Vehicle Description
Nobody can say that General Motors wasn't hitting on all eight
cylinders in the 1950s. One brilliant design after another flowed
out of their design studios, and few are more timeless and widely
recognized than the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. With quad headlights,
the contrasting side cove, and exquisite detailing throughout,
these were more than just America's sports car, they were artwork.
This particular C1 has been tastefully modified with some
performance and handling upgrades that make it that much more
special, take a look...
Signet Red was actually quite a popular color in 1958, although
white was still by far the most popular. Given the condition of the
finish, it's hard to believe this car was painted in 2001, but
absolutely suggests that someone has taken exceptional care of this
'Vette ever since. Fit and finish are excellent throughout, with
tight door gaps and smooth panels that don't display the typical
Corvette flaws and imperfections and those white side coves really
pop! And while some may feel that the details on the 1958 models
are excessive, including hood louvers and trunk trim that were
exclusive to this year, it's also what makes these cars unique and
therefore desirable. Of course, there are others who feel that
there's no way to make an early Corvette look bad, and all the trim
is just part of the wonderful decade of the 1950s. Either way, this
is a car that will be the center of attention anywhere it goes.
The red interior was provided with a very thorough makeover in 2001
as well, and although it shows very light signs of use today, it
matches the condition of the exterior aptly. Few will argue against
a red-on-red Corvette, and the look is as timeless as the Corvette
itself. There's not a lot of bolstering to the buckets, but
fortunately seat belts were included for the first time in 1958,
which surely helped keep drivers in place during spirited driving.
Plush carpets and matching door panels give the interior a highly
polished look, while the instruments, which were freshly redesigned
in 1958, have only retained the original speedometer but are
augmented with a modern tach in the center and auxiliary AutoMeter
units at the flanks. The steering wheel looks original, an ornate
piece straight out of Art Deco magazine, and it's easier to get
comfortable with thanks to a recent Ididit steering column and
upgraded power rack-and-pinion steering kit. There is no radio (oh
no, you might have to listen to the purr of the engine and the wind
whistling through your hair!!!) and the Hurst shifter snaps through
the gears with authority. There's also a nice-fitting white
convertible top and red hardtop, making this a very desirable
'Vette that can be driven in all conditions.
The engine is a 350 cubic inch Chevy from 1970 that was fully built
and fits in there like it was designed that way, which shouldn't be
a surprise because this C1 was professionally restored
top-to-bottom. With a dressed-for-show look, it runs beautifully
with upgrades specifically chosen to make it more user-friendly,
including some ZZ4 add-ons and a Comp Cam. Note the Holley carb and
polished intake, the Griffin aluminum radiator, and a new Holley
fuel pump (just to name a few), all working together to make it
reliable and fun to drive. Black Chevrolet valve covers give away
that there may be something mean lurking below, and splashes of
chrome throughout the engine bay make it all look flashy and
sophisticated. Underneath, the chassis has been thoroughly upgraded
in recent years to improve handling, most notably with Jim Meyer
Racing kits providing coilovers and sway bars. Sanderson coated
headers feed into a custom stainless exhaust with chambered
mufflers, providing a burbling soundtrack that attracts the whole
neighborhood. A Borg Warner Super T-10 4-speed manual transmission
shifts rapidly and spins a narrowed 9" rear filled with 3.36 gears,
allowing for both red-light brawls and longer distance cruises.
Finishing the look are American Racing Torque Thrust wheels wrapped
in BFGoodrich white-letter radials.
Early Corvettes have been highly sought-after since they were
little more than just used cars, and it's easy to see why. This C1
is extra special and packed with performance upgrades and the
maintenance records/photographs to prove it. Call today!