nice, as does the hardtop’s headliner. I can’t see any significant issues with the carpet, but there are some obvious shortcomings. The door trims and armrests are tired and probably beyond salvation. I can spy an aftermarket radio in the dash, and the wheel is developing cracks. The parts required to return this aspect of the car to a factory-fresh state are available, and it would turn heads if the new owner follows that path.
The single bid submitted confirms that the activity hasn’t been frantic in this auction. Many readers will believe that the current price is significant for a modified project car, and I agree. However, the vehicle is solid and complete, and many tasks will consume more time than money if the new owner is hands-on in their approach. It is guaranteed that a new home is days away for this classic, but are you tempted to make it yours?
No soft top, not numbers matching, needing a fair amount of work to get it into shape. It has appeal but there’s enough work and money needed to make it what it should be so I expect it won’t go much higher unless someone shows up that really wants a 57.
According to the eBay description, this Corvette is “all original” except for the engine. Well, not really.
It has a replacement transmission, shifter, bellhousing, exhaust system, hardtop, paint job, tires, hubcaps, radio, interior, blah, blah, blah… And it’s missing the trunk parts, ignition shielding, heater duct, power top mechanism, soft top, blah, blah, blah… The grill oval is cracked, too.
I don’t believe for a second that “everything works as it should”. I would require at least 100 more photos before bidding, and one of them would be of the VIN plate.
I think $44,000 is high retail for this project. Anyone bidding more is asking for one up the resonator.
Like the simple look of this year. The choice of factory stock or resto mod make it a nice driver will depend upon how much money 💵 you want to spend. Also finding quality and honest shop to do the work you can not GLWT
Back in the eighties, I ran a special interest car lot in Dallas. The old man who had the special interest and collectible lot next door taught me a valuable lesson. He bought a Hemi Cuda, very nice show quality car, for all the retail money and wowed them at the auction. I didn’t understand it, but a couple years later when he sold at a very large margin, it became clear. Rare, desirable, hard to find cars will always appreciate in value. True, this Vette isn’t a show quality car, and has some noticeable flaws, but they aren’t making any more of them, and even the marginal ones can draw top dollar today, and profit in a couple of years.