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Stored For 18 Years: 1956 Chevrolet Corvette

Finding a C1 Corvette for sale in a No Reserve auction is a bit of a rarity these days, but that is exactly what we have in this 1956 model. It will require a total restoration, but the indications are that it is a solid car, so it is definitely a strong candidate for a project. The Corvette is located in Walker, Louisiana, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding is currently sitting at $20,002, and remember, this is a No Reserve auction.

The owner provides some pretty reasonable photos of the car, and the underside of it looks to be nice and clean. The Corvette has spent the last 18-years in dry storage in Texas, and that has certainly not hurt it at all. It started life finished in Onyx Black, but it isn’t clear whether it featured a black or a white soft-top. That top is no longer present, and the owner says that with the Corvette, it is a case of what you see is what you get. The body has been stripped, and you can see that there are a few older repairs, and a few that will need to be performed to bring the body back to a high standard. One bonus with this car is that the owner has the contact details for an 80-year-old gentleman who knows the history of the car since Day 1. He is willing to pass these details on to the new owner so it will be possible to get a true, personal insight into the history of the Corvette.

We don’t get a look at the interior of the Corvette, but what we can see suggests that it’s a bit of a patchwork that will, once again, require a full restoration. The interior would originally have been trimmed in red, and while the passenger seat appears to still be red, the driver’s seat isn’t. It isn’t clear what options, if any, were fitted to the Corvette, but this is information that may be able to be obtained from the 80-year-old gentleman that I mentioned earlier.

The Corvette is not a numbers-matching car, and it certainly wouldn’t run in its current state. The car started off fitted with the standard 265ci V8 and Powerglide transmission. There is still a Powerglide under the car, but the engine is a 1958-vintage 283. It isn’t clear whether the engine turns freely, but it does appear that apart from the engine, transmission, rear end, and suspension, the car is lacking a cooling, braking, and electrical system. The wiring loom appears to be in the trunk, but its condition is unclear.

The person who takes on this Corvette project is in for a lot of work, and they will also be outlaying a lot of money for parts and pieces before the car is anywhere near ready to return to the road. It will take a person with dedication and commitment to see the project through to completion. Is this one that you would be willing to take on?

Comments

  1. Avatar Andy

    A good starting point for one of the best looking cars ever. Not including the cost of the car, depending on how you want to move forward you’ll probably be in it for $30-$40K. When done you’ll have the car of a lifetime! Best of luck to the future owner.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Bbob

    Buyer take a close look to many corvetts from walker la

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Jack Quantrill

    I agree. The best looking ones were the ‘56-‘57’s. No geegaws, bug-eye headlights, etc.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Agreed, Andy. You will have to buy lots of parts unless you have a source. One drop dead Gorgeous car when done. Looks to be an honest description. Good luck to the new owner, Sitting at 20 large.

    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Maestro1

    Even with a correction in 2020 this car has a continuing upside, and was one of the more attractive models. I am too old to do my own work, what with a Stroke, so my number would be North of $75,000.00 to get the car done right. If I had the room I’d buy it.
    Someone should take this on even tough I think the asking price is too high.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar TimM

    Finally a no reserve on a car that needs a ton of work!!!! It’s about time!!!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Sold for $22,600.
    Sounds realistic to me.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar chrlsful

    I’m w/Andy’n Jack.
    Not the weird (by today’s standards) early C1,
    still has the eye tallian-like rear deck…
    Too bad something in this shape sold 4 half the
    restoration costs. If 1/4 or so I could consider a
    labor donation for a free ride (yr or 2?) and sale…

    Like 0

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