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
54,900 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This is a pro street
version of one of the most iconic classic cars in American history
and with side pipes, ladder bars, and a raked stance, this little
red Corvette has a big presence!
Exterior
Roman Red is the color coverage here and covers not only the body
of the car, but the aftermarket hood with its enormous power bulge
and what's lurking underneath, we'll soon learn about. A Snowcrest
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 leading the eye
to the split chrome bumper and then the outstretched ladder bars
trailing behind. The toothed grille is also flanked by chrome
bumpers under dual headlights that send a streak of stainless trim
back over the fender and bookend the crossed flag emblem on the
nose. The curved glass of the windshield fronts the cabin, while a
red painted roll bar resides behind it. 15-inch Cragar SS wheels
spice things up and a white canvas top closes the interior and
marks the only place we find an imperfection with some loose
covering of the support bows of the top.
Interior
Red vinyl serves as the door panel with a wave of textured aluminum
adding visual interest and housing the silver knobbed door opener.
Disconnect the roll cage brace and enter red vinyl buckets that
seem to melt into the bodywork in dual coves, and both are found in
good condition. The three spoke red steering wheel leads to a
symmetrical gauge arrangement, now with AutoMeter units in glossy
lipstick colored housing and topped by an arching speedometer
expressing a top speed of 160 mph. In the center stack, additional
gauges are added, some knobs for ventilation and an analogue clock,
while a grab handle is afforded the passenger with a rounded
nameplate to remind them what the thrill is all about. A polished
Hurst shifter is on the floor over a low pile red carpet in fine
condition. The trunk is a showy workplace with polished stainless
dressing up the floor, tubbed inner fender wells, and a fuel
cell.
Drivetrain
More show worthy visuals are noted in the engine bay where a 454ci
V8 with polished Moroso valve covers flank a Holley 4-barrel carb
over and Edelbrock Victor intake. Behind it, a Tremec TR3550
5-speed manual transmission that routes power the Dana 60 in back
with 4.10 gears. Wilwood front disc brakes are on hand and drums
are in back to support the effort.
Undercarriage
Fantastically clean underneath where polished ladder bars lead to a
polished rear differential cover and the bottom side of the fuel
cell. Everything is basically black or red or polished underneath
and rust free. Headers lead directly to the side pipes and
suspension consists of coil springs up front and coil overs with
the aforementioned ladder bars in back.
Drive-Ability
We knew that short wide exhaust would produce some decibels and
both sides delivered in every way. They will hear you coming from
the next county and we might be able to get the attention of Maple
Grove Raceway, about 10 miles up the road. The Vette puts out
obvious power and straight away handling is solid. A few key
elements are not working on this pro streeter, including the
speedometer, odometer, tachometer, heater blower, and horn. All
remaining functions available operate as intended. 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.
We called them wheelie bars when we were kids and it's not out of
the realm of possibility that this big 454 could propel the
fiberglass Vette skyward, but we're not going to test that theory.
Run it, show it, or simply enjoy summer time ice cream adventures
with your favorite family member of the day, this beast scratches
every itch for the need for speed and to own an iconic American
classic.
J59S102561
J-Corvette
59-1959
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
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!
