1961 Corvette C1 Fully Restored. No SWAP or PX.

I have always been  into cars and have been through lots of classics already from Spitfires and MGs  to Mustang Fastbacks and Shelby clones. They were all great cars. but I  was after a new challenge - something rare and something extra special!

 I  wanted a classic muscle car and I finally found this Corvette which I believed could be restored to its former glory.   It was a 61 car that  had been stripped of all its parts and was a rolling shell with the advantage of  a 350cu engine replacement. It looked like it had been undersealed and was ready  for painting.  

I had already bought  a few American cars on Ebay over the years and was confident that I knew the  import process well enough.   

Once the car  arrived. it was evident that the parts that were sent with it were pretty much useless  and only fit for the bin. Also. the engine had seen its last days and the  "underseal" turned out to be nothing more than some hand painted grey paint!  It's the risk you take when buying a car unseen. but I wanted a full. professional restoration  anyway so wasn't that fussed.

The first task was to  strip the shell back to the fibreglass which highlighted some stress cracks that  needed repair and strengthening. Other repairs to the fibreglass were made where  needed and the shell was soon prepared and ready for spraying. The inside and  the engine bay were done in matt black and the body was red with white coves.   The underneath was painted in Shultz and the chassis was wax injected.

Most parts are readily available. but the rarer items  can be expensive and harder to find.  Shipping can be expensive and you also get  hit for VAT when they arrive! I had to resort to Ebay for some of the harder to  find parts. but there are specialist sellers on there that can pretty much  get whatever you need. at a price! 

For example. window regulators for a UK classic car can be around £30. but for a 61 Corvette. they are £250 each! The chrome is another item that costs  a lot with each front corner bumper costing £300 (If you have the originals. they can be re-chromed for a saving of at least 50%). Buying parts for the car  was a continual process with the restoration company patiently waiting for new  deliveries.

Although they had rebuilt many cars. they had never done a C1 before and  to help them out. I bought an original assembly manual. However. some parts  still proved difficult to fit. On several occasions I had to post questions on  the enthusiast forums and ask suppliers how things were supposed to be  assembled. It all takes time. but the answers are out there!

The car didn't  originally come with a 350 engine and some modifications were required to the  brackets and pulleys. etc to make it fit. I have just fitted a BRAND NEW crate  engine which has done less than 100 miles!

The car was finally  finished and has hardly been driven since!

This car remains virtually as new (if not  better!) with all parts being replaced and having undergone a nut and bolt  restoration costing almost £70k to complete.

If you can see one cheaper. it probably  needs works. Please dont under-estimate the cost of the parts for this car!!

I would consider a  px with cash or straight swap - email me  the details (with pictures).

Anything  considered!

Car can be viewed near junction 25 of the  M5  (Taunton).

Terms and Conditions.

Please only bid on this car if you are  serious and have the financial capability to follow through. Zero feedback  bidders / new Ebay members please email me first prior to bidding so I know that  you have read the terms.

You are bidding to purchase and own. not to look at after the auction has ended.   Viewings are available during the auction. The  winning bidder will pay a £500 deposit within 24 hours of auction close (by  electronic funds transfer or PayPal)

The balance is due within 10 days after auction close and can be in the form of  cash or electronic funds transfer.

PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS PRIOR TO BIDDING.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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