Restored by owner around 2018/19 with 400 miles covered since
Equipped with a 327 Cu Inch replacement engine and Muncie 4-speed transmission
New power brakes with disc front and drum rear
Rarely used soft top and colour-matched hard top included
Attractive Sateen Silver with Ermine White Coves
The Appeal
The immediate post-war period was a time of change for multiple reasons in the USA, and one of the most significant influences of all came from the globalisation of soldiers returning from their stations abroad. Military personnel had spent years in the UK and Europe, and often ended up bringing cars back with them. Suddenly, the USA was being introduced to MG and Jaguar in true numbers, and a long-standing love affair with the British sports car started proper.
Eager to capitalise - and very enthusiastic for the characterful British roadsters himself - the legendary Harley Earl was the man behind the first Corvette, and what a looker it was. Originally, the car was intended to be built out of steel - but the concept vehicle was partially so popular because it was using plastic - which felt distinctly modern and space age to the motoring public.
While the C1 ended up not quite hitting the levels of hype Chevrolet were hoping for, it's become an iconic classic in its own right. This is very much the origin of the all-American roadster, and those coved lines have aged remarkably well.
This 1960 car comes to us in a beguiling Sateen Silver and Ermine White and underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2018/19. To our eyes, that restoration is holding up incredibly well. This is a very handsome, sympathetically upgraded car - one that's more than deserving of your attention.
The 1960 C1 Corvette is a classic American sports car that captures the essence of 1960s automotive design with its sleek lines and distinctive styling. This particular example stands out with its striking Sateen Silver and Ermine White Coves colour combination, complemented by a black interior. Having undergone a restoration by the previous owner around 2018/19, the vendor informs us that this Corvette is in very good condition and features a 327 Cu Inch replacement engine paired with a Muncie 4-speed transmission, offering an exhilarating driving experience. The inclusion of both a rarely used soft top and a colour-matched hard top adds to its versatility and appeal. With new power brakes, adjustable electronic power steering, and a host of other enhancements, this Corvette is a fine example of a classic that has been thoughtfully updated for modern driving enjoyment.
History and Paperwork
Built in 1960
Previously based in Ontario, Canada
Restored by the owner around 2018/19 and only has covered 400 miles since
New seats installed in December 2021
Arrived on British soil in Spring 2023
Some work undertaken upon arrival in the UK
MOT exempt, but undertaken upon import
Currently indicates 04,259 miles on a five-figure odometer
Complete with:
Custom soft cover from carcovers.com with a storage bag
Hard wired battery conditioner connection with battery conditioner
Original spare wheel
V5c document
Re-VIN report
Original handbooks
A selection of invoices
Two sets of keys
The Condition
Presents well with a solid and clean chassis
Chrome trim appears in smart condition for its age
American Classic white wall tyres fitted
Supplied with both hard top and soft top
Evocative like no other, the C1 is a real trademark of 50s US Motoring spirit. That fibreglass body is beautifully styled, with coving lines and ample chromework creating a truly spectacular two-tone roadster that has been fanatically featured in films and television alike.
This particular example comes to us in beautiful order. The chassis is lovely and solid, free of any significant corrosion, and the plastic body is free of any cracks or fractures. All of the paintwork is in a fine standard, with only the lightest signs of use visible, garnered since the restoration.
The soft top is scarcely used, and is free of any rips or tears, while the car is carrying a set of American Classic White Walls. It also includes a colour-matched hard top, with its original stand.
Replacement 15" style matched steering wheel for ease of entry
New seats installed in December 2021
Beautifully restored cabin with an evocative layout
The cabin of this fine Corvette follows this trend. It's clean, it's beautifully restored, retrimmed and still gleaming - with a smaller steering wheel installed to make it that little bit easier to climb into. Of course, the original 'bus-size' steering wheel is still available for refit if the buyer wishes.
All instruments are clean and well-presented, the seats are new items fitted in 2021 with zero rips and tears, and the carpets appear fresh, too. Put simply, everything is clean, solid, and ready to be driven away. It's evocative, it's stylish, and it's eminently drivable. What more could you need?
The Mechanics
Upgraded with a 327cu in (5.4-Litre) Small-block V8 powerplant
Muncie 4-speed transmission
Engine bay is in good order
New power brakes with disc front and drum rear
Fitted with adjustable, electronic power steering
Recently replaced brake lines and fuel lines
Upgraded with the largest engine size that the C1 carried, this fine example is driving better than it would have rolling out of the factory. A bigger V8 powerplant, electronic power steering and new power brakes all come together to make this car more capable and usable on the modern network than ever.
We understand it to be driving perfectly, with no reports of any mechanical issues, and we've no doubt it's amongst the finest examples we've seen at Car & Classic. Trust us, this is a classic you don't want to miss!
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.
