1960 Corvette

My father purchased this car new in 1960. It is a very early ’60, built in the first month of production, so it does not have the serial number on the block or the revised air cleaner that typical ‘60s have. These changes were made mid-year production.

You may also notice that there are some non-stock elements to the car. At the time, my dad also had a ’63 Sebring Silver split-window coupe. He decided to make some modifications to the “older” Corvette for fun. These modifications were done in the early ‘60s (before the muscle car era) and demonstrate typical “hot rod” fashion of the time. Shortly thereafter, the car was put in to storage. It was brought out briefly in 1984 to be shown at the Sloan Museum Summer Fair. Currently, she has less than 40,000 original miles.

Modifications done in early ‘60s:

· Remove cove trim (spears), paint cove body color (was white).

· Everything removable from engine compartment was chromed.

· Install “Duntov cam” – popular cam used on 315 HP engine.

· Install Offenhauser intake manifold, 3 Rochester 2-barrel carburetors.

o Original 230 HP cam/intake/carb given to my uncle. Still have original air cleaner.

· Install “Smitty” mufflers.

· Install Mickey Thompson “mags” and U.S. Royal Master white sidewall tires.

o Still have original wheels and covers. Still have old custom tires – very bizarre tires.

· Remove the “toothed” grille. Original grille replaced before ’84 show.

· Install large body-colored shift knob (base 3-speed).

· Install snaps around passenger compartment for custom tonneau cover.

· Install mounts in deck lid for custom ski rack.

This car was given to me when I was born (1966) and I received the title in 1999 when my father passed away. In 1998 the engine was refreshed and my parents drove it in the Dream Cruise with huge smiles on their faces.

Woodward Dream Cruise 1998

Later in ’99 I performed some modifications for the sake of drivability:

· Replaced the fuel tank with reproduction poly unit (kept original).

· Replaced the fuel lines with reproduction stainless steel.

· Rebuilt carbs with proper base plates and new linkage.

· Replaced ignition with Mallory Unilite (kept original).

This car was given to my son John on his birthday (June 19, 2000).

Pulling the ‘ole girl out of winter storage, April 12, 2003 (click to enlarge).

Needed enhancements:

· Seat covers and padding. Padding used as home building materials by chipmunks in the ‘70s.

· Emergency brake. Whole system has morphed into one homogenous part.

This is John’s Corvette !

More pics coming!