Unfinished Project: 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

This 1966 Corvette Convertible wouldn’t suit a buyer contemplating a faithful restoration in its current guise. However, it represents a stalled project that has generated plenty of interest. This is no surprise because C2 Corvettes remain one of the standout performers in the current classic market. The car is partially dismantled, but the seller includes a vast collection of parts to assist the new owner in their quest to return the ‘Vette to its rightful place on our roads. Located in Saint Simons Island, Georgia, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has raced past the reserve to $38,200 off the back of some frantic activity.

The seller-supplied photos of this Milano Maroon Corvette aren’t the greatest, but they supply some helpful information in the listing. They reveal that the ‘Vette received a low-standard restoration years ago, which probably hasn’t helped its cause. The paint is tired, but the seller is refreshingly candid about the state of the fiberglass. It has numerous cracks and stress marks, suggesting that the buyer will face a complete strip to address those issues if they desire a high standard of finish. We receive no information on potential rust in the frame, but the bidding history suggests that people are willing to roll the dice, hoping there are no rust issues. A few new and secondhand parts will assist the buyer in their quest to complete the project. They include five new Rally wheels, four fresh Firestone tires, a collection of rocker moldings and mounting hardware, and a new Camel soft-top still in the box.

The Corvette isn’t numbers-matching, so what originally occupied the engine bay is unclear. The listing suggests that it would have been a 327ci V8, but that motor is long gone. The seller purchased the vehicle with a rebuilt 350ci short block with an upgraded camshaft. Its specifications are unclear, so the buyer will need to choose which path to pursue to return the car to active duty. They might opt to search for a date-correct 327 or complete the build of the 350. Although the original motor is gone, the car features a numbers-matching two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Once again, there is a long list of parts for the buyer to sort through, and there may be enough pieces to coax the 350 back to life. There are two or three pairs of cylinder heads, a spare Posi rear end, plus sundry other components. Once the new owner returns the Corvette to a running state, they may be able to recoup some of their outlay by selling the surplus parts.

The Corvette is consistent because while its interior is complete and in generally good condition, it would benefit from some TLC. Before spending a dime inside this classic, I would clean everything thoroughly. The supplied photos suggest that many items may be suitable for a driver-grade classic, minimizing any costs on this aspect of the build. The buyer won’t need to source new seat upholstery because a fresh set of leather seatcovers are included. The factory radio is intact, and nothing seems to be missing. A previous owner installed aftermarket air conditioning, and whether this stays or goes depends on the buyer’s quest for originality.

If the next owner returned the Corvette to active duty utilizing the existing parts, the vehicle could be a classic capable of providing driving enjoyment. However, its specifications would not be as its makers intended. Sourcing a date-correct motor would not be difficult, and some buyers may consider that option. Regardless of their intentions, this Corvette has stirred plenty of interest among enthusiasts. Any car that receives sixty-two bids with several days left on the auction is bound to be desirable, and our feature car has achieved that feat. Even if your budget doesn’t make this a viable project, the auction should still be worth watching. On this occasion, I’m not going to predict where the bidding will sit when the hammer falls. I’m going to leave that call to our knowledgeable readers. It will be interesting to see how many of you can hit the nail on the head.