1960 Chevrolet Corvette with Discrete Upgrades

The Corvette was really hitting its stride by 1960, with sales topping the 10,000 mark for the first time and with continual improvements that enhanced performance and driveability. It was also the final model year for the big, chrome grille teeth and chrome headlamp bezels. The 1960 Chevrolet Corvette offered here, in Tasco Turquoise, grins brightly with that iconic grille and is the recipient of what the seller describes as a 33-month body-on restoration that was completed in 2020. Under the hood is a later 327 engine with dual quads and the Corvette's front disc brakes have also been retrofitted'upgrades that build on the factory improvements for the year to elevate its performance and driveability even further. The car also includes a factory hardtop. - this Corvette's engine is a 1965-era 327-cu.in. V-8 that was professionally rebuilt and installed in 2015, and has been driven less than 1,000 miles since. It has hydraulic lifters and fuelie heads, and in 2020, a dual-quad induction system was added. There's also a set of aftermarket headers. Output is estimated at around 300 horsepower.- the engine starts easily, with a single pump of the gas to set the choke, and no smoke. No leaks are reported, either. The four-speed manual transmission is said to shift smoothly. There's also an aluminum radiator and the car reportedly does not run hot. Complementing drivetrain details include a 4.11-geared Positraction rear axle. - the Tasco Turquoise paintwork on this Corvette was finished in 2020 and is show quality. The body's restoration included stripping it to the bare fiberglass and replacing the front clip, along with repairing other imperfections. A few noted blemishes include a small mark on the front end, a pin-size dot on the trunk, and a quarter-size blemish on the hardtop's rear window. The folding convertible top is new from Al Knoch, while the windshield and all of the window and door seals are also new. The doors are said to open and close as new, and all of the exterior trim and brightwork was either replaced or refurbished. Additionally, all of the paintwork, glass, and trim has reportedly been ceramic-coated for increased protection, - The Corvette's black vinyl cockpit was restored with Al Knoch-supplied materials. The seat covers and carpet were installed in 2020 and reportedly show essentially no wear. All of the interior trim, knobs, and switches appear to be intact and in good condition, with the seller reporting that the dashboard inserts and gauge cluster were repainted and detailed to appear as new.- the clock does not work and that the temperature gauge is overly sensitive, and apparently shows a warmer engine temp. A manual check with a temperature gun shows an acceptable heat range, notes the seller. When it comes to sounds other than the rumble of the 327 engine, there is a modern replica of the original Wonderbar radio, complete with AM/FM bands and Bluetooth capability. - - the chassis, suspension, and braking elements have been restored, including painting of the claimed rust-free chassis and regular maintenance of the suspension and brake components over the past decade. Front disc brakes and new brake lines were installed in 2020. The car is also said to steer well, with no vagueness in the wheel, but with some of the minor play that is common for the stock-spec steering system. The car rolls on the original-style steel wheels and wheel covers, which are wrapped with whitewall tires that are said to be eight years old, but have reportedly less than 1,000 miles on them. The car is said to be stored in a heated garage when not in use and there is no reported damage or dry rot in the tires, and no visible curb rash or pitting in the wheel covers. The car is said to drive on the highway smoothly and without vibrations. Additional paperwork includes documentation of the restoration work, along with photos from 1985 with the car and its second owner. With its more powerful small-block engine, more confident braking with front discs, and a modern audio system upgrade, this vintage solid-axle 1960 Chevrolet Corvette appears to offer a great balance of classic style and drive-it-and-enjoy-it accessibility.