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Chevrolet Corvette 283 cubic inch V8 1960

General description : A Corvette is a Corvette and there’s simply nothing else like it. From the very beginning, they spoke to Americans on a primal level, a 2-seat sports car that wasn’t quite like all the rest. Sure, they were crude but that was part of the charm and when horsepower started to go up with the addition of a good old V8 engine, well, the game permanently changed for the better. Everyone has their own favorite Corvette, but there’s practically nobody anywhere who doesn’t love them. Blue jeans, a baseball game on the radio, and an unwinding road from behind the wheel of your Corvette is about as good as life gets. And everybody knows it.

For many of us, the early cars are special. They are the least powerful and least sophisticated, but those aren’t the only reasons to own a Corvette. The 1960 models were the last before the freshened styling would debut, previewing the tail of the upcoming Sting Ray, and on that point enthusiasts are most certainly divided. Many, myself included, like the curvaceous rear end of the earlier cars, a gentle sweep of curves that make this 1960 Corvette look suitably vintage. It’s almost impossible not to run your fingers along the peaks of those rear fenders and the way the bumpers hug the rounded trunk line is almost sinful. Up front, it’s simpler and cleaner, yet still wearing enough chrome to be firmly anchored in the 1950s. Ermine White is this car’s original color and it has been a staple of Corvette production since the very beginning—do you really think they would design a Corvette that wasn’t absolutely devastating in white? It remained by far the most popular choice in 1960 and with the silver side coves, this car is drop-dead gorgeous from any angle. We challenge you to find anyone who doesn’t love the way this car looks.

It’s an older restoration, so don’t expect to drive it onto the field at an NCRS meet and take home the Top Flight trophy. Instead, look at it as a vacation you can take any time you like—just walk out to the garage and turn the key. The paint is glossy, finish quality is extremely good, and since it was finished, it has been conscientiously maintained by a fussy guy who knows his stuff. The doors open easily and close without a big slam, the hood tilts on well-oiled hinges, and the trunk fits just about the way it might have in 1960—good enough, but not perfect. There are few demerits and only the most minor signs of use, making for a car that you can drive and enjoy with pride and never feel the need to make excuses.

Of course, as a GM product designed in the 1950s, there’s still plenty of chrome, from the toothy grille (1960 was the final year for those teeth) to the chrome headlight bezels to the aforementioned bumpers that are more art than protection. All the chrome and stainless trim was restored with the rest of the car and remains in first-class condition with almost no evidence of age or use, which is rather remarkable all by itself. The beautiful emblems on the nose and tail are clear and bright, the crossed-flags on the fenders became a Corvette trademark, and those flush-mounted taillights are not cracked or faded. If there’s any complaint, it’s that the deck lid over the top doesn’t quite sit flush when the top is down, but we suspect that has more to do with the brand new convertible top’s stiffness more than with any craftsmanship issues. This is a really nice car.

The dual cockpit design of the 1960 Corvettes differed very little from earlier models, but you’ll feel at home right away. It’s surprisingly easy to slide behind the wheel thanks to a wide door opening that extends past the dash and the seating position is more upright and comfortable than, say, a comparable Jaguar. Black bucket seats are neatly integrated into the design, not simply bolted in, with the rear deck wrapping around them and dropping between them in what late-model Corvette designers call the “waterfall.” A big three-spoke wheel is certainly very sports-car-like and it’s easy to imagine pulling on a pair of string-backed driving gloves before grasping the skinny plastic rim. There’s one damaged bit on one of the spokes, but it probably won’t do much to dissuade you from hitting the road. Big gauges are easy to read, particularly the center-mounted tach and big domed speedometer, and all the instruments are working correctly. There’s a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo radio tucked into the original radio’s location, but you have to look pretty closely to notice and the sound improvement is welcome. The clock is not working, but that seems to be the only thing on the whole car that isn’t 100% functional, which isn’t too shabby for being 58 years old. The carpets have the right texture and pattern, the seat covers were obviously new when it was restored, and as I mentioned, there’s a brand new white convertible top that’s so fresh we were the first ones to fold it. And the nice thing about the first-generation Corvettes is that they include a good-sized trunk that makes them unexpectedly practical if you want to go on a road trip.

The horsepower wars were still a few years away, but Zora Arkus-Duntov saw to it that no Corvette could be bested by any of its contemporaries on the road, including the standard 283 cubic inch, 230 horsepower version found in this car. Rebuilt to stock specs, it’s plenty punchy and bulletproof reliable, perfect for having fun on the road. It was properly detailed during the restoration, with Chevy Orange paint on the block itself, correct stamped steel valve covers, and a low-profile chrome air filter that neatly tucks under the hood. Looking closer, you’ll also find a correct ignition system, tower hose clamps and GM-stamped hoses, and an original generator with tach drive, all the little details that make it so right. Yes, there are minor signs of use, but nothing that couldn’t be erased in a weekend of fun in your garage, but at the same time, perfection would be taking all the fun out of this car. It starts almost instantly, idles easily even when it’s cold, and never acts grumpy or fussy under any circumstances, hot or cold. This is one well-sorted ‘Vette!

OK, you’ve undoubtedly notice that there are only two pedals on the floor and that’s because this is one of only 1766 Corvettes equipped with the PowerGlide automatic transmission in 1960. Maybe you scoff because you’re manly and manly men need manual transmissions, but maybe you’re the kind of guy (or girl) who understands that an automatic transmission makes this car incredible accessible. Instead of being a chore to drive, it’s effortless. Get in, turn the key, press the accelerator and you’re running. No stalling, no driveline lash, no pain from your aging knee—this is a Corvette that you can enjoy for the rest of your life, if you know what I’m saying. So don’t sneer at the autobox, because it actually makes this Corvette a wonderful car to drive.

The rest of the undercarriage is standard Corvette stuff. There are signs of it having been driven, of course, but no issues. The floors are fiberglass, so that’s a non-issue, and the frame is 100% solid and shows no evidence of damage or rust in the usual areas. There’s a correct reproduction exhaust system with the right soft burble, recent shocks all around, and, well, there’s just not much that can go wrong on a Corvette like this. They’re rugged, simple machines, which is likely why they’re also so much fun to drive. Handling is agile enough for the amount of courage you’ll muster from behind the wheel (I promise the car will always be faster than you’re willing to go) and ride quality is actually rather good, all things considered. Brakes are manual drums, so be prepared there—there’s a lot more go than whoa here. But plan appropriately and you’ll have no problems. Standard steel wheels with spinner hubcaps are correct for 1960 and carry recent 6.70-15 Uniroyal wide whites that look right and provide a proper vintage experience.

If you can’t tell, we love this car. It’s everything you want from a collector car: fun, attractive, and yes, even a bit practical if you and a certain someone would like to take a little road trip. It’s welcome everywhere it goes and thanks to indestructible hardware, it will run like this practically forever. Parts and knowledge are plentiful, and, well, we can’t think of many better places to park some cash than a vintage Corvette. Don’t over-think it, just get in and go. That’s what owning a Corvette was all about in 1960 and it remains just as true today. Just drive!

http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=840

1960 Chevrolet Corvette 283 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for Not priced.

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