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Most Valuable Classic Corvettes Ever Sold

Back in 1953, Chevrolet changed sports car history with the introduction of the very first Chevrolet Corvette. Over its illustrious history, Chevrolet has produced more than 1.5 million Corvettes—a remarkable feat for a performance vehicle. While many Corvettes are iconic in their own right, some models stand out as rarer and more valuable, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

1953 Corvette – $660,000

1953 Chevrolet Corvette 1536x864
Photo Credit: Silodrome

The 1953 Corvette is honored to be the car that started it all. Chevrolet produced just 300 examples in this inaugural year, all featuring white exteriors with red interiors and powered by a modest six-cylinder engine. Fewer than 100 of these groundbreaking vehicles are estimated to remain today, which explains their sky-high value. Owning a 1953 Corvette is like owning a piece of automotive history.

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Collectors’ Dreams: The Scarcest Porsches Ever Produced

Porsche is synonymous with excellence in sports car engineering, with millions of 911s sold globally. Yet, beyond its iconic models, Porsche has produced several ultra-rare vehicles that have become legends among enthusiasts. Let’s explore these exceptional creations.

1. Porsche 911 ST (1969-1972) Production: 24 Cars

Abt Classic 10 Large.jpeg
Photo Credit: Studttcars

The 911 ST, an early racing-focused model, was a lightweight marvel, tipping the scales at just 800 kg. It features an enhanced engine and competition-tuned suspension and catered to both circuit and rally racing. Available as an optional M471 package through Porsche dealerships, its high price limited its appeal, and production ended after only 24 units.

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350-Powered 1940 Ford Deluxe Business Coupe

This 1940 Ford Deluxe business coupe has been modified with the installation of a 350ci V8, a Weber carburetor, a three-speed automatic transmission, a Mustang II–style front suspension, coil springs, multilink rear suspension, a Chevrolet rear end, power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drums, and a dual exhaust system as well as tilt steering, air conditioning, VDO instrumentation, and a Sony cassette stereo. Finished in red over red leather, the car also has rear jump seats, body-color 15″ steel wheels, bright hubcaps and trim rings, and whitewall tires. The car was purchased by the current owner in 2013, and modifications are said to have been completed in 2014. This ’40 Ford street rod is now offered in Delaware on dealer consignment with a clean Montana title under the owner’s LLC.

The bodywork is finished in red and features a two-piece windshield, dual windshield wipers, dual side mirrors, Deluxe badging, horizontal grille slats, running boards, a split rear window, chrome bumpers, and dual exhaust outlets.

Body-color 15″ steel wheels with bright hubcaps and trim rings are mounted with 225/75 Coker whitewall tires. A Mustang II–style front end with rack-and-pinion steering has been adapted, while a multilink rear suspension is teamed with adjustable coilovers. Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The red leather upholstery is complemented by a color-coordinated painted dashboard, upholstered door panels, and darker-colored carpeting. Interior appointments include aluminum trim, a Sony AM/FM/cassette stereo, a glovebox, and air conditioning.

Opera-style rear jump seats are accessible by tilting the split-back front bench seat forward.

The red-rimmed steering wheel is attached to a tilting column and sits ahead of VDO gauges including a 120-mph speedometer and readouts for fuel level, amperage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 16k miles, approximately 3k of which were added under current ownership; true chassis mileage is unknown.

The trunk compartment is trimmed to match the interior.

The 350ci V8 is said to have been installed as part of the build that was completed in 2014. The engine is augmented by an aluminum intake manifold, a Weber- and Magneti Marelli–branded carburetor, an open-element air cleaner, and red-accented rocker covers. The battery was replaced and the oil was changed in preparation for the sale.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission and a 1957 Chevrolet rear end.

The VIN listed on the Montana title is 185700781, which is visible on the frame stamp shown above and corresponds with a 1940 Ford Deluxe.

No Reserve: 392-Powered 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe by Brizio Street Rods

This 1934 Ford 3-window coupe was built by Roy Brizio Street Rods of South San Francisco, California, utilizing a reproduction steel body from Steve’s Auto Restorations. Commissioned by the current owner’s family in 2007, the car rides on a boxed steel frame and is powered by a 392ci Ford Racing V8 joined to a five-speed manual transmission. Inside, red leather upholstery installed at Sid Chavers is accompanied by woodgrain trim, a Hurst shifter, a banjo-style steering wheel, and AutoMeter gauges. Other highlights include a rumble seat, full fenders, 15” and 16” steel wheels, finned drum brakes, an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, dual four-barrel carburetors, Patriot exhaust headers, and MSD ignition components. After the build was completed, the car won its class at the 2009 Grand National Roadster Show and was selected as Street Rodder magazine’s “Best Ford in a Ford” according to the selling dealer. This Ford street rod is now offered on dealer consignment at no reserve with build records, spare parts, and a clean California title.

The steel body was stripped and modified with a custom-fabricated transmission tunnel and floors during the build, and the frame was boxed and reinforced with tubular crossmembers before being powder-coated in black. Epoxy primer was applied before the car was finished in black with red pinstriping at Camilleri’s Auto Works, and brightwork was refinished by Sherm’s Custom Plating. Exterior details include a louvered hood, a black roof covering, coach doors, full fenders, running boards, and a chrome grille insert, headlight buckets, and bumpers.

Red-finished 15” front and 16” rear steel wheels have polished hubcaps and trim rings and are mounted with 195/65 and 245/70 Goodyear Eagle LS tires, respectively. The car rides on transverse leaf springs, and the dropped front axle was powder-coated along with the radius rods. A Vega steering box was installed, and braking is handled by finned aluminum drums at all four corners assisted by a booster mounted below the floor.

The cabin was trimmed in red leather tuck-and-roll upholstery at Sid Chavers, and Dynamat Xtreme sound-deadening material was applied under the bound carpets. The dashboard and window frames wear a painted woodgrain finish, and a Hurst double-bend shifter was installed. The wiring harness was replaced, and the window regulators were rebuilt during the build.

The Juliano’s banjo-style steering wheel is mounted to a LimeWorks column and frames AutoMeter instrumentation consisting of a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 2k miles, which is said to represent the distance added since the build was completed.

The rumble seat is trimmed to complement the cabin, and the lid latch is released by an interior handle.

The 392ci Ford Racing V8 features an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, dual four-barrel carburetors, and finned aluminum valve covers with red-finished recesses. The coated stainless-steel dual exhaust system incorporates Patriot short-tube headers, and other equipment includes a finned air cleaner lid, a 130-amp alternator, an electric cooling fan, and an MSD distributor and ignition module.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, a custom-fabricated driveshaft, and a banjo rear end.

Photos taken at various stages of the build are presented in the gallery along with historical documents and spare interior components that will accompany the car.

350-Powered ’30 Ford Model A Coupe Street Rod

This ’30 Ford Model A is a steel-bodied coupe that was built into a street rod between 2020 and 2022. According to the seller the build costs ~$63k and entailed installing a TCI custom chassis, and power-assisted disc brakes. The car was built with a supercharged 383ci V8, but since that time a 350ci V8 has been installed. Inside the chopped and lowered Apple Red Kandy body the driver is provided a Bluetooth-capable stereo, a Flaming River tilt column, power windows, and custom leather upholstery, and the car also has a ’32 radiator, an aluminum radiator, and a four-link rear end. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2024, this Model A is now offered with a clean Oklahoma title listing the car as a 1930 Ford street rod.

The steel body has been chopped and lowered, and it is mounted on a TCI frame. The body was painted House of Kolor Apple Red Kandy in 2021, and it has a ’32 grille shell, a windshield visor, and Lokar door and trunk hinges. The seller notes three touched-up paint chips.

The car rides on a TCI frame with a four-link rear end, radius rods with a transverse leaf spring and a drop axle up front, and chromed Wilwood disc brakes. It rides on 15″ Torq Thrust wheels, which were mounted in September 2024.

The interior features custom leather upholstery, and Lokar pedals have been installed along with cup holders, power windows, and a Bluetooth-capable stereo.

The Ford-logo steering wheel is mounted on a Flaming River tilt column. Pete and Jake’s gauges have been installed, and the ~5,600 miles indicated represent the distance driven since completion of the build.

The engine is listed as a 383ci V8 on the build plaque, but the seller states that motor was quickly replaced with a 350ci V8. The seller believes it is a four-bolt main motor that was sourced from an early 70s Camaro or Corvette. It is topped by a polished intake and a single 600CFM Edelbrock carburetor. MSD ignition, billet pulleys, tubular headers, and an aluminum radiator were also utilized. The battery was replaced in August 2024, and the oil was changed in September 2024.

The car has a TH350 automatic linked to a Ford 9″ rear.

The stamped plaque lists some specifications and the VIN of AA3613223. The car is listed as a 1930 Ford on the title, which carries a Street Rod remark.

1934 Ford Tudor Sedan Street Rod

This 1934 Ford Tudor Sedan street rod was built approximately 17 years ago utilizing a chopped steel body that is finished in black with red flame-style pinstripes. The frame has been fitted with a Heidt’s Mustang II-style front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, 17″ and 18″ REV wheels, front disc brakes, and a three-speed automatic transmission. Power comes from a 350ci Chevy V8 that is fed by a Carter carburetor and fitted with “ram horn” headers and a billet air cleaner cover and valve covers. The interior is trimmed in red cloth upholstery and incorporates VDO instrumentation, billet bezels, a tilt column, a Lecarra steering wheel, a Lokar shifter, and a retro-style radio. Acquired by the seller in 2021, this Ford street rod is offered with a clean New Jersey title in the seller’s name.

The steel Tudor Sedan body was chopped approximately 2.5″ and fitted with fiberglass fenders before being finished in black with red flame pinstripes under prior ownership. Exterior details include chrome headlight housings and bumpers, a recessed license plate box, reverse-hinged doors, teardrop taillights, and tinted windows. There are no windshield wipers installed, the driver’s door is misaligned, and paint blemishes are visible on the cowl, grille, and above the left running board.

Chrome 17” and 18” REV 100 Classic Series wheels are mounted with Nankang Noble Sport NS-20 tires measuring 205/45 up front and 245/45 out back. A Mustang II-style Heidt’s front end has been installed along with rack-and-pinion steering, tubular control arms, and front disc brakes.

The interior is trimmed in red cloth upholstery and features a Lecarra steering wheel mounted to a tilt column in addition to a Lokar shifter, hand-crank windows, and dual cupholders. A Ford-branded retro-style radio is mounted in the center of the dashboard and is linked with tweeters above the windshield and speakers in the front kick and rear side panels.

VDO instrumentation is housed in three billet bezels across the dashboard and includes a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, an analog clock, and readouts for coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltage, and fuel level. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 24k miles, approximately 2k of which have been added under current ownership.

The 350ci Chevy V8 was installed in 2007 during the build, and it is equipped with a Carter carburetor, “ram horn” headers, a billet air cleaner cover and valve covers, and a chrome alternator and electric fan. The seller states fluid and filter changes were performed in 2022.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. A dual exhaust system with chrome tips is fitted.

The vehicle is titled in New Jersey by VIN DMV30183 as displayed on the Tennessee assigned identification plate above.

Factory Five Racing ’33 Hot Rod

This Factory Five Racing ’33 Hot Rod utilizes a composite body over a steel chassis and is powered by a 4.6-liter Ford V8 with a BBK intake manifold, Trick Flow valve covers, an MSD ignition, and a stainless-steel dual exhaust system. It rides on adjustable coilovers with a four-link rear suspension setup, inboard front coilovers with rocker arms, four-wheel disc brakes, and 17” REV Wheels. Finished in midnight blue with ghosted flames and gray leather upholstery, the car also has a Vintage Air HVAC system, chrome roll hoop, Pioneer touchscreen head unit, and a removal hardtop that stows on an included stand when not in use. This FFR ’33 Hot Rod was acquired by the current owner on BaT in October 2023 and is now offered on dealer consignment with factory assembly manuals, spare parts, a cover, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name listing the car as a 2017 Assembled Vehicle.

The composite body is styled to resemble a 1933 Ford Roadster, and it is finished in midnight with ghosted flames on the hood, side panels, and front fenders. Exterior details also include rear-hinged doors, LED taillights, a chrome roll bar, and dual exhaust outlets.

A body-color removable hardtop with an integrated windshield and stand will accompany the vehicle.

REV 17” Wheels are mounted with Nitto NT555 Extreme ZR tires sized 245/45 up front and 285/40 out back. The car rides on adjustable coilovers and features a four-link rear suspension setup, inboard front coilovers with rocker arms, and four-wheel disc brakes.

The cabin houses bucket seats trimmed in gray leather upholstery. A US Shift Quick 1 digital shift controller is mounted in the center console, and additional amenities include a Vintage Air HVAC system and a dash-mounted Pioneer touchscreen head unit wired to dual Crunch Powerzone amplifiers in the trunk and Skar speakers between the seats and in the door panels.

A Factory Five Racing steering wheel features bright accents and sits ahead of a central instrument panel housing AutoMeter gauges that include a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary displays. The digital odometer shows approximately 1,450 miles, which represents the distance driven since completion.

The 4.6-liter V8 was reportedly sourced from a 2002 Ford Mustang and features a BBK intake manifold, Trick Flow valve covers, an MSD ignition, and a stainless-steel dual exhaust system. The Odyssey battery was replaced in October 2023, and the selling dealer reports that the injection system was repaired following the last auction.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via an FR70W four-speed automatic transmission.

The car is titled using the State of Ohio-assigned VIN shown above. The title lists the car as a 2017 assembled vehicle and carries a Not Actual Mileage remark.

Pick of the Day: LS2-Powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible

When it comes to human beings, it is easy to fall in line and be part of the pack. The ones that stand out do so because they approach life in a different manner. That also holds true with the hot rods and customs that we build – a lot feels the same. Those who show a dose of creativity may be more likely to capture our attention like our Pick of the Day, an LS2-powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu convertible. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Jacksonville, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)

1968 Caprice with optional hidden headlights

Starting with the 1962 Lotus Elan, hidden headlights would soon become a “thing,” with the Chevrolet Corvette following the next model year. This styling feature would last into the early years of the Millennium. Mainstream vehicle adoption of hidden headlights appears to have begun with the 1965 Buick Riviera, while the most mainstream of brands, Chevrolet, never joined the bandwagon the way other manufacturers did. We all know that the 1967-69 Camaro with the Rally Sport package featured hidden headlights; much less common was the 1968-69 Caprice and 1969 Kingswood Estate wagon with the option.

Notice that the Chevelle never acquired hidden headlights. That seems to have eschewed other trends as well during that era, such as spoilers. Even air induction – something that was available for the GTO starting in 1965 – never became a thing until 1970. The Cowl Induction system that was available through 1972 became one of the more efficient systems on the market.

For 1971, Chevrolet facelifted the Chevelle, reflecting the influence of the 1970-½ Camaro, including its dual headlights and round taillights. Under the hood was another big change because General Motors decided to introduce low-compression engines a year earlier than the federal mandate. The Super Sport also became a watered-down package, now available with 350 two-barrel and four-barrel engines in addition to the big-blocks. The LS3 400 (really, 402ci) was rated at 300 horsepower, while two 454s were available: the LS5 454, which increased by five horses to 365 horsepower (though that was advertised and not on paper), while the LS6 fell to 425, which still was quite substantial. However, for some reason, the LS6 was only installed in the Corvette.

Coming full circle, here we have a very nice LS2-powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu convertible with what looks to be hidden headlights. Clearly this was not available from the factory, but the builder created a graceful look that gives 1969 Camaro RS vibes. “Nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration completed in 2015 by Mike Staveski of RMR Dream Cars/Time Machines in Hudson, Florida,” says the seller. “This 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle was a standout at the 2015 SEMA Ignited after-party held on Friday, November 6 with a crowd of hundreds in attendance. The car was also the star of the Atech Motorsports stand at SEMA, wowing onlookers with its blend of classic Chevelle styling and 21st century craftsmanship.”

Power comes from an all-aluminum LS2 with a Rootes-type Magnuson supercharger backed by a 4L60E four-speed automatic. Out back, you’ll find a 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears and Positraction. Other features include four-wheel disc brakes and QA1 adjustable coilovers.

In black lacquer with ghosted SS stripes and red accents, this Chevelle looks great with its full-width grille and the best that modernity has to offer . . . plus it has SEMA cred! Creativity and quality do not come cheap, however, which is why you will need $114,999 to own this special Chevelle.

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.

Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition Stops By Jay Leno’s Garage

The Lamborghini Countach is a car Jay Leno knows intimately. He’s owned a 1987 example since new, and over the almost four decades the car has been in his possession, he’s managed to rack up more than 70,000 miles. That’s impressive for a man with a car collection as vast as the one owned by Leno.

Leno has now featured a Countach 25th Anniversary Edition on the latest episode of his online series “Jay Leno’s Garage.” The car is a 1989 example finished in a similar shade of red to Leno’s Countach, and with a black interior.

The Countach 25th Anniversary Edition was launched in 1988 to mark Lamborghini’s 25th birthday, and had a production run that numbered 658 examples in total.

It’s distinguished from the earlier Countach Quattrovalvole (QV), which Leno owns, by unique front and side spoilers and modified air vents, some of which was designed by Pagani CEO and founder Horacio Pagani, who was working for Lamborghini at the time.

Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition

Drive comes from a 5.2-liter V-12 delivering 455 hp, and capable of carrying the car to a top speed of 183 mph. The tires fitted were the widest fitted to any production car of its time, measuring 225/50 at the front and 345/35 at the rear.

The Countach 25th Anniversary Edition came at the tail end of the Countach’s run. The car’s successor, the Diablo, entered production in 1990. Incredibly, the Countach had a production run that lasted almost two decades. The first prototype, designed by Marcello Gandini, was shown as early as the 1971 Geneva auto show. It was a hit, and the start of production followed in 1974.

Lamborghini in recent years used the iconic design of the Countach for a modern iteration based on the platform of the Aventador. The car debuted in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Countach prototype’s debut, and just 112 were built, the number referencing the LP 112 model designation used during development of the original Countach.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1960 Chevrolet Corvette 4-Speed

Featured on AutoHunter.com, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette. It was given a frame-up restoration in 2012 that consisted of the body being repainted, a new soft top being installed, and the engine being rebuilt. Power is supplied by a 283ci V8, which is connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. Finished in red and white over a black vinyl interior, this C1 Corvette comes with a clear title in the seller’s name.

The body was previously yellow but was repainted red with white coves and fitted with a new white soft top as part of the 2012 restoration. Features include chrome trim, a driver-side mirror, a plastic rear window, and a rear antenna. 

A set of 15-inch wheels wrapped in 205/75 Coker Classic whitewall radial tires connect this first-generation Corvette to the road. 

Black vinyl covers the pair of bucket seats inside. The cockpit is equipped with manual windows, a Corvette-branded three-spoke steering wheel, and a clock. The trunk has room for a spare tire. According to the seller, the Wonder Bar radio is nonoperational. 

Vehicle information is displayed on a 160-mph speedometer, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, temperature, battery, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 39,446 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown. 

In 2012, the 283ci V8 was rebuilt during the restoration process. It comes equipped with an aftermarket carburetor and sends its power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.  

Suspension hardware includes an independent front setup and a parallelogram rear design with semi-elliptic outrigger-mounted leaf springs. Manual brakes bring this Corvette to a stop. The engine breathes through a pair of rear bumper-mounted exhaust outlets. 

The seller notes the presence of various interior blemishes, a small tear in the driver’s door weatherstripping, and surface rust on the rear sway bar. 

The following items will come with the purchase of the vehicle:

  • White hardtop with storage stand and dust cover
  • Original dual carburetors and intake manifold
  • Restoration and operating manuals
  • Parts reference guide

The auction for this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette ends on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).        

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery