For many collectors, Corvettes that retain their purity of form and power are vehicles to treasure. Introduced for the 1953 model year, America’s sports car remains the centerpiece of many collections and its evolution over the last seven decades, across eight generations, continues to capture the soul of enthusiasts around the globe.
Five very special Corvettes from the Bill Munday Collection, each one showcasing the beauty of the first three generations of the two-seat sports car, will be on the auction block at the January 21-29, 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. All five will be offered at No Reserve, and enthusiasts are encouraged to register to bid today.
The five are:
* A 1953 235/150 (main image), No. 103 of the 300 built, was found in a Pennsylvania estate in 2003, where it had been stored, unrestored and untouched, since the previous owner bought it in 1961. This “barn find” has emerged from a 2,000-hour body-off-frame restoration by the specialists at Jeff’s Resurrections in Taylor, TX. This vehicle features many items unique to the first year of Corvette production, including the valve cover, cigarette lighter, wheel covers, windshield washer foot pump, overflow tank, jack and jack accessories, keys, trunk mat and side curtain bag. All date codes and part numbers on the block, head, water pump, exhaust and intake manifolds, as well as the springs, transmission, rear axle, gauges, clock, carburetors and distributor are correct for the car and to NCRS standards.
*A 1967 Convertible, powered by a big-block 427/435hp engine, is a very correct matching-numbers, documented car that was well-optioned, as noted on the Tank Sticker. Finished in Rally Red with a black leather interior, headrests and top, it features a transistor ignition, 3.55 posi-traction rear end with Z41 suspension, power brakes and dual side pipes. The restoration conforms to NCRS specifications, including the appropriate inspection markings and part tags. This car also sports a set of alloy wheels and red stripe tires.
* A matching-numbers 1963 Split-Window Coupe is powered by an L84 327/360hp fuel-injected engine hooked to an M20 4-speed transmission with a 4.11 rear end. This ‘Vette features independent rear suspension, power windows, electric T3 lighting with aerodynamic function and an AM/FM Wonder Bar radio.
*A 1961 Convertible was treated to a no-expense-spared body-off restoration performed by the early Corvette specialists at Sierra Auto Restoration in Sonoma, CA, at the end of 2006 who prepped and painted in Fawn Beige Metallic. The 270 horsepower 283ci V8 engine, along with its original AFB dual four-barrel carburetors and the four-speed manual transmission were completely rebuilt to GM specification. Brakes, suspension, ball joints and all other steering components were replaced with new. Likewise, all wiring and the harnesses are brand new, while the original gauges and the Wonder Bar radio were completely rebuilt. Only 50 test miles since the restoration.
* A 1954 model is also the product of a no-expense-spared frame-off restoration. It is presented in correct Sportsman Red, with only 100 believed to be delivered in that color with a red interior. It retains its original 235.5/150hp in-line 6-cylinder matched to a Powerglide automatic transmission with floor shifter. The interior features red upholstery and carpeting, and the convertible top is all-new in a beige color. This car has been stored and pampered in a climate-controlled facility for the past 15 years in the Bill Munday Auto Collection.
