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WYSIWYG! 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Project

The seller of this 1958 Chevrolet Corvette project makes it clear in their eBay ad that you get nothing that isn’t in the pictures–what you see is what you get! After looking at the pictures, it’s apparent that the winning bidder will need to source quite a few items! The missing parts haven’t seemed to deter bidders, though, as 27 bids have already been placed as I write, pushing the current bid to almost $10,000! The car is located in Austin, Texas.

Thankfully, there are some replacement parts that come with the car for the left front fender and nose. The seller explains that the frame is “very solid” and they believe it has previously been restored. It’s not clear to me whether the seller is the person on the title shown here. if it is, they have owned the car since 2004–I would think there would be more history there? Anyway, it looks like all the necessary body shell parts are included with the sale. However, it will take a lot of effort (or funds, or both!) to procure bumpers, a grille, trim, glass, interior, and even the missing engine components.

Even the complete and largely undamaged areas of the shell are going to require at least some work. There are a lot of trim components on this vintage Corvette, and sourcing them all will not be easy! Perhaps a restomod build would be a better option? What do you Barn Finds readers think?

There’s hardly anything here except the frame and shell! However, a transmission (manual) is included. Honestly, although it would be difficult to find, the best answer might be pairing this car with a wrecked but previously restored 1958 Corvette and use the interior, trim and electrical components from that car to make this project complete again.

The engine looks pretty naked in there, doesn’t it? I suppose with the clear title, serial number plate, matching block and (presumably) matching transmission, this project could be built, but does it make fiscal sense? Our thanks to Larry D. for submitting this tip and enabling us to ask the question–we look forward to your opinions!

Comments

  1. Avatar Cadmanls Member

    Money pit or need a title. Next option buyer has a totally beat car for parts for this one. Maybe this was a parts car over 15 years ago pulled it out and now is the time to recoup investment cost.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar RoughDiamond

    That first and second picture certainly does not lend itself to a feeling of positivity about this Corvette. I agree, Jamie, too many missing parts here relating to the interior, trim and electrical components to go and try to source.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Rw

    Maybe people won’t get upset if somebody hot rod or rat rod this one.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar gary

    Screw what people think, its your car, do what you want with it.

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Jay McCarthy

    This is a clean slate make it with all of today’s technology

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Gordo

    Sold $17K, insane.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar RC Graham

    This has “Gasser” written all over it. Straight front axle (chrome, of course), magnesium front wheels and 4.5X15 Front Runners, Narrowed Olds rear with 4.88 or 5.12’s turning 15X12 Racemasters on magnesium Americans. Chrome push bars instead of pricey bumpers.

    Forget that messed-up nose, replace with tilt-one-piece. Frame reinforcements as necessary (Don’t replace with a custom frame, that’s too ’80’s)

    Aluminum engine compartment, interior and trunk. Fuel cell. Engine is a 454 out to 462. Heads are Arias Chevy Hemi Heads. Transmission is a M-22 with original Hurst shifter. Of course, Hilborn stacks out the top.

    This method will eliminate the lemon-suckers who turn their noses up at lack of factory overspray on the engine block or the weatherstrip glue is too “neat” and precise. Additionally, there was no “sourcing” of hideously expensive original pieces, many of which are made of pure unobtainium, and were usually discarded by the hot rodders almost immediately?

    This will produce something everyone loves to look at and that would be heaven for the lucky few who actually got to drive it.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Larry D

    I see a drag car coming up!

    BTW, is anyone else not seeing the pics of the cars on the main page??

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Carbob Member

    Is it just me or does anyone else think that this forlorn picked over Corvette is nothing more than a frame that may or may not be usable and some body shell parts and oh wait an engine block and a transmission. Woohoo! I wouldn’t give you the lint out of my pocket for this. But I’m the insane one because someone paid real money for this turd. I sure learned a lot today about the market for enthusiast vehicles. BTW did anyone else notice the gap between the driver’s door and the rear quarter? I could fit my fingers in it. P.U.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Karen Bryan

      Sometimes I’m just astonished by the nerve of these people–wanting actual dollars for what is obviously a piece of junk. Guess P.T. Barnum’s bit of classic wisdom still holds. Maybe this thing has a future as yard art, but I have to wonder if even Corvette diehards would think it’s worth saving.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Troy

    Wow sold for $17k just wow

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Wayne

    They suspect that it was previously restored? OR just previously repaired. I agree! The body line (kind of horizontal) forward of the right front tire is the exact body/assembly line of an aftermarket front body top replacement.
    As much as I hate to say it, but I would build a race car/drag car out of it. As it would be the only way not to go under totally water with this car and still enjoy (kind of) what it is.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Pete

    Ah it’ll buff out. LMAO.

    Like 0

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