Restomod & Classic Corvettes Battle At Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Columbus Big-Tent Takeover

The Midwest officially caught Corvette fever this past weekend as Barrett-Jackson brought its legendary, high-octane automotive lifestyle event to the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds for the historic, first-ever Inaugural Columbus Auction. More than 60,000 passionate fans packed into the fairgrounds, creating an electric, Scottsdale-level energy that carried all 550 vehicles on the docket to Barrett-Jackson’s signature 100% no-reserve sell-through success. When the dust settled on Saturday evening, total vehicle sales soared past $37 million.

Corvettes Steal The Spotlight

Every time Barrett-Jackson rolls into town, the CorvSport team is eager to see what stories the Corvette market has to tell. We followed the action live on Saturday, and there is still nothing quite like the rhythm of a Barrett-Jackson auctioneer firing through bids as one Corvette after another charges onto the stage. For this exclusive big-tent coverage, we’re diving into a fascinating battle between factory-original classics and the ever-growing Restomod movement. If you’ve been following our recent market coverage, the outcome may not surprise you. Once again, Restomod and custom Corvettes outperformed their unmolested counterparts, reinforcing a trend we’ve been watching build across the hobby. And when it comes to showcasing world-class custom builds, few venues rival Barrett-Jackson’s unmatched no-reserve stage.

Bargains, Oddballs, And Everything In Between

Of course, the biggest sales are only part of the story. Some of the most memorable moments come from the unexpected discoveries hidden throughout the docket. Along with breaking down the Restomod-versus-classic showdown, we’ll reveal what we believe was the biggest Corvette bargain of the Columbus auction, plus shine the spotlight on perhaps the most unusual—and downright weirdest—Corvette to cross the block all weekend. But before we unpack the numbers, surprises, and standout sales, let’s set the stage with a fantastic recap video from Barrett-Jackson that captures the excitement of this inaugural Columbus event.

♦ The Inaugural 2026 Columbus Auction Recap Video

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The Top 3 Custom/Restomod Corvette Sales

#3 — 1962 Corvette Custom Convertible

Hammer Price: $165,000

♦Listing Details:

“This custom 1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by an LS6 Z06 505hp V-8 crate engine paired with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission. The frame-off build rides on a custom-fabricated partial chassis with modern QA1 coilover suspension and a red powder-coated frame. Additional mechanical features include a Classic Corvette custom shifter, Vintage Air system with polished components, a Front Runner polished under-pulley system, custom polished Borla mufflers, fully polished engine and transmission, a custom Corvette engine cover and a custom polished exhaust system.

Exterior features include custom-tinted auto glass, triple-plated chrome, highly polished stainless trim, a black canvas convertible top and 19-inch Schott custom aluminum wheels with two-bar spinners wrapped in Diamond Back custom red-line radial tires. The interior is trimmed in custom Italian Red leather and features a leather-wrapped custom Corvette steering wheel, Classic Industries custom gauges and tachometer, modern electric power window motors, custom Daytona Red leather-bound carpets and floor mats, a finished trunk area with Daytona Red leather-bound carpeting, a custom audio stereo system and a built-in subwoofer in the trunk area.”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

#2 — 1956 Corvette Custom Convertible

Hammer Price: $165,000

♦Listing Details:

“This 1956 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible is powered by a ZZ4-based 383ci V-8 engine with dual-quad induction and a four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Performance upgrades include MSD ignition and headers. The frame has been fully restored as part of the build. and was upgraded with tubular front suspension, coilovers and rack-and-pinion steering. Exterior features include shaved door handles with custom door poppers and a removable hardtop. The all-new white interior includes a Lokar shifter, custom tachometer and upgraded stereo system.”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

#1 — 1967 Corvette Custom Coupe

Hammer Price: $198,000

♦Listing Details:

“This custom 1967 Chevrolet Corvette is powered by a 600hp LS3 6.2-liter V-8 engine paired with a Tremec Transzilla six-speed manual transmission. The body was converted to a flush-mounted 1963 Split-Window-style rear glass and windshield configuration. The engine is equipped with a cold-air intake system, along with headers and side exhaust. Power is transferred through a Winters quick-change rear end. The car rides on a full tube chassis with C7 suspension and QA1 coilover shocks. Additional mechanical features include power steering and C7 Z06 four-wheel disc brakes.

Finished in black with a red Stinger hood, the exterior is complemented by side exhaust and custom styling details. The interior features custom Z06 power seats, power windows, an electronic parking brake, a Billet Specialties steering wheel, a Flaming River tilt steering column and a Vintage Air climate-control system. This custom build was completed in 2016 by Factory Hot Rods in Sharonville, Ohio, with paint applied by Boitnott’s Paint and Body in Cincinnati, Ohio. This Corvette received the Best Engineered Street Machine award at the 2016 Cincinnati ISCA World of Wheels show (award not included with the sale). From Nyle Maxwell’s Vehicles Unique Collection. Title branded as Non-Actual Warning: Odometer Discrepancy.”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

The Top 3 Classic Corvette Sales

#3 — 1958 Corvette Convertible

Hammer Price: $88,000

♦Listing Details:

“This 1958 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a 283ci V-8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Signet Red with white coves over a black interior and black convertible top, it includes the 1958-only trunk spear trim and washboard-style louvered hood. This Corvette is equipped with an AM radio, 17-inch steering wheel, aluminum valve covers, defroster, clock, tachometer, carter carburetor, spinner hubcaps and 15-inch bias-ply wide whitewall tires.”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

#2 — 1956 Corvette Convertible

Hammer Price: $88,000

♦Listing Details:

“This 1956 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a 265ci V-8 engine equipped with dual Carter four-barrel carburetors paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Engine features include an aluminum intake manifold, finned valve covers and dual exhaust. This Corvette is finished in Cascade Green with beige coves and chrome accents, and has a white convertible top, full-size spinner wheel covers, wide whitewall tires and a beige interior. This Corvette has been stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse and maintained as part of a collection. It is one of 290 finished in Cascade Green for the model year. **VIN NOTICE: THIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS A VIN THAT MAY – DEPENDING ON THE STATE OF REGISTRATION – REQUIRE THE BUYER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND BE SUBJECT TO A STATE-ISSUED VIN AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THAT STATE**”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

*No other pictures were provided by Barrett-Jackson

#1 — 1955 Corvette Convertible

Hammer Price: $132,000

♦Listing Details:

“This 1955 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is powered by a correct 265ci V-8 engine and Powerglide automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. An NCRS Top Flight Award winner, scoring 94.2 points, it is No. 629 of 700 Corvettes produced for 1955 and one of only 180 finished in Gypsy Red. The comprehensive restoration was completed using factory-correct materials throughout. The chrome and stainless trim were restored to show-quality condition.

Exterior features include a beige canvas folding soft-top and correct chromed side windows stored in the factory trunk-mounted bag. The light beige interior was restored using factory-correct materials and includes an AM radio and restored gauges. Additional features include the correct spare tire and jack. This Corvette has been driven 1,908 miles since restoration. 265 V8 Block casting #3703524 Dated B 28 5, Intake Manifold #3711348 dated H 23 5, Transmission casting # 3708134 dated H 10 5, Original Delco Master Cylinder #5456022 with” Large 022”, Original #086 Coil, Distributor #1110847, Carter WCFB 2366s.”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

CorvSport’s Top Pick For Bargain of The Day

1971 Corvette LS5 Custom Coupe

Hammer Price: $22,000

♦Listing Details:

“This custom 1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 is powered by a roller 454ci V-8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors mated to a rebuilt Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood four-wheel power disc brakes. The aftermarket L88 hood was modified. Exterior features include T-tops, a removable rear window and American Racing wheels with BFGoodrich tires. Interior appointments include bucket seats, a console, factory tachometer and a tilt and telescopic steering column.”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

Our Selection For The Most Unique Corvette

1982 Corvette Custom Coupe

Hammer Price: $19,250

♦Listing Details:

“This custom 1982 Chevrolet Corvette is powered by a 5.7-liter fuel-injected Cross-Fire V-8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This Zimmer-style Corvette was stretched 18 inches using a second frame from a donor car. The custom conversion combines Corvette underpinnings with Zimmer-inspired luxury styling and custom bodywork. Exterior features include a long-nose design, wire wheels, wide whitewall tires and fender-mounted spare tires.”

♦ The Full Barrett-Jackson Listing

The CorvSport Takeaway

Every Barrett-Jackson auction seems to leave us with another chapter in the ever-evolving Corvette market story, and Columbus was no exception. Between record-quality Restomods, overlooked bargains, and one of the strangest customs we’ve seen in quite some time, the inaugural Ohio event delivered exactly what makes these big-tent auctions so addictive. No matter how many sales we cover, there’s always another surprise waiting just beyond the next Corvette rolling onto the block.

Restomods Continue To Dominate The Market

If there was one clear takeaway from Columbus, it’s that premium Restomods continue to set themselves apart from traditional classics. The top three custom builds—a 1967 Coupe at $198,000, a 1956 Convertible at $165,000, and a 1962 Convertible at $165,000—combined for an incredible $528,000 in sales. Compare that to the top three unmolested classics, where a 1955 Convertible led the way at $132,000, followed by a 1956 Convertible and a 1958 Convertible at $88,000 each, for a total of $308,000. That’s a staggering $220,000 advantage for the Restomod segment, outperforming the classics by more than 71%.

Even more interesting, and ironic? Our favorite bargain of the auction was also a custom. That LS5 big-block Custom Coupe crossing the block for just $22,000—including Barrett-Jackson’s 15% buyer’s premium—looks like an absolute steal considering everything the new owner took home. Proof once again that while the best Restomods command huge money, patient buyers can still uncover tremendous value.

The Oddballs Keep Us Coming Back

Then there was that unforgettable 1982 Zimmer-style Corvette—a build so wonderfully over-the-top that it’s impossible not to appreciate the craftsmanship, even if it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Stretched by 18 inches using a second donor car’s frame, the conversion transformed a C3 into a luxury cruiser complete with Zimmer-inspired styling, a dramatic long-nose front end, wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, fender-mounted spare tires, and one of the most distinctive silhouettes we’ve seen cross a major auction stage. At just $19,250, you could even argue it deserved the bargain crown itself. And that’s exactly why CorvSport keeps coming back to these big-tent events. Whether it’s a six-figure Restomod rewriting the market, an overlooked value hiding in plain sight, or a delightfully quirky custom that leaves everyone talking, there’s always another fascinating Corvette story waiting around the corner.

Thanks for being with us today on this Corvette journey. If you enjoy what you see, we’d love for you to join the CorvSport movement!