For anyone who wants to find a solid foundation for a Corvette project, look no further than this 1961 barn find currently listed for sale on eBay. As restomods become increasingly popular in the modern era, finding an unmolested example like this C1 could soon become almost impossible—and in fact, the seller admits that was pretty much their plan until they realized how original the entire car remains. Now, after moving this first-generation example of Chevrolet's most iconic car to Michigan, they've listed it for sale with pros like the removed V8 and a four-speed, and cons including the cosmetics and a fairly long list of missing parts.
Rare Jewel Blue Over A Blue Interior
The seller's extensive listing tells the story of how they planned to drop in a venerable LT4 small-block, though given that the original VIN-stamped and dated fuel-injected 283ci still sits next to the car remains a solid reason not to. On the other hand, the claimed original Jewel Blue exterior over a blue interior allows the seller to claim that this could be one of only 118 cars built for the 1961 model year in such a configuration.
No Rust Or Accident Damage
The seller further claims that the body and frame show no signs of past accident damage, nor any rust or evidence of past rust repair. Most of the bare fiberglass, other than the front surround, also sounds original, though the hood has been modified with an unoriginal scoop. Under that hood, however, a big void sits where the engine used to live.
A Fuelie Engine In A Barn Find
The seller seems to know what they've got on their hands, proclaiming, "It's extremely rare to find ANY early project Corvette with the correct engine, let alone a FUELIE. Here's a very rare opportunity to own and restored a untouched barn find matching number, vin number accurate fuelie convertible! If you know your Corvettes, you know how hard it is to find a first generation Corvette project car these days, especially a fuelie with THE CORRECT ENGINE. Good, mostly complete project straight axle Vettes just aren't out there to be found like they used to be!"
With the level of documentation and knowledge on display, plus an offer for more photos or videos upon request, there's a good reason bidding already sits at $34,999 with over 27 days remaining until the final gavel.
Sources: ebay.com and summitracing.com