1960 Chevrolet Corvette roller project at an Iowa estate-style auction, bid well under C1 project sales

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: this is a black 1960 Corvette with a red interior, sold by Fraise Auction & Real Estate in New London, Iowa as a parts or project car. The lot has no engine or transmission, the VIN shown is 00867S104007, and it comes with a bonded title. When we found it the high bid was $6,725 after 23 bids, and the online sale closes Wednesday, November 4 at 10:00 AM with a soft close. An 18% buyer's premium applies, which puts the current bid at about $7,935 all-in.

C1 Corvette projects are scarce at this price. Non-running projects with an engine have sold on Bring a Trailer for about $25,500 to $38,250 in the past 18 months, and the roughest recent results were $13,000 for a 1954 and $26,250 for a 1960. Without a drivetrain this car belongs at the bottom of that range, and the bid is still well below it. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

The value check

The current bid is $6,725. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $13,000–$26,250, so the middle of the market is about $19,625. That put this car 66% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

Rough C1 Corvette projects have sold for $13,000 (1954, BaT Sep 2026) up to about $26,250 (1960, BaT Oct 2026), with most engine-equipped non-running projects at $25,500-$38,250. With the 18% buyer's premium the current bid is about $7,935 all-in, roughly 60% under the $19,625 midpoint, but this car has no engine or transmission and a bonded title, and bids usually climb before the close.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1954 Corvette project, BaT Sep 2026, $13,000 (classic.com)
• 1960 Corvette project, BaT Oct 2026, $26,250 (classic.com)
• 1962 Corvette 327 non-running project, BaT Aug 2025, $25,750
• 1961 Corvette rolling project, engine uninstalled, BaT May 2025, $38,250
• classic.com C1 Corvette sold results

What to check

• Sold as-is, where-is, with no engine or transmission. Budget for a correct 283 and gearbox, or plan a restomod drivetrain from the start.
• The title is bonded, not a standard clear title. Check how your state handles a bonded title before you bid, and confirm the VIN tag and frame number match.
• Inspect the frame for rust in the kick-ups and rear rails, and check the fiberglass for old crash repairs, cracks around the headlight buckets and a sound firewall and floor.
• Look for missing trim, gauges, wiring and the convertible top frame. C1 trim pieces are expensive to replace.
• Payment is due within one business day by cash, certified check or wire. Pickup is local only in New London, IA (vehicles within 10 days, then $25 per day storage); the auctioneer does not ship.
• Preview was Sunday, November 1. If you cannot see it in person, call the auction company (319-367-5744) for more photos before bidding.

Making it drive like new

A roller with no drivetrain is a natural start for a restomod. A full replacement chassis from Art Morrison, Roadster Shop or SRIII adds independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel discs, and frees you to drop in an LS3 or LT1 with a modern overdrive manual or 4L70E. Keep the body original, add three-point belts, a modern wiring harness and a dual-circuit brake system.

6 builders make a complete chassis for the 1953–62 C1 Corvette. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.