Vehicle Description
Nobody can argue that General Motors wasn't hitting on all eight
cylinders in the 1950s. One brilliant design after another flowed
out of their 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 frame-off restored and tastefully
modified with several high-end modern goodies, including a
transplanted LS1 V8, a 4-speed automatic transmission, sporty
suspension and handling upgrades that have transformed it into
something incredibly special. And with just over 5K miles on the
build, this droptop resto-mod is ready to dominate for years to
come.
Panama Yellow was an awesome color available in 1958, although the
blinding bright livery you see on this convertible is a modern take
on the shade. They hadn't invented colors quite this vivid and
exciting yet in 1958 (it stirred up the demons inside!), and with
the contrasting white coves the curb appeal is through the roof. If
you're looking for show-quality paint, you've found it, because
we've looked very close and haven't been able to find anything to
complain about on this high-end, basecoat/clearcoat finish. During
the frame-off restoration the builders took the car all the way
down to bare bones, smoothed and perfected the livery, and then
coated it with gallons of deep, lustrous, white and yellow paint.
Fit and finish are excellent throughout, with tight door gaps and
smooth panels that don't display the typical Corvette flaws and
imperfections and once again, those white side coves really pop.
And while some may feel that the details on the 1958 models are
excessive (those that do can move along and buy a Honda), 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 gorgeous chrome and 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 black interior was also provided with a very thorough makeover,
and with only 5,015 miles on the build, it too is in excellent
condition. Few will argue against a yellow-on-black Corvette, and
the look is as timeless as the Corvette itself. Despite the limited
confines of the 1958 cabin, the builders managed to squeeze in very
comfortable leather buckets that actually have some bolsters on the
sides (a compliant of the early C1s is that the seats are overly
simple and uncomfortable), and they stitched them up with gorgeous
leather hides and patterns. Plush black carpets and uniquely
sculpted door panels give the interior a highly polished look,
while the instrument panel, which was freshly redesigned in 1958,
is now filled with elegant modern gauges that keep a close eye on
the LS1 under the hood. The leather-wrapped steering wheel closely
sticks to the original design - an ornate piece straight out of Art
Deco magazine - and the space-age dash features a fresh black pad
up top, bright cove ahead of the passenger's seat, and beautiful
yellow paint below. A custom aluminum center stack was installed to
house the controls for a modern A/C unit that blows ice cold, and
just above it a retro-style AM/FM/CD stereo was affixed to power
the speakers behind the seats. You've probably already noticed the
modern shifter on the transmission hump that manages the 4-speed
automatic transmission below, along with the set of Corvette mats
on the floors, and out back the trunk was finished with matching
carpets. There's also a neat-fitting black convertible top and
auxiliary yellow hardtop, making this a very desirable 'Vette that
can be driven in all conditions (although shame on you if you take
this out in the rain!).
The engine is a fuel-injected 5.7L V8 V8 that was swapped-in and
fits in the engine bay 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 and
powerful, with an estimated 401 horsepower at the crank. If you
know how light these C1s are, then you know that's an incredible
amount of power and a perfect match for this gorgeous droptop. The
engine bay was finished to show standards, with bright yellow paint
on the firewall and inner fenders, red-and-yellow finish on the
valve covers, and that same hot yellow paint on the intake.
Underneath, the C4 chassis makes for a thorough upgrade which
vastly improves handling, the frame was fortified, and everything
was painted and detailed to show standards. You're basically
looking at a modern Corvette from underneath (and in the engine
bay), and because of that this C1 idles smoothly, has plenty of
power, and drives like a new car. Modern power steering and power
4-wheel disc brakes and an aluminum radiator complete the
transformation, and a custom X-pipe exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers
provides a burbling soundtrack that attracts the whole
neighborhood. A 4-speed automatic transmission came along with the
engine swap and shifts smoothly while spinning the capable rear end
full of modern gears, allowing for both red-light brawls and longer
distance cruises. Finishing the look are 18-inch American Racing
chrome wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich performance 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 to tackle the
modern road. Call today!
