Frame Off Restored Corvette Roadster 327 FI 4 Speed

If you're a Chevrolet aficionado it doesn't get much better than owning a first generation Corvette. That's because, regardless of year, every C1 shares a connection to the roadster that started a now legendary brand. To this very day, 1953-62 Corvettes are highly desirable collectables that continue to be some of the most sought after cars on the planet. And this reserved roadster is a perfect example why. With 1962-exclusive paint and factory fuel injection, it's an excellent example of old school Detroit swagger. And, if you're looking for a unique car that you can drive, show off and watch appreciate, it's the fully-sorted classic you've been patiently waiting for!

The beneficiary of an extensive, ground-up restoration, this impressive Vette's rock-solid body was stripped, layered in correct Almond Beige basecoat and buffed to a trophy-worthy shine. Like most C1s, the car was originally assembled at GM's new-for-1954 St. Louis manufacturing facility; and like most restored C1s, its fit and finish presents much better than it did 52 years ago. Given their fiberglass construction, curved bodies and increasing age, first generation Corvettes are difficult projects that do not hide major repairs well. Judging by the looks of this roadster's smooth fuselage, the folks at McCauley Chevrolet did a fantastic job blending minor quarter repairs before their professional reboot. And today, the car sits as a fully-sorted classic that can be proudly shown and reliably driven on a variety of fun weekend outings.

1958 to 1962 was a banner era for the Corvette, as Chevrolet wanted to prove its new flagship could run with the best cars in the world while retaining classic style that would eventually bear an American icon. At the front of this sensational drop-top, a limited production grille rides between round, beige-trimmed headlights, extravagant header ornamentation and small, chrome-trimmed parking lamps. In front of that grille, an intricate bumper bends around dramatic fenders, which frame sporty cross-flag emblems in sharp, stainless-trimmed coves. Between those fenders, a sculpted hood leads the eye to a classy wraparound windshield that's cleared by bright wipers, sealed by a white roof and capped by a body-matched top. At the back of that hood, lightweight doors hang a small mirror and traditional chrome handles above ribbed rocker trim. And at the back of those doors, a sculpted 'ducktail' decklid hangs a translucent Corvette roundel above a chrome tag bracket, familiar Corvette tail lights and a second chrome bumper that bends around equally dramatic quarters.

Tilt this Corvette's fiberglass hood and you'll find a correct L84 V8 which hangs a familiar 3782870 casting number behind a correct “RF” suffix stamp. Holding the title of “World's most powerful, naturally aspirated single-cam V8” until the debut of Chevrolet's 2001 Corvette Z06, this impressive small block utilizes wide-bore casting, a forged steel crank, forged pistons and a hot cam to turn stout 10.5 to 1 compression into a solid 360 horsepower. At the top of the spry mill, a custom air box funnels wind into a vintage Rochester injection system that's threaded onto small stainless fuel lines. Below that juice box, a correct Winters intake perfectly complements finned Corvette valve covers. At the back of that intake, chromed electronic ignition shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds via chrome-cased plug wires. And at the front of those manifolds, a Harrison-branded radiator circulates water through pliable GM hoses and authentic tower clamps. Whoever performed the restoration on this Corvette did an excellent job of creating an attractive, reliable engine bay that is every bit as detailed as the rest of the car. Bright Chevy Orange paint covers the block from its clean oil pan all the way to its silver oil filler and, as always, looks great against GM's Satin Black bay. As expected, correct textures and decals are present and accounted for. And details like a Delco-Remy generator, an upgraded, dual-reservoir master cylinder and modern air conditioning ensure this Chevy looks good and cruises well.

Flip this C1 upside down and you'll find a solid, road-ready X-frame that's bolted to bare fiberglass floor tubs. Behind the hot motor, a tough Borg Warner T10 4-speed twists torque through a posi-trac rear end and beefy, 4.11 gears. At the ends of the floors, a fully restored double A-arm front and solid axle rear suspension has been completely returned to factory specifications, with the exception of a sturdy rear sway bar. At the corners of the car, standard equipment 4-wheel drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is managed by big, true-dual pipes which run from a U-shaped crossover to factory replacement mufflers. Power flows to the pavement via standard 15-inch steelies, which spin fresh 205/75 American Classic radials around traditional stainless covers. And everything, from this Corvette's manual steering rack to its leak-free fuel tank, is fully sorted and ready to log miles.

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior outfitting remains minimal. High quality Al Knoch restoration pieces provide long-term durability without sacrificing good looks. The car's textured seats, which are equipped with simple lap belts, still have years of life left in them. There's stain-free carpet which, thanks to Corvette 50th Anniversary floor mats, still features a clean, fibrous sheen. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges, a Wonder Bar radio and a small chrome mirror look great decorating an AC-equipped, dual-cowl dash. At the middle of the floor, a petite chrome shifter is as handsome as it is stylish. In front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a glossy beige rim around a polished cross-flag horn button. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center perfectly placed armrests in pristine stainless trim. Behind the retracted top, a fully restored trunk shows virtually no signs of usage. And behind the driver's seat, a patch of original paint references the car's authenticity.

The sale of this cosmopolitan classic includes a reproduction owner's manual, an album of restoration photos, a folder of restoration receipts, six Corvette reference books, a Pro-Logix Battery Maintainer and some spare parts.

A highly desirable drop-top that wraps a professional restoration around a hot V8 and tough 4-speed, this slick Corvette has a little something for everyone. And what's better: it's exactly the kind of classic that provides endless fun on the highway and celebrity status in the parking lot. Where else can you get such an excellent combination of style, performance and growth potential? Don't miss the opportunity to experience a stellar piece of American history!