Vehicle Description
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster
When it comes to universal appeal, few cars bring it quite like the
Chevrolet Corvette. While a lot of its competitors placed an
emphasis on speed, exclusivity, or some other singular piece of the
puzzle, the Corvette did its best to be the attainable sports car
for every man. A prime example of that 'best all-around' mindset is
this sweet C1 roadster. It wraps timeless American style around a
trusty 4-speed and 283 cubic inches of hot Chevrolet small block.
Looking for some choice vintage muscle to take to the streets or
the show? Check out this awesome Vette!
Sitting in its fully restored glory, there have been a few changes
and upgrades, but mostly it remains an original car, but better,
due to the repair of some nagging problems this year Vette was
known to have. All remedied now, and a turn key 60-year-old car, in
very nice condition that has been given the once over by a mechanic
after 12 years of careful indoor storage.
Exterior
Sealed in a traditional combination of Ermine White with silver
coves, this car's smooth body was carefully restored but is now
showing its age in a few areas. Small cracks in the fiberglass are
noted at the tops of both doors as well as in the lower rear
quarter panels, and one large rearward running crack has developed
in the top inside of the driver's front fender right at the hood to
fender gap. This may have been caused by an ill adjusted hood prop
or someone over extending the hood while opening it. Also, the hood
gaps, while acceptable, could be nicer and this flaw is most likely
caused by the absence of a passenger's hood latch assembly on the
hood itself. Issues aside, the profile features good alignment,
reflecting a crisp finish that compliments the newer a tight black
canvas top. This body's combination of form, fit and flash tells
the world you have arrived and for some extra fun, a body matching
restored Ermine White hardtop is included with the purchase. All
chrome is showing in perfect condition and our eyes are drawn to
the chrome toothy grill that glistens and reflects beautifully.
Around back we are greeted with the taillights that are rounded
into the rear quarter. Twin chrome rear bumpers bring up the tail
of the car and the correct exhaust exits through each bumper
section. Standard knockoff style wheel covers are on all 4 corners
and are gleaming with pride.
Interior
As we swing open the beautifully paneled door, we are met with the
classic fan semicircle in front of the steering wheel, which houses
the speedometer. Directly below, a line of circles house the other
fuel, temp, battery, and oil gauges and a large tachometer directly
above and mounted to the steering column. All are in very good
condition. Scanning more to the passenger side, a bracket in the
center of the dash which is supported on the bottom by the hump,
holds a Wonderbar radio, and fan and temp controls for the simple
climate adjustment of the interior space. The passenger has a hold
on bar in front of an inverted semicircular indent with CORVETTE
branding and a shelf below. 2 recovered blue vinyl buckets sit in a
sea of blue very nice carpeting which is protected by black rubber
mats and a small white knob tipped Hurst shifter sits in the center
within reach of the driver, and is housed within a machined
aluminum small console that includes an ashtray.
Drivetrain
A 283ci V8, which is an era correct block but not the original,
3756519 casting number and F1859 casting date, (June 18th 1959), as
this car was born in February 1959. This engine has been finished
in the traditional orangish/red Chevrolet hue and is fed by a 4bbl
carburetor. This healthy mill is connected to a non original Muncie
M20 4-speed manual transmission which sends power back to a
date-correct AE stamped 3.55 geared rear axle. The engine and bay
show signs of patina and the aforementioned fender crack is now
completely evident.
Undercarriage
Clearly a well cared for car with just a bit of surface rust on the
untreated components but all else being strong steel and
fiberglass. Independent coil spring suspension is on the front and
leaf springs are on the rear with drum brakes adorning all 4
corners. Dual exhaust snakes its way rearward through the frame and
ends in the chrome corners of the rear bumper. All looking good
down here with a new fuel tank and sending unit.
Drive-Ability
This writer loves 2-seater cars and while I'm drawn to the British
sports cars I will never pass up the opportunity to drive a C1
Corvette. After wedging myself behind the fixed position rather
large steering wheel a few pumps of the gas pedal, a twist of the
key and the 283ci V8 roared to life. The car handled our test track
swimmingly with wonderful acceleration, bias free panic braking,
and good handling thanks in part to the upgraded nearly new Coker
radial tires. A number of frowns crept up during my tenure behind
the wheel. Those being: the heater blower not functioning, the
radio not belting out any tunes, the tachometer, fuel and
temperature gauges did not read, and the wipers, while operational,
will not turn off on their own. One must open the hood and move the
switch on top of the wiper motor back to the park position
A now 23-year-old restoration, this car does not look it. With its
dual headlights, and curvaceous rear, with bumper exhaust outlets,
it will put out a healthy sound when started up, which does so very
quickly with the turn of a key. Overall, a very good presentation,
so much so that it rolls as one fully sorted curve carver that's
virtually guaranteed to captivate and impress!
VIN DECODE
J59S104521
J-Corvette
59-1959
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
104521-Sequential Unit Number (February 1959 Build)
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
