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Restore or Preserve? 1960 Chevrolet Corvette

Some classics leave potential buyers with difficult decisions to make. Hidden in this garage is a 1960 Corvette that will pose questions for its new owner. They could retain the car as a tidy driver, but would they be better served to treat it to some restoration work to lift its presentation to a higher level? A few people seem to have their ideas because it has already attracted thirty bids since the seller listed it here on eBay. Located in Denver, Colorado, the frantic action pushed the bidding beyond the reserve to $40,100. With time remaining in the auction, you could consider the options carefully before deciding whether to throw your hat into the ring.

After a faltering start and difficult first few years, the Corvette had hit its stride by 1960. Chevrolet must have felt vindicated in their decision to persist through those troubled times because the 1960 sales total of 10,261 vehicles not only represented a new sales record, but it was the first year the tally hit five-figure territory. Never again would Corvette sales drop below that level, and the steady increase ensured the badge would remain with us to the present day. This Corvette wears striking Roman Red paint and is 1-of-779 to combine that shade with White coves. Its presentation is difficult to fault, with the paint shining beautifully and no evidence of significant fiberglass flaws. I’m sure an in-person inspection would uncover defects, but the initial impression is that this car is a tidy driver-grade vehicle. The seller mentions no issues with frame rust, and the lack of visible corrosion in other areas is encouraging. The Corvette comes with both tops, and the glass appears flawless. The trim and chrome sparkle nicely and the narrow whitewall tires perfectly suit the car’s character.

Every Corvette that rolled off the company’s line in St. Louis, Missouri, did so with a 283ci V8 under the hood. For potential buyers, the choices seemed endless. If the entry-level engine’s 230hp wasn’t enough, four optional engines boosted the figure as high as 315hp if the buyer had a thick enough wallet. This classic isn’t numbers-matching, and the V8 under the hood is a later 327ci unit. Its specifications are unclear, so the performance potential is speculative. The 327 bolts to a four-speed manual transmission, and while there are some obvious non-original cosmetic components, the presentation is tidy. The fact the seller states that the buyer could drive it as-is suggests the ‘Vette is in sound mechanical health. If the successful bidder craves a faithful refurbishment, locating a correct 283 shouldn’t prove challenging. Otherwise, this vehicle could remain mechanically untouched.

From the 1960 total production run of 10,261 cars, 3,231 buyers elected to order their Corvette with a Black-trimmed interior. This is one of those vehicles, and its presentation looks pretty good. The photos are limited but don’t reveal evidence of abuse, damaged upholstery, or worn carpet. There are no aftermarket additions, and no reason the new owner should feel shame if they take this classic to a Cars & Coffee. The original owner splashed $137.75 on an AM radio, which functions as faultlessly as the remaining interior equipment, lights, and gauges.

The seller describes this 1960 Corvette as very presentable, and the supplied photos seem to support that statement. If the new owner wants to retain the vehicle as a driver-grade classic, I see no reason why that would not be viable. They state the buyer could restore it to perfection, but they don’t indicate what it needs to achieve that goal. The spirited bidding spread among sixteen potential buyers suggests people like what they see, and this ‘Vette is days away from finding a new home. Are you tempted to join the bidding party, or will you sit back as an interested observer?

Comments

  1. Avatar bobhess Member

    Don’t see any reason to do anything to this car but drive it and enjoy it.

    Like 20
  2. Avatar Cadmanls Member

    Not anything mean or disrespectful Adam, why does everything have to be original? Museums have those cars. Automobiles that have been modified or changed up from original have been used. Isn’t that what they were built for? They were part of someone’s day to day use and that’s not a bad thing. Want to preserve a bit of the cars history leave it be, enjoy it, change it up to your taste, then use it! That’s what they were built for. As far as electrified classic cars, nope can’t make it over and consider it the car it was. Too many modifications in play to ever call it the same car.

    Like 12
  3. Avatar RayT

    To me, this is a driver-grade car all day. Without the original 283, it can never be a top-dollar Collector’s Item. Even a 283 with the “right” date code won’t help; to most ‘Vette fans I’ve ever spoken with, it’s the numbered original or nothing.

    So we’re looking at a driver car, and that would be my preference. Clean it up, make sure it’s safe, and away we go!

    Like 17
  4. Avatar Shuttle Guy Member

    Why would anyone touch this car other than to drive and maintain it.

    Like 11
  5. Avatar Zio

    Is that a ’55-6 Ford on the other side of the garage???

    Like 3
  6. Avatar CCFisher

    Are the red instrument panel and console original? I can’t find any other examples out there like this.

    Like 5
  7. Avatar 19sixty5 Member

    Would the black interior have a matching black dash pad originally? It would look much better with a red pad in my opinion. I like it… a driver, not a trailer queen.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar DRV

    Yes, a correct black instrument cluster would help a ton for the interior look plus originality.
    Funny, the front tire stop is an instrument casing for either side of the tach. They have a blue stamped date on the zinc coating on the back.
    It’s a lovely driver except my brain won’t let me drive a RED Corvette. Any other color works for me.

    Like 1
    • Avatar ruxvette

      My white ’59 with red interior had a red dash and dash cover. Not sure but what this dash is original.
      The tire stop looks like a cup holder to me.
      Get the correct fan shroud, some dryer vent hose, screw on a set of Corvette valve covers (just because) and make it a sweet driver.

      Like 1
  9. Avatar George Birth

    Leave it alone and enjoy it as is.

    Like 0

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