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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  The Motorclassica Auction
• Sale Date:
  14 Oct 2017 ~ 6pm
• Lot #:
  45
• Lot Description:
  1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C1 DUAL QUAD ROADSTER
  Serial No: 00867S 108032; EngineNo: 108032 F0519CU
• Notes:
  General Motors held a vast conglomeration of businesses by the early 1950s in the United States including automotive brands Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile and Pontiac. GM were building over half the cars sold in the US, but not a sports car that could compete with the burgeoning British sporting cars flooding in to the country after the war. GM’s chief designer, Mr. Harley J. Earl, who conceived the 1938 Buick Y-Job, was one of the corporation’s more abstract thinkers. In 1951, Earl began conceptualising an open sports car that would sell for around $2,000, the price of a mainstream American sedan at the time. He handed his notions over to Robert F. McLean and a new concept car emerged set to be part of GM’s Motorama exhibit at the 1953 New York Auto Show. The recently appointed chief engineer, Ed Cole, who was developing the world-changing 1955 “small-block” V8, literally jumped for joy at the prospect of its development and consequently the 1953 Corvette, virtually identical to the Motorama prototype, entered production on June 30 that year in Flint, Michigan and the Corvette C1 series was born. The fiberglass bodied Corvette was undeniably gorgeous, but its output was lacklustre until 1955 when Chevrolet introduced the small-block V8. Even so, the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission limited performance until the 1956 model established the sexy two-seater as a legitimate performance machine with a three-speed manual transmission and the 265ci V8 motor. The 1957 model was virtually identical to the ‘56, but now a four-speed manual transmission (the great T-10) was available for the first time. This was the year that either Carter dual-quad carburettors or optional Rochester mechanical fuel injection was available which itself marked a legendary moment in time for petrol-heads. In 1958, this outrageous, dreamy sports car was significantly restyled and became undeniably flashy. The chassis was lengthened by 9ins and the addition of dual headlights, faux hood louvers, chrome spears to the boot lid and superfluous side coves made the year model distinctive. The dashboard was redesigned placing all the instruments, including an 8000rpm tachometer, directly in front of the driver and seat belts were now factory-installed. Four variations on the 283 small-block were optional with the basic model being the single four-barrel version making 230hp, and the dual quad versions making 245hp and 270hp. The big “fuelie” injected engines produced either 250hp or 290hp and GM made a profit with the Corvette for the first time. For the 1959 model horsepower ratings were maintained and minimal interior revisions were implemented with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with a T-handle became standard on the manuals. The 1960 models had further distinctive features with the moulded tail lamps in the rear fenders; the wonderful shark like, super chromed, heavy front grill teeth and the aluminium radiators on the bigger powered versions making the 1960 Corvette the ultimate of the marque thus far. Affectionately called ‘Babette’ by its fastidious owner, this rare original matching numbers car is accredited by the respected National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS). It has the original 283/270hp small block engine and the correct and original dual Carter WCFB 4-barrel carburettors. Original options include: Wonderbar radio; heater; courtesy light; proper reverse lockout shifter; seat belts and 2 sets of whitewall tyres, including the period correct BF Goodrich Silvertown 6.70x 15 wide Crossplys. As indicated by the serial number, of the 10,261 cars built, this example is the 8,032nd built for the 1960 model year; the car is a 1960 Corvette with Sateen Silver paint with white coves, red interior and white soft top. There were purportedly 989 cars produced in Sateen Silver in 1960 and these are rarely seen for sale. It is estimated of these a mere 490 were likely registered in the Sateen Silver with red interior combination. This striking car was imported in to Australia by its current owner in 2011 where an exacting restoration started in America has been completed bringing it up to Top Flight Award standard for 2013. It is believed to be currently the only 283/270 1960 model in Australia with the NCRS Top Flight (Concourse) status. It was also awarded Best C1 original at the National Convention in 2011 among other acknowledgments. Prior to import, the car underwent a frame off restoration in America by Don Hill, one of Barret Jackson’s leading restorers. A detailed appraisal of this car conducted by Mr. Malcolm S. “Duff” Parsons, President of Alliance Corvette and Speciality Car Appraisal and Authentication Services, is available for perusal which verifies the car’s correct numbers throughout. Duff Parson’s notes include an overview and opinion of the complete restoration including the undercarriage; stainless steel exhaust; all fittings; nuts and bolts and connections being replaced. The current owner has upgraded the gearbox to a TKO(correct) 5-speed gearbox (original 4-speed plate in situ). The engine has been re-bored and re-conditioned by Terry Ruse, President of the Corvette Club, Canberra. This genuine and original Corvette is accompanied with its Vehicle Import Approval; white soft top; a quantity of spare parts including the original gearbox and crossply tyres; service manuals; sales brochures; a restorer’s guide for the 1960 year and a full history of its time in Australia, presenting an exceptional opportunity for the Corvette enthusiast to acquire a period correct car at the prestigious Motorclassica auction. This vehicle will be sold unregistered
• Estimate:
  A$120,000 - 140,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.