ADVENTUROUS GOOD LOOKS: 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible
September 26, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist David Neyens
LOT #740 – 1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
Often and rightly referred to as “America’s Sports Car” by legions of collectors and enthusiasts today, Chevrolet’s iconic Corvette debuted to acclaim in 1953 as a stylish but relatively tame cruiser. While not as ferocious a performer as its transatlantic archrivals from England and continental Europe, the initial Corvettes most importantly served as rolling showcases of General Motors’ incomparable design and engineering might. Relentless development, soon led by renowned European engineer and international racer Zora Arkus-Duntov, brought substantial revisions and ever-growing V8 power and performance. During the latter 1950s, new speed records, performance options and regular styling updates reflected the Corvette’s maturation and drew crowds into Chevy dealer showrooms.
On the fast-growing American racing circuit, Corvettes propelled growing numbers of driving legends to victory, particularly in SCCA Production classes. Among them were Jim Jeffords and his “Purple People Eater,” Dick “the Flying Dentist” Thompson driving GM design chief Bill Mitchell’s Stingray, plus scores of other greats. By 1960, the Corvette was endowed with a wide array of competition options from the factory and ready to challenge the world’s best cars and teams on the international stage, with entries at Havana, Sebring, the Nürburgring and Le Mans. “Lucky” Casner’s Camoradi racing team and Briggs Cunningham’s Team Cunningham led the Corvette’s international charge with factory backing, and the Corvette’s first Le Mans class victory (GT 5.0) and 8th Overall was scored by veteran Cunningham drivers John Fitch and Ed Hugus in 1960.
With its historic racing heritage and adventurous good looks, the 1960 Corvette is favored by today’s restorers and customizers and made even better than when new with today’s performance technologies, luxury amenities and impeccable build quality. This custom 1960 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is a stunning example, benefiting substantially from a total restoration and build completed in 2022. Riding on a powder-coated Art Morrison chassis equipped with adjustable ride-height suspension, this Corvette is powered by a Mast Motorsports 675hp LS7 V8 engine backed by a TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission with a dual-disc clutch assembly. Supporting features include a Be Cool radiator, a stainless Rock Valley C1 fuel tank and polished, ceramic-coated stainless-steel exhaust exiting through the rear bumper. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood 6-piston brakes up front and 4-piston units to the rear, with huge 14-inch rotors all around. Directional control is delivered by power rack-and-pinion steering gear.
The Corvette’s iconic fiberglass body was glass bead-stripped, prepped and finished in PPG 9000 Tuxedo Black paint, handsomely accented by its bodyside coves, which were vinyl-wrapped in contrasting white. The underside was coated in Satin Black, with Euro texture applied to the underside of the fenders for extra durability. The Corvette’s eye-catching red leather interior is artwork in itself, featuring fully adjustable bucket seats, a leather-wrapped billet steering wheel and stylish custom stitching throughout. In addition to its period-style T3 headlights, the Corvette is equipped with welcome features and amenities, including abundant LED lighting, as well as Dakota Digital gauges, an E-Stopp emergency brake, 2-speed windshield wipers, Wilwood clutch and brake pedals, a Vintage Air system and a retro-looking Wonder Bar Bluetooth stereo with a Rockford Fosgate amplifier driving four speakers.
Documenting this stunning custom Corvette are manuals and an SD card loaded with photos chronicling the entire build process. Among this outstanding vehicle’s many features and highlights is the exterior finish, protected by Ceramic Pro ceramic coating and carrying a transferable lifetime warranty. Riding on a set of billet C1 custom wheels wrapped in Nitto tires, this unforgettable custom 1960 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is ready to show and enjoy to fullest, with all the hard work already complete. Be sure to register to bid on it during the upcoming 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 10-13 at WestWorld.
