First Corvette of the ’60s to be auctioned

The first Corvette of the 1960s, Serial # 0001, will be sold at auction on Friday, May 15 as part of Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction. Now in its 22nd year, the auction will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E 38th Street, Indianapolis, Ind., from May 13 - 17, 2009.

This Corvette’s '60s lineage certainly started off in high style: the exterior carries the same smooth styling of previous years, and is the last model to feature single-lens taillights integrated into the rounded rear contours. Up front, chromed headlight bezels and the famous chromed-tooth grille were also making their last appearance.

Overall it is the cleanest iteration of the three-year run for this styling theme, and this car is fittingly finished in the popular combination of Ermine White with a white convertible top. Wide whitewall tires add significantly to the car’s visuals. A striking red interior highlights the various upholstered, painted and chromed surfaces inside. Two non-standard features provide subtle hints to the Corvette’s performance: a 160 mph speedometer and an 8,000 rpm tachometer.

Buyers could choose from five 283 cubic-inch engines for 1960 beginning with the base 230hp version. This car is equipped with the strongest available, the fuel-injected 283 V-8 with 11.0:1 compression and a solid-lifter “Duntov” cam. A free-revving screamer that cranks out over 290 horses at 6,200 rpm, it required the optional heavy-duty Borg Warner T-10 4-speed to properly handle its power. With the right gearing, this combination could haul the Corvette to quarter-mile times in the low fourteens.

The first Corvette of the '60s, this incomparable convertible is impeccable thanks to a three-year restoration to the highest standards.

If you can't make it to Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction in person, it will be carried live on HD Theater, a Discovery Network.

To get more information about this car and the auction go to: www.mecum.com

CLICK HERE to tell us what you think in the Old Cars Weekly forums