1960 Corvette

The 1960 Corvette looked very much like the 1959 model.
A new rear suspension sway bar improved the car's handling
Aluminum cylinder heads and an aluminum radiator were introduced, but later withdrawn.
Standard equipment included:
- tachometer
- sun visors
- dual exhaust
- carpeting
- seat belts
- outside rearview mirror
- electric clock.
Buyers could choose from eight exterior colors:
- Tuxedo Black (Black, White or Blue soft top)
- Ermine White (Slack, White or Blue soft top)
- Tasco Turquoise (Black, White or Blue soft top)
- Horizon Blue (Black, White or Blue soft top)
- Sateen Silver (Black, White or Blue soft top)
- Cascade Green (Slack, White or Blue soft top)
- Roman Red (Black or White soft top)
- Honduras Maroon (Black soft top)
A new aluminum clutch housing cut the Corvette's weight by 18 pounds.
A larger-diameter front anti-roll bar and new rear bar enhanced ride and handling characteristics of the 1960 model.

V.I.N. NUMBERS

The serial number (Vehicle Identification Number -- VIN) was located on a stainless steel plate welded to the top of the steering column mast under the hood.
Serial numbers ranged from 00867S100001 to 00867S110261

1 to 7	0001001	sequential production number
8	F or T	Flint, MI or Tonawanda, NY
9 to 10	Carburetion & transmission	CQ = 283-cid 230-hp V-8 with 9.5:1 compression ratio, three-speed manual transmission, and four-barrel carburetor CR = 283-cid 275-hp V-8 with 11.0:1 compression ratio, three-speed manual transmission with fuel injection CS = 283-cid 315-hp V-8 with 11.0:1 compression ratio, three-speed manual transmission, high lift camshaft, and fuel injection CT = 283-cid 245-hp V-8 with 9.5:1 compression ratio, three-speed manual transmission and dual four-barrel carburetors CU = 283-cid 270-hp V-8 with 9.5:1 compression ratio, three-speed manual transmission, high-lift camshaft and dual four-barrel carburetors DG = 283-cid 230-hp V-8 with 9.5:1 compression ratio, Powerglide automatic transmission and a four-barrel carburetor DJ = 283-cid 245-hp V-8 with 9.5:1 compression ratio, Powerglide automatic transmission and dual four-barrel carburetors

Corvette engines have the last six digits of the VIN stamped on the block next to the engine number
The body number plate was located on the engine side of the cowl.
The Fisher Body Style Number 60-0867 identifies a Corvette.
The body number is the production serial number of the body.
The trim number indicates the interior trim color and material.
The vinyl upholstery was available in Red, Black, Blue, or Turquoise.
The paint number indicates the color combination.
The seven 1960 Corvette exterior colors were:
- 502A = Horizon Blue
- 504A = Tasco Turquoise
- 506A = Roman Red
- 509A = Sateen Silver
- 510A = Ermine White
- 517A = Cascade Green
- 523A = Honduras Maroon
The body side cove could be painted Silver or White

IDENTIFICATION

Series No.	Body/Style No.	Body Type	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
0800	67	1954 Corvette 2-dr. Roadster 2 passenger	$3872	2840 lb	10,261

ENGINE

Feature	Standard Engine	Optional Engine	Optional Engine	Optional Engine	Optional Engine
Type	V-8, Overhead valve
Block	Cast iron block
Displacement	283 cid
Bore & Stroke	3.87 x 3.00
Compression ratio	9.50:1				10.5:1
Brake horsepower	230 @ 4800 rpm	245	270	275	315
Main bearing	five
Valve lifters	hydraulic				solid
Carburetor	Carter four-barrel Type WCFB Model 3779178	Two four-barrel carbs	Two four-barrel carbs	Rochester fuel injection	Rochester fuel injection

TRANSMISSION

Standard Manual Transmission	Optional Manual Transmission	Automatic Transmission
Close-ratio three-speed manual all-synchromesh transmission with floor-mounted gear shifter	Close-ratio four-speed manual all-synchromesh transmission with floor-mounted gear shifter	Two-speed Powerglide transmission (optional)

CHASSIS

Wheelbase	102 inches (2.591 m)
Overall length	177.2 inches (4.501 m)
Overall width	72.8 inches (1.849 m)
Overall height	51.6 inches (1.318 m)
Front tread	57 inches (1.448 m)
Rear tread	59 inches (1.499 m)
Frame	Welded steel box-section X-braced type
Ground Clearance	6 inches (15 cm)
Wheels	15" steel bolt-on wheels
Tires	6.70 x 15
Front suspension	Independent; unequal-length A-arms; unequal-length wishbones; coil springs; anti-roll bar; tubular shocks
Rear suspension	Live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, tubular shock absorbers
Steering	Saginaw worm-and-ball, 17:1 ratio, 3.7 turns to lock; 38.5 foot turning circle
Rear axle type	Hypoid semi-floating
Brakes	Four-wheel hydraulic, internal-expanding, 11-inch diameter drums, 157 square inches effective lining area (121 square inches with optional sintered metallic linings)
Standard 3-speed axle ratio	3.70:1
Powerglide 2-speed axle ratio	3.55:1
Optional axle ratios	4:11:1, 4.56:1

OPTIONS

	Additional cove color	$16.15
RPO 101	Heater	$102.25
RPO 102	Signal-seeking AM radio	$137.75
RPO 107	Parking brake alarm	$5.40
RPO 108	Courtesy lights	$6.50
RPO 109	Windshield washer	$16.15
RPO 121	Temperature control radiator fan	$21.55
RPO 261	Sunshades	$10.80
RPO 276	Five 15 x 5.5-inch wheels	N/C
RPO 290	6.70 x 15 White sidewall tires	$31.55
RPO 313	Powerglide automatic transmission	$199.10
RPO 419	Auxiliary hardtop	$236.75
RPO 426	Electric power windows	$59.20
RPO 469	283-cid 245-hp dual four-barrel carb V-8 engine	$150.65
RPO 469C	283-cid 270-hp dual four-barrel carburetor V-8 engine	$182.95
RPO 579	V-8 283-cid 275-hp fuel-injection engine	$484.20
RPO 579D	V-8 283-cid 315-hp fuel-injection engine	$484.20
RPO 473	Power-operated folding top mechanism	$139.90
RPO 675	Positraction axle with optional ratio	$43.05
RPO 687	Heavy-duty brakes and suspension	$333.60
RPO 685	Four-speed manual transmission	$188.30
RPO 686	Metallic brakes	$26.90
RPO 1408	Five 6.70 x 15 Nylon tires	$15.75
RPO 686	Metallic brakes	$26.90
RPO 1625A	24-gallon fuel tank	$161.40

HISTORICAL NOTES

The majority of 1960 Corvettes, 50.1 percent, were sold with a detachable hardtop.
Most, 51.9 percent, also had a four-speed manual transmission.
A 1960 Corvette with the 283-cid 230-hp V-8 could go from 0-to-60 in 8.4 seconds and did the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at 89 mph.
The Route 66 television series, featuring Martin Milner and George Maharis driving their 1980 Corvette across the country on the "Mother Road" debuted this season.

1960 CORVETTE