That frat comedy romp National Lampoon’s Animal House movie is almost 45 years old. In that time it has maintained its irreverence and comedic edge. Cars were a big part of the movie-especially the Deathmobile Lincoln Continental that ravages the town at the end. But also shining was Blutto’s red 1959 Corvette. After its movie stardom, the Corvette vanished and has never resurfaced. Until now. 

The lost Animal House Corvette has now not only surfaced but is for sale

The lost Animal House Corvette has now not only surfaced but is for sale by consignors Eyes On Classics. In all of this time, it has been sitting in a barn, never seeing the light of day. Never taken out since being returned to the owner the Corvette will now, finally be seen once again.

According to owner Paul Smith, he purchased it in 1975 in Eugene, Oregon, from a dealer and gave it to his wife. He rarely drove it and neither did she. Smith was a “transportation person” when movies were shot in and around Oregon. 

The Corvette was loaned to Universal Studios for four weeks, at $100 a week

Scouting cars for the movie he found out a Corvette was needed and volunteered the red Corvette. The whole process was rather casual. He loaned it to Universal Studios that needed it for four weeks, at $100 a week. After starring in the cult classic it was returned and has been collecting dust in Smith’s barn ever since. 

Now Smith has decided to sell the famous sports car. Not having been driven for decades it will need to be gone through before the next owner can road test it. Not only has the car not been driven but the consignors claim that the car has essentially remained untouched since the movie wrapped. So the interior is as it was left by the Animal House production crew. 

Should the Corvette be left alone or restored?

Whether the new owner decides to just get it running or restore it to a like-new condition we’ll have to wait and see. Once mechanically sound it could be argued that restoring it would erase some of its value, while others would say its current state begs for a restoration. What do you think?

Being stored inside all of this time means that it hasn’t deteriorated too much. Even after over 40 years much of it looks more than just presentable. The good news is that it should get plenty of attention once it is sold. We would even expect it might show up at some Corvette shows and possibly even the Corvette Museum. Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to see the Animal House star yourself.