Chevrolet C1 Corvette Chassis & Drivetrain

This Chevrolet C1 Corvette chassis and drivetrain came from a 1960 model that was acquired by the seller in 1979 and underwent a five-year body-on refurbishment that was completed in 1991. Work performed during and around that time included overhauling and installing a 283ci V8 and four-speed manual transmission as well as refacing the flywheel, repainting the suspension and rear axle, and replacing the ring-and-pinion, clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, U-joints, and axle bearings. The brake wheel cylinders and tires were replaced in 2018. The chassis is further equipped with 15″ steel wheels, a driveshaft, a dual exhaust system, and both front and rear suspension components. Per the seller, the body was removed in 2023 to be used in a modified build. This C1 Corvette chassis and drivetrain is now offered in Boerne, Texas, with spare parts and a bill of sale.

The chassis retains independent coil spring suspension up front, radius rods and outrigger-mounted semi-elliptic leaf springs out back, stabilizer bars at both ends, and shock absorbers all around. Corrosion is noted on exposed metal surfaces of the frame and suspension.

Red-finished 15″ steel wheels wearing chrome spinner-style covers are wrapped in 205/75 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall tires that were mounted in 2018. Drum brakes with replacement wheel cylinders are fitted at all four corners.

The replacement 283ci V8 was overhauled circa 1987 and is equipped with a pair of Carter WCFB four-barrel carburetors, an intake manifold, an alternator, a Delco-Remy distributor, ribbed Corvette-script valve covers, a louvered air cleaner assembly, and a cooling fan as well as ram horn exhaust manifolds and a dual exhaust system minus tailpipes that were cut to facilitate removal of the body.

The engine is said to have come from an Impala, and it carries a September 29, 1959 casting date, a photo of which can be viewed in the gallery. The seller states that the two-letter engine suffix code on the block pad, CT, was restamped to correspond with a Corvette engine. Close-up photos that show additional stampings and castings can also be viewed in the gallery.

The four-speed manual transmission was rebuilt around the same time as the engine to which it is connected and is equipped with both a shifter and shifter linkage. Additional work included replacing the clutch, pressure plate, and pilot bearing as well as refacing the flywheel. A tail shaft housing, a driveshaft, and a rear differential with a replacement ring-and-pinion assembly are also fitted.

The serial number on the chassis was removed.

A radiator, a fuel tank, and a fuel tank cleaning and coating kit are included in the sale, while the pictured wheel dollies are not.