The first-generation Chevrolet Corvette, which was produced between 1953 and 1962, is the most sought-after version of the brand. Since it was the vehicle that began it all, and a few uncommon variations were produced during the lengthy production period. However, the second-generation ‘Vette’s shorter lifespan and more powerful engines also make it very sought-after. In conclusion, it’s quite the find these days to locate a C1 or a C2 in a barn. Regardless of the model year or engine type, these sports vehicles are worth something. In addition, historic cars are in high demand regardless of condition because their value has increased dramatically in recent years. Furthermore, they have been kept in storage for over 40 years!
Why would someone keep classic Corvettes locked up in a barn for decades? As sad as it may sound, some vehicles end up in long-term storage simply because they broke down and the owner didn’t get around to fixing them. Others are left unattended when their owner is too old to drive or passes away. I don’t know what happened here, but these Corvettes look like they haven’t been touched in a very long time.
Both are covered in a thick layer of dust, and the paint underneath is weathered to the point where you can see the fiberglass. They’re also missing components, which indicates they might have been prepared for restoration when parked. What exactly do we have here, you ask? The C1 is a 1958 version, while the C2 is a 1966 convertible.
The Corvette saw its first major facelift in 1958, making it an important year. The facelift incorporated more chrome than previously, a three-piece front grille, and a quad-headlamp configuration. It also has seat belts installed from the factory and a new tach. The 1958 Corvette sold 9,168 units for $3,591. Even though it was the Corvette’s best-selling year at the time, the 1958 sports vehicle is now considered a rare classic due to this statistic.
Unfortunately, I don’t know what’s under the hood (or if the car still has an engine), so it could be any of the 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) V8 Chevy offered that year. The options list was quite diverse, with various drivetrain setups ranging from 230 to 290 horsepower. The latter came with the now-iconic Ramjet fuel injection system.
The C2 parked behind the C1 in the barn saw daylight for the 1966 model year, the next to last for the second generation. The Corvette had become an increasingly popular rig at the time, moving more than 20,000 units yearly. In 1966, Chevrolet sold 27,720 cars, the best year for the C2.
While it did not bring important changes design-wise, 1966 was a big year for the Corvette in terms of performance. Specifically, it’s the year that welcomed the 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) big-block V8 to the lineup. And this Corvette is equipped with one such unit.
That year, Chevrolet offered two 427 V8s: the L72, which could produce 425 horsepower, and the L36, which could produce 390 horsepower. This one appears to be an L36, making it one among the 5,116 units sold in 1966 that had this engine. However, because of its Laguna Blue exterior, it’s actually rarer than that. In particular, just 2,054 Chevrolet vehicles in this hue were sold. We’re most likely looking at one of the less than 500 cars produced if we take into account the engine, the color, and the drop-top configuration.
But the really good news is that our host freed both Corvettes from the barn. It’s unclear if they will get restored to their original specifications, but at least they will be returned to the road soon. See them getting rescued after more than 40 years in a barn in the videos below. The second one also includes first-wash footage for the C2 if you’re into that.