The first and second generation Corvettes left an indelible mark on automotive history. First introduced by Chevrolet in 1953, they offered the distinctive American sports car of the time, captivating the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Today these cars are valued at over $100,000 in mint condition, making barn finds like the one in this video alluring.
This video, produced by Colture, on its YouTube channel, begins by extracting a Chevrolet Corvette C1. This is actually the second in the series, with the first starting with a walk around the property, showing several Corvettes left outside under tarpaulins and in sheds, including a 1961 or 1962 race car.
The C1 Corvette was a 1958 through 1960 model with quad headlights and a rounded tail, but it’s hard to tell what year or even what color it was because most of the exterior hardware is missing. Even without the chrome, headlights, bumper and grille, the car looks solid and deserves a restoration. It even comes with the original detachable hardtop that makes driving the C1 Corvette more enjoyable all year round.
With the help of a John Deere tractor, crane and a few people to help, the Corvette C1 was loaded onto a flatbed trailer. The second car is a C2 roadster, also with a hardtop that has stubbornly given up on trying to extract it. The rear wheel locked, and the engine wasn’t even mounted; it just sits atop the front suspension, putting pressure on the steering rack so the front wheels can’t steer.
Finally, the C2 Corvette roadster was hauled out into the day and loaded onto a trailer. Covered in dirt and bird droppings, it gets a pressure wash that reveals the car’s blue paint. The color is darker than the popular Nassau Blue and looks more like Laguna Blue.
It’s fun to think what engine could be swapped out with the Corvette C2, assuming the current engine is beyond salvageable. Modern LS motors are the most popular choice, but we’ve seen the Corvette C2 converted to electric power and even one with the Lamborghini V10.
