It is always sad when an untimely death or serious illness or injury halts a restoration in its tracks. Situations like this almost always ensure that the money invested is never fully recouped by the seller. It appears this 1966 Corvette convertible for sale on Craigslist in Glenwood Springs, Colorado falls into this category. This drop-top is a 327/350 car with a four-speed and is being offered for $45,000. Is that a good buy for a partially finished C2 Corvette convertible? Thanks go to T.J. for finding this cool Corvette!
The darkness, as Cal Naughton Jr. once said, is creeping up on us even as we speak. Many of the folks who embark on restorations are in the twilight of their lives. That is when free time and disposable income come together. Yet, that is also the time that things can take a turn for the worse as far as your health is concerned. There have been numerous vehicles featured on Barn Finds that needed to be finished after an untimely passing or a health issue of some sort put a halt to progress. It is sad, but a risk that many of us take. We often just don’t know when to stop.
That is what happened in the case of this Corvette. The ad states that the sale is being handled by a third party to assist the widow of a local restorer of some note. The person handling the sale was friendly with the late restorer, who completed the restoration of their 1966 GTO. We are naturally wary of situations like this. However, there seems to be a bit of legitimacy to this one.
We are told that the Corvette is complete, just in a state of partial disassembly. It was originally a Silverstone silver car with a black leather interior. The interior is still there and certainly looks to be presentable. We are also told that it is a soft top only car. The hood is new and the scoop points to it being for a 1967 model. The shifter shown above is also a non-stock piece.
The engine that is currently in the car is a 35o cubic inch small block with 350 horsepower. A 327/350 engine is on a stand in the shop. Whether that is the engine that came with the car or not is not clearly stated. We are also unaware of the options the car came from the factory with. As with many of these cases, the restorer may have passed and those left to clean up are struggling to put everything back together. Still, with a vintage Corvette, details matter a whole lot.
As with any sale, buyer beware. This may be a good deal on a Corvette convertible, or it may be priced too high because of the circumstances. If any of you go to take a look at this car, please fill us in on the missing details in the comments.
Blue chip collectible, no doubt about that. Keep the greatest hits comings BF. If this car is your dream car, would have to take a look!
Big $ desireable car when done.I think it’s worth it especially if you’re doing the work yourself. Plus you got a 350 350 hp engine you could sell and put towards restore costs if you choose to do so.Nice color combo too.Obviously have to check it out thoroughly first.glwts.
Always loved the mid-year roadsters, this one is a beauty. It is hard to tell if the price is right until you determine how far into the restoration the car is. Frame painted, suspension done, engine fresh, wiring complete? Paint will set you back at least $10K, it looks like this car will need about $30-40K to finish if you do the work yourself. Somebody tell the seller that he attached a photo of a Trans Am speedometer instead of the Corvette.This car could be a keeper, a great ride and a fairly good investment.
Paint on mine 5 years ago was $17k not including the hardtop.
Same here – 3 years ago -17K and the body was in good shape. AND IT WAS A NIGHTMARE DEALING WITH THE SHOP OWNER.
I scratch my head when I see 10K for paint. Maybe because I am in So. Cal.
About 25K too much, by the time you’re done making this car right, you’d be into it for double what the car is worth finished.
I have to agree: 48K for this car, really? You can purchase a very nice completed #’s painted car in this price range. You will be well over 70K in this car when completed and it is still undetermined if the motor is original to this car.
The picture of the odometer is form the guy’s GTO. Beware – this could be a scam.
Firebird.
The 350 / 350 is a decent Vette engine. If the 327 isn’t matching numbers, I suggest selling that and keeping this 350.
I hate to say it but I think we are going to see more like this. Too many people have waited until retirement to finish their projects and found it’s not enough time.
I have restored corvettes over the years this one looks like a great project at around 25k to 30k
This car is right down the road from me, I’ve seen it in person and the owner was doing a pretty good job of putting it together. Body looks straight in person but yes needs finishing. The original motor was sitting on the floor in the back and I believe goes with the sell. The wife is working with an old friend to sell it, so yes they are asking a bit much in my opinion.
Restoration Interruptus is very common in older men. Do not despair, there is a solution. All it requires is a checkbook and/or credit card and a “Corvette Restoration shops in my area”” search online. There is no shame in admitting you don’t have the proper tools to complete the task.
That is a hard thing to admit to, especially if you have developed the skills over a lifetime and have the tools, just not the strength and stamina.