Due to disappointing sales results, Chevrolet’s Corvette nearly had a short production life. It would have been easy for the company to swallow its pride and retire the badge, but it showed persistence, and the ‘Vette remains one of the few constants in the classic world. The 1960 model year was a banner one, with sales climbing into five-figure territory for the first time. Although they spent time in the wilderness, the bidding action on this 1960 example proves the C1 is a highly-coveted vehicle. It is a solid car with many positive attributes, not the least being the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve. The Corvette is offered here on eBay in Miami Beach, Florida. The price has raced to $35,300, with plenty of time for interested parties to throw their hats into the ring on this beauty.

This is not the first Corvette we’ve seen from this seller, and it appears they may have an almost limitless supply of candidates from every generation to tempt enthusiasts. The history of this car is unclear, although the indications are that it is an unfinished project that has sat for a while. If the paint combination is original, it is 1-of-779 Corvettes ordered in Roman Red with White coves in 1960. First impressions are positive, with the paint shining nicely and exhibiting no significant flaws or defects. It is a similar story with the fiberglass, and the seller doesn’t mention rust issues with the frame. However, a few anomalies with this classic may require further investigation. The door fit and gaps on the passenger side look odd, and the seller supplies no explanation. It could be nothing but an adjustment issue, but it could also indicate past panel damage that hasn’t been repaired properly. I always advise an in-person inspection wherever possible, and when a classic sits within this price range, I consider it essential. The bumpers require a trip to the platers, but most of the remaining trim looks good. There are no glass issues, and whether this car features a top or frame is unclear.

The mystery of this Corvette deepens as we lift the hood to examine what hides beneath. Chevrolet offered several versions of its 283ci V8 in 1960, with power outputs ranging from 230hp to 315hp. It is unclear what this car features, although I believe it is a later small-block backed by a four-speed manual transmission. It wears an upgraded intake and carburetor, with the seller confirming it doesn’t run. It lacks many peripherals like the fan, exhaust manifolds, radiator, and wiring harness. This ‘Vette is a “what you see is what you get” proposition, meaning the buyer must embark on a shopping trip to secure these parts. The seller confirms the Corvette rolls and steers but not whether the engine turns. Therefore, budgeting for a rebuild might be a wise strategy because it is better to have the money and not need it than to need it and not have it.

The Corvette’s interior is a pleasant surprise because its overall condition is very acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, as are the carpet and dash. Some bright trim pieces are tarnished but might respond positively to polish. The gauges are in good order, and there is no significant wheel wear. It is missing a few items, like handles and a radio, but sourcing replacements shouldn’t cause any problems. Overall, the impression is that it will require more time than money to have it shining like a new penny.

Chevrolet sold 10,261 examples of the Corvette in 1960, cementing the car’s place in automotive folklore. Few badges from any marque remain in almost continuous production for seven decades, with the company only taking a sabbatical in 1983 as it finalized the design features of the upcoming C4 model. This one shows promise as a project candidate, and it appears others share my opinion. It has attracted sixty-one bids as enthusiasts put their money where their mouth is to take it home. Are you tempted to join the bidding frenzy, or has this Corvette joined a growing list of classics that have climbed beyond what you are willing to pay for a project car?