We first told you about this 1961 Corvette barn find back in May.
The new owner says he bought this numbers-matching fuelie with the intentions of an LT4 swap, but says he can’t make himself tear apart such a complete car with a really rare color combination.
Now it’s up for sale again on eBay, with the “Buy It Now” price of $36,500. The starting bid is $30,000, and so far no one has made an offer, with activity slated to run through Monday at 11:48 a.m.
Originally a California Corvette, the car was purchased as a non-running project in 1972 by a soldier, who eventually put it in dry indoor storage in 1974, where it was apparently not moved nor started over the next 47 years. It was just recently moved to Michigan by the new owner.
The original color on the car appears to have been Jewel Blue, the second lowest production color in 1961 with just 855 produced at the St. Louis factory. The seller believes that with the white coves and a blue interior, this Corvette is one of just 118 units produced in this combination. He points out that the trunk area does not appear to have ever been painted, with no overspray on latches, hardware, etc., “giving a pretty clear indication that (the car) is one of less than 1 percent of 1961 Corvettes delivered in this very attractive, unique, AND rare color.”
He believes the frame to be “exceptionally solid,” with no evidence he can find of any accident damage, past rust repair, or any areas currently needing repair. An incorrect emblem on the front leads him to surmise that the front fiberglass surround has been replaced by an earlier version, and the hood has been modified with a scoop, though he notes that a quality aftermarket skin could take it back to original.
“Just how nice of a body” the car has, was revealed when the original fiberglass was stripped down to bare glass. While a few areas still need minor work, he claims the “great majority is quite nice, with even the original seams being evident in most areas.” The brightwork/chrome/trim you see on the car now is the only pieces included.
While the blue interior will definitely need restoration, the seller says the tach, speedometer, and other gauges other than the clock are all intact/included, with the original Wonderbar radio in the dash.
Major items said to be missing are the clock, rear bumpers, correct heads, fuel injection unit, and some trim. “If you don’t see it, it’s not likely included,” the seller warns.
The car includes the original auxiliary hardtop, with the one-year-only white headliner, as well as a “nice” convertible top frame and a new white canvas top that will need to be installed.
The big thing about this car, of course, is the original powertrain. The fuel-injected 283/275 horsepower engine comes with the car, and it turns over freely and is said to be all date code and serial number correct, except for the heads from 1968. The correct/original fuelie heat riser, high horse exhaust cross over, tach drive distributor, and many other unique items are still on/with the vehicle, according to the listing.
“It’s truly remarkable that literally every single piece is dated well within the production date of this Vette!” the seller says. “Here’s a very rare opportunity to own and restore an 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 completely project straight axle Vettes just aren’t out there to be found like they used to be.”
He sums it by noting anyone looking for a mostly complete C1 project car, “here’s an excellent opportunity for a collectible car that you can restore over time.”
Source:
eBay Motors
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