By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, Craigslist

The sight is a familiar one, a stalled project in the driveway, covered in varying shades of primer, with retro wheels and obsolete old tires. I can picture dozens of muscle cars that I’ve seen over the years that fit that description, but this D&D Corvette Grand Sport project is different. It’s a contemporary replica vehicle, albeit an aging one, but it still invokes the same excitement as any other primer-clad classic car project. With progress stalled, the Grand Sport is up for grabs here on Fort Myers Craigslist for $14,500.

Originally supplied by D&D Corvette, this 1963 Grand Sport replica comes with a custom tube chassis, Corvette C4 suspension components and fiberglass bodywork with the requisite flares and scoops. D&D disappeared back in the early 2000s, but their cars are still respected tributes and can command premium prices.

This project car on Craigslist has a long way to go, but it’s likely to gather plenty of interest given its price point — which is a fraction of most any other Grand Sport. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is an easy alternative, as you’ll be investing plenty in sweat equity to get the car up and running. In fact, it seems like disassembling the car and restarting would be the most appropriate start based on the seller’s description, as they’ve stated that the suspension, steering rack and other parts are only mocked up. It’s also clear from the photos that the body will require professional fitting and prep, and the glass installation isn’t quite complete given the duct tape surrounding it.

But like many of you, we’re not deterred by a little hard work, and there’s a ton of potential hiding in this car. It looks like most of the hard-to-find parts are included, and it’s already starting to take shape as a Grand Sport. The parts all seem to be in decent condition as well, and the chassis looks factory fresh, suggesting this D&D spent a good part of its life in the garage instead of the driveway.

You’ll need a few big-ticket items along the way Grand Sport, and that’s when you’ll need to make a choice — all-out, high dollar build, or continue down the budget-build route. While that choice will fall on the car’s next owner, I see this Grand Sport as a fun and fast budget bruiser. With American Racing VN309 TT O Torq Thrust wheels, some affordable vintage rubber and a hot Chevrolet small block under the hood, you could have a fun, nostalgic looking Grand Sport for $40,000 or so — provided you’re willing to do the work.

See the seller's ad here on Craigslist.