Vehicle Description
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
"With each annual change, Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette's
godfather, has emphasized performance improvements. His theory is
that to sell, the Corvette must first go. Styling has had its
innings too, but they have acted with more restraint than one
expects from Detroit. Perhaps in acknowledgement to the
discriminatory taste of the sports car market, external changes for
'59 were of a customizing nature only." Car and Driver, March
1959
For consignment, a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible showing
15,443 miles, but the true miles are unknown. In the hierarchy of
iconic classic cars, you have to put the C1 Corvettes in the top
five, maybe even the top three, maybe even in first place!
Exterior
Our car present in the turquoise based single stage application of
Crown Sapphire and it puts out a satin shine that is just the right
amount for this vintage sports car. A white cove offers the most
dramatic exterior feature among a long list of special features and
houses the straked faux fender vent that gives this artful
expression motion when standing still. The glorious curves of the
rear section are augmented but not interrupted by the flush, bullet
shaped tail lights from which the fender edge leaves to meet chrome
bumpers with cavities for outgoing exhaust. The toothed grille is
also flanked by chrome bumpers under dual headlights that send a
streak of stainless trim back over the fender in what surely was an
addition accepted unanimously by the design team. Who would ever
vote against it? The curved glass of the windshield and hardtop's
rear window are fantastic and the only imperfections we find are
the crackling of a plastic side window in the hardtop and
inclusions in the paint.
Interior
We're not sure this was intentional, but the metal trim of the door
panel is shaped like a shark biting an arm, in this case, the
armrest, with the door opener serving as the predator's eye. Black
vinyl smoothly covers the rest of the door and twin courtesy lights
that cant rearward remind us of tail lights to come in the Vette
world. Black vinyl buckets seem to melt into the bodywork in dual
coves, and both are found in shape. The three spoke black steering
wheel leads to a symmetrical gauge arrangement topped by an arching
speedometer expressing a top speed of 160 mph. In the center stack,
we have a horizontal AM radio, an analogue clock, and various
buttons for the fan. Once called a sissy bar, a grab handle is
afforded the passengers with a rounded nameplate to remind them
what the thrill is all about. A wood handled shifter is on a
faceplate based in black loop carpet coverage which flows to the
floor and presents in good condition.
Drivetrain
Pop the hood forward to find a 327ci V8 from the '62-'67 era,
fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor and tied to a T10 4-speed manual
transmission finding its power terminus at the 3.55 gears in back.
Drum brakes are found at all four wheels. Our consignor tells us
the original engine block comes with the car and is the bare block
only.
Undercarriage
Fairly clean underneath with some surface rust, residual oil film,
and some grease on the knuckles. Dual exhaust flows through stock
style mufflers before performing their iconic exit through the rear
bumpers. Coil spring suspension lives up front and leaf springs
reside in the back.
Drive-Ability
We have a fair weathered day to take this topless turquoise C1 out
and one can't help to feel special behind the wheels. The 327
delivers good power and the 215/75R15's track straight and of
course, the car has a sweet exhaust note. Things we found not
working include the tachometer, the heater blower, the wipers, the
radio, the horn, and the clock. It also seems the driver's window
regulator is stripped. Beyond these misses, all other functions
hit, and we turn this Vette towards the mall hoping an ocean drive
would appear instead. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
To say the C8 is light years from the C1 would be an
understatement, but there's something very unique about the first
generation Corvettes. It's like the "first" of anything good and
lasting, it ends up being the reference point to which all others
are judged. And in the court of classic cars, this 1959 is guilty.
Guilty of being an American icon and a must have for any true
collection of classics.
J59S100923
J-Corvette
59-1959
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
100923-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
