Considering the popularity of these cars today, it’s hard to believe the Corvette was a late bloomer in the 1950s. After less than 5,000 units were built from 1953-55, the Chevy sports car was in danger of cancellation. But a restyle in 1956 and the availability of a V8 engine finally caught buyer attention and more than 10,000 copies left the assembly line in 1960. This convertible is one of them and looks to have been a nice ‘Vette until it was wrecked some years ago and went into storage. Located in Celina, Tennessee, the car has seen daylight again and needs someone to make it right. The Chevy is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $35,000. Thanks for the Bow-Tie tip, Barn Finder Terry!
The 1960 Corvette was a rerun of the prior year’s model. Sitting next to one another, they looked the same with the four-headlight set-up that became standard in 1958. Engineers gave the car a stronger front sway bar as well as a new rear sway bar, which improved handling. About 100 Corvettes were optioned with heavy-duty brakes and sport steering, but no reference is made if this ‘Vette has either of those. The 283 cubic inch V8 was the only powerplant, but seven configurations were available from 230 hp to 315 hp with fuel injection.
Normally Corvettes of this vintage at the seller’s asking price would get a fan’s blood flowing – until you see the big gash on the driver’s side, missing door, and distorted windshield frame. This car took a big hit and the owner decided to put it into storage until he/she could get around to fixing it – which looks to have taken some time to address. The seller provides several photos of the Chey but none of them focus much on the area of impact. Is that an oversight or intentional? We’re told the frame was not damaged and the seller is providing a complete cowl from another car to help with the repairs but doesn’t think it will be needed.
On the plus side, the drivetrain (including a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission) is numbers matching and we’re told the engine runs great. But the mileage cited is a placeholder, so we don’t know how much territory this car covered before it was wrapped around a telephone pole or whatever happened to it. In Concours condition, a ’60 ‘Vette could be a six-figure automobile. But how much will it cost to fix this one and will you find more issues the deeper you dig into the damages? I remember when a snappy classic car could be had for $35,000, not one that’s been wrecked.
Unless you do your own work this is going to be expensive to repair. I agree that this car is more than worth rebuilding but the going in price is a bit high. Not going to be able to call it “original” on this one but it is one of the more popular Corvettes built, which should keep the value high.
From the signs of wear (interior and trunk) this was not a low mileage car when it was hit…
If you can get repaired for a reasonable price, these were bringing 6 figures at Mecum.
Looks like it has manual transmission?
Gen.1 Corvette money no matter what. looks like it took a hard hit. If you ever been in a Corvette in a crash its the strangest sounds. Parts snap and crack and the glass turns into a weapon.
As one guy says, not cheap to repair.
I’m no expert in anything, let alone Corvette’s, but I suspect the damage is worse than indicated.
In the pic of the passengers side, the door does not appear to be lining up on the trailing edge? Maybe it’s the way the top is on or maybe that was a typical issue w/ vette’s? Also, unless caused otherwise, the impact looks to have been severe enough to crack the passenger’s fender?
This damage is no easy fix. Corvettes are a whole different animal.
I would have to look at it in person but if the frame is good it can be repaired but the price is a little high .