With its original motor now gone, the person who buys this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have several choices open to them. They may decide to source a date-code correct engine to drop into the engine bay or rebuild the existing V8 to create a tidy driver. Alternatively, they might feel that slotting something more modern under the hood as part of a restomod build could be the path for them. That would combine the looks and character of a classic Corvette with a drivetrain that would be easy to live with and maintain. Located in Spring Hill, Kansas, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Strong interest has pushed the bidding beyond the reserve to $20,300.
When you look at its overall condition, it appears that this Corvette has led a life of adventure. The paint is pretty bad, and the buyer will need to strip this car entirely if they wish to achieve a high standard of finish. The fiberglass has many cracks and other areas of damage and will require somebody with experience to repair these problems. It appears that somebody has cut a hole in the hood to accommodate a larger air cleaner, and the buyer will have to either fix this or source a replacement. A reproduction hood will add $900 to this restoration, so the buyer may choose to search online resources like eBay or Craigslist to locate a better option. Some of the trim is missing, while others would benefit from restoration. There is no soft-top, but the owner includes a good hardtop in the sale. The glass is okay, and first impressions seem reasonably positive. However, there are problems below the surface that need to be considered.
The frame carries a heavy coating of surface corrosion, but this photo reveals an area of significant concern with this Corvette. It is one of two known areas of rust in the frame, with another area visible near the driver’s side rear spring hanger. Other problems may be hidden between the frame and the body but might not reveal themselves until the buyer removes the body from the frame. Correct repair is crucial in this case because the last thing an owner needs to do is find that the repairs are second-rate when they’re halfway through having an accident. Whether this frame is beyond repair can only be determined by an in-person inspection.
To say that this Corvette’s interior has seen better days would be understating things. There’s not much here in the way of upholstery that the buyer could save, although crucial parts like the seat frames, radio, and clock are present. However, there is another factor to consider here. It looks like the interior may have been open to moisture at some point. If this is the case, it will not have done the electrical system or gauges any favors. The gauges already need new lenses, and they may require a trip to an instrument maker to ensure that they are working and calibrated correctly. Overall, this aspect of the restoration has the potential to be pretty expensive.
I would love to tell you that this Corvette is a full numbers-matching classic, but the original engine is long gone. However, the original four-speed manual transmission is intact. Don’t be fooled by the label on the valve cover because this engine is actually a 283ci V8. It is also incomplete because vital components like the camshaft, lifters, pushrods, and timing chain are missing. The owner admits that it is only bolted together loosely, and the lack of a numbers-matching status will leave the buyer with choices to make. Rebuilding this V8 is possible, as is sourcing a date-code correct 327 to slot into the engine bay. The owner also raises the possibility of a restomod, which would make this Corvette easier to drive and maintain. Its lack of originality makes such a proposition pretty tempting.
There’s no doubt that returning this 1962 Corvette to a roadworthy state will be a mammoth task. Its battered body and rusty frame will consume plenty of time, effort, and money. That theme continues inside the car, while the buyer will face some choices with the drivetrain. If it were 100% original, a meticulous restoration would see its value nudging towards six-figure territory. However, changing the engine will mean that the car will be worth whatever somebody is willing to pay. It seems that people like what they see because the Corvette has already attracted thirty-three bids. They can see potential in this classic, but can you see enough to pursue it further?
The only reason I can see that this thing has been bid as high as it is, is because someone wants the VIN and body for a restomod build.
The rusted rear cross member’s no big deal. It’s pretty common for 53-62’s, and is easily corrected. The cross member’s a bolt in part and new repro’s are available for about $525. The rust in the frame rails is another story though. It’s rare to see this kind of rust in early frames. The only other one I ever remember seeing that was that bad, was under a car that had been sitting on the ground for years.
Art Morrison chassis. LS engine Tremec. I am a purist and buy only unmodified cars, but this car could sell for $250,000 if made into a resto mod.
resto mod
All the rusty parts in the engine compartment would indicate to me that the frame needs to be replaced. Don’t think this car originated in Kansas.
up to 20 large already, but there’s lots of suspect bids. Lot of coin for this ruffian and it will probably go a lot higher. Look it over good and know what you are getting into. I’m no expert but you might be able to repair that frame if you took the body off. Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
Unfortunately, the more you take this car apart, the worse it’s going to get. A restomod starting with a new chassis would probably be the best way to go.
Build it (or have it built) the way you want and then enjoy the hell out of it. It’s never going to be a money maker, but it could make a great car to have fun in.
It’s too bad what “investors” who have no intention of driving their cars have done to old car prices. At least Model As are still affordable.
Not mine but a nice example of a resto-modded ’61-’62 Vette . The EBAY one looks like its seen nothing but abuse for the last 59 years That’s a crime , these ’61-’62 Corvettes are such sweet looking cars when kept up and taken care of.
You could surly sign me up for that car moosie. Wow!