This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is listed as “Stripped” on the Copart auction site for salvage vehicles. This is a strange site indeed, as this generation Corvette is typically coveted by collectors and rarely seen in anything other than concours condition. There are some exceptions, such as cars that were drag-raced in period and continue to do so today. But if it’s a stock example, it’s generally a car that gets showered with affection, not dumped at the local Copart lot. This one is a mystery, but there are some signs it’s a restoration project whose time ran out shortly before being sold to Copart. Find the Corvette here on Copart with no bidding action yet.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Desmond G. for the find. I had probably my most in-depth experience with Copart a few months ago, when I registered to bid on a car I thought no one else would want due to having a salvage title and “Biohazard” written all over the windows due to a mice infestation. To my surprise, the car went for double what I thought I’d pay if I were seriously considering a roll of the dice that the rodent hotel had long since vacated the car. In a nutshell, it showed me that for all the YouTube superstars claiming to find incredible deals at Copart, that’s not reality – and this ’61 Corvette likely isn’t going to go cheaply.

So what happened here? The Corvette appears to have a good body, despite the mismatched paint. There are numerous parts missing, which is a crucial part of the mystery as to how this Corvette ended up here. “Stripped” usually indicates a car found on a loading dock in New Jersey somewhere, but Copart isn’t exactly scientific when describing their vintage vehicle collection. I suspect that adjective in this instance refers to a car that had parts removed for a restoration project that never commenced. The bigger question is whether it was forcefully repossessed or taken in when an older owner passed away and there were no heirs to settle the estate. The windscreen is seen sitting on the front seat.

The trunk holds other treasures, namely a grill, bumpers, and other chrome or stainless steel trim. To me, the trunk shot tells me beyond a shadow of a doubt that this Corvette was someone’s long-term restoration project not too long ago that either hit hard times or was left unfinished after the caretaker passed away. For someone with the right skills and patience, this 1961 Corvette represents a potentially excellent opportunity to get into C1 ownership for a far lower price than normal. The big question is the condition of the frame and other bits underneath, but that’s what Copart’s on-site inspectors are for.