There are many reasons why a project build can stall, and this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette has fallen victim to two of the most common. The seller admits that, after investing over $60,000 to date, they have run out of time and money. However, their loss could be your gain, because the sale includes a freshly rebuilt 283ci V8 and a range of parts to help the winning bidder on their way. And there will be a winning bidder, because the auction has sailed beyond the reserve. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Missoula, Montana. Twenty-one bids have pushed the price to $25,000 as the auction heads into its final days.
Chevrolet’s 1956 styling update to the Corvette introduced the two-tone paint option. It proved extremely popular, with at least 30% of buyers ticking that box on their Order Form each year until the company discontinued the option at the end of 1961. Teaming Roman Red with White was the most common choice in 1961, and with a production total of 779, it accounted for 7.6% of all Corvettes built during that model year. The seller admits they have run out of time and money during this car’s restoration, and there is still plenty of hard work remaining for the winning bidder. The limited shots of the frame look positive, but the body requires plenty of cosmetic TLC. The deterioration is bad enough to justify stripping away the existing paint, and anyone seeking a high-end result will take that as a given. However, the bright exterior trim looks superb, and its restoration might be where the seller has spent a slice of their cash. The windshield looks clear, and the parts stash includes what appear to be new seals and gaskets.
One feature that initially disappointed potential Corvette buyers was the company’s decision to team a six-cylinder motor with a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The resulting performance was acceptable, but customers expected a more engaging driving experience. Learning quickly, Chevrolet introduced a V8 in 1955, and the six disappeared at the end of that model year. This classic features a 283ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. The motor’s specifications are unclear, but the seller states that it is freshly rebuilt. The other unknown is whether the removed components, such as the carburetor and radiator, are present. However, with the prospect of the buyer having at least 230hp under their right foot once the build is complete, this 2,980 lb ‘Vette will provide an entertaining motoring experience.
Another great unknown surrounding this Corvette is the interior. It features the same Red and White combination found on the exterior, but the only visible upholstered components are the door trims. I can’t spot the seats, meaning that another cost for the buyer could be sourcing appropriate replacements. The dash structure is intact, and the removed gauges are included. The wheel looks good, but a complete interior retrim appears unavoidable as part of this restoration. Upholstery kits in vinyl typically retail for around $1,900, and the new owner would probably need to factor in a few dollars extra for seat foam.
After an inauspicious start, the Chevrolet Corvette had established itself securely in the market by 1960. Buyers embraced the domestically produced sports car, and that year’s sales tally of 10,261 represented the first time it entered five-figure territory. From there, the badge went from strength to strength. This 1960 Corvette project looks promising, and if the bidding doesn’t climb far beyond the current level, the seller’s investment to date could make it a bargain buy. However, the interest generated means that potential buyers may need to fight to take it home. Are you prepared for that battle?
This has always been my favorite of the Corvettes. Well, ‘58 to ‘60. It would still be nice to have one, even at my age. But, the downside keeps reminding me that I’ve got other projects to complete first. It’s tempting; Missoula is just across the state…
Makes me want to watch Route 66 reruns. I can just hear that Nelson Riddle theme song!
For those considering a C1 restoration, please read this project carefully.
$$$$$$$$ you will have another 30k into this one after this seller lost 20k for a car worth 60k. Just saying…
Pretty sure $30k isn’t going to get you anywhere near the finish line on this one. A nice paint job alone is going to be that much. Then there’s chrome, interior, who knows what mechanicals need re-doing. It will never be worth what it’s going to take to make it a nice car.
The ebay listing says 21 bids and current bid of $10,000. Where did the $25,000 figure come from? I know these cars intimately and are fun to tool around in. But not to drive any longer than 2 hours on less than perfect roads. Remember, this is still a 1953 BelAire chassis with a much lighter fiberglass body. Fun! but not for long periods of time. With a large pile of suspension upgrades there will be a decent autocross car hiding in there.
My Question Is…….. Where did the seller invest $60,000.00 ? Unless he paid Way TOO MUCH for the car to start with.
My Question Is…….. Where did the seller invest $60,000.00 ? Unless he paid Way TOO MUCH for the car to start with.
My Question Is…….. Where did the seller invest $60,000.00 ? Unless he paid Way TOO MUCH for the car to start with.
still needs a lot of money. neat car though.
I always like seeing C1 Corvettes for sale. However, I’ve always felt that it’s best to buy the best one you can afford. “low cost” projects always end up costing more then a well sorted car……and then there’s the time factor as well. Of course, that’s my view. If this is something you want to tackle, go for it! There’s a lot to be said for fixing up your own car.
Always wanted the year I was born, this would have been nice. But at the same token a puzzle in a box isn’t that tempting for me. In CDA camping, Just a hop, skip and a jump to check it out. Ma maybe ybe…
The Corvette debued the year I was born. I would want one of them purely because of that. But a six-cylinder, even with multi-carburetion, plus a Powerglide (?!?!?) is not my idea of a good time. I’d prefer this, despite 1960 being the year my brother debued…
My second Corvette was a ’59 I bot back in 1970 for $850. I glued on a new right front fender, patched in the white lacquer, and drove the wheels off it.
Unless you can do all the wok yourself (body/paint/mechanicals) AND are a glutten for punishment, my suggestion would be stay clear. Gather 2/3 of the money you would spend on this and buy one finished.
I’m confused! He says the bid is past 25k but I just looked at eBay and it’s at 10k?