1959 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

For true Corvette enthusiasts, the beauty is in the details. To the outside observer, this 1959 Corvette looks pretty much the same as the 1958 and 1961 models. But experts who know better find the '59s to be highly desirable thanks to the little things that make them unique. This 3-owner 'Vette features a wonderful color combination and strong powertrain, making it an absolutely joy to own and drive.

One of the best things about the early "solid axle" Corvettes are the wonderful color combinations. This roadster wears Snowcrest White bodywork with lovely Frost Blue inserts, expertly duplicated in modern two-stage urethane using 2009 GM Olympic White and Clearwater Blue to make it pop. The fiberglass substrate beneath the paint is in excellent shape thanks to long-term ownership (the first owner kept it until 1984 and the second until 2008), and you know it has never been used as a daily driver. Then there's the trim, including the toothy front grille, beautiful stainless outline around the side cove, the "gills" inside said side cove, and the rounded tail section that would be replaced by a Sting Ray type setup just a few years later. All the chrome has been restored and looks simply spectacular against the shiny white paint, and the original flush-mounted taillights now feature LED lamps for better visibility.

The two-tone blue and white interior isn't quite the way the factory did it, but there's no arguing with the spectacular results. The seats use the original patterns to give it a very 1950s vibe, while the door panels and dash are nicely restored to factory specs. Those doors feature bright machine-turned inserts and red reflectors to make them some of the most interesting designs to come out of GM design studios, working well with the cockpit-style instrumentation. The dash itself has been painted to match the body, including the instrument panel with factory tach and large speedometer. The 3-spoke steering wheel has been restored and lacks nothing except a pair of string-back driving gloves, and the original radio has been upgraded to an AM/FM/cassette head unit that sounds great. Contrasting dark blue carpets give it a great foundation and the trunk compartment is upholstered to match. Of note, this car was originally ordered by a Navy Ensign in San Diego, and he apparently specified the no-cost hardtop option when the car was new. However, the hardtop was lost along the way, so the car now carries a correct Horizon Blue convertible top, of which an estimated 50 were originally sold in 1959, and it looks awesome.

The engine is a 283 cubic inch V8 rated at 230 horsepower. It's been subtly upgraded with an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and 4-barrel carburetor and a bit aluminum radiator, but otherwise has a very stock appearance. The chrome air cleaner and finned valve covers are Corvette traditions, and the original generator with tach drive still provides the juice. It was rebuilt in 2010 and has perhaps 1000 miles on the build, and the 2-speed PowerGlide was rebuilt a year later, so the drivetrain is very fresh. 3.55 gears in the original pumpkin make it feel quick on the street and the mellow-sounding dual exhaust system is perfect for cruising without the drone. And if you need to see just how clean this car really is, look underneath and behind the wheels, which are as clean as the bodywork and carry 205/70/15 whitewall radials for a true 1950s look.

Beautifully finished and exhilarating to drive, this '59 is special for a lot of reasons, and you Corvette fans know exactly what I'm talking about. Call today!