To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$85,000 - $95,000
- A stylish and meticulously rendered Corvette C1 restomod
- One of 9,760 examples produced in 1959
- Later 350 cu. in. V-8 engine; five-speed manual
transmission
- Chassis by Art Morrison; many modern features and
amenities
- Over $150,000 US of recent invoices
It was widely acknowledged by the motoring press that the 1959
Corvette was extremely well executed, both in form and function.
Although the first series cars that were built from 1953 to 1955
introduced Corvette to the world, it was the restyled second
series, which debuted in 1956, that truly earned the title
"America's Sports Car." The clean good looks of Harley Earl's new
body design struck a chord with the American public, and the second
generation quickly outsold its predecessor by a wide margin.
This stylish and impressive "restomodded" example was birthed in
St. Louis during November of 1958. Now presented in a Snowcrest
White and Inca Silver livery over green vinyl, it has been treated
to a professional and carefully considered slate of cosmetic and
performance upgrades which enhance the already alluring form of the
C1 Corvette. A brand-new sport chassis from Art Morrison offers
modern underpinnings; four corner disc brakes, adjustable coil-over
suspension with anti-roll bars, power brakes and power steering
bring the handling experience of this attractive Corvette into the
21st century.
A later, chrome-dressed 350 cu. in. V-8 engine and five-speed
manual transmission have replaced the original powertrain. The
recently reupholstered interior has been notably furnished with a
custom steering wheel, modern air conditioning system, audio unit,
and speaker system.
Altogether, over $150,000 US of accompanying invoices-representing
over 500 hours of work-attest to the scope of this Corvette's
recent modifications and document maintenance performed since
acquisition by the consignor in 2013. These work orders illustrate
a meticulous degree of sorting, refurbishment, and fabrication
resulting in a marvelous Corvette C1 creation that exhibits a
synergy of style, comfort, and performance never offered from the
factory. Also accompanying this unique Corvette is a photo album
documenting an earlier frame-off restoration commissioned by a
previous owner.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.
