Vintage Racing Services

1959 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

This 1959 Corvette has been the subject of an extensive older restoration. In the current ownership, this example has been sorted to provide a usable and fine example of the model.

History

Having made a big splash at GM’s 1953 Motorama, the Chevrolet Corvette was rushed to production by June 30^th of that year. Based on the Chevy passenger car chassis, complete with Blue Flame six-cylinder engine and two-speed Powerglide transmission, the white roadster had three side-draft carburetors, a hot cam, high compression head, and dual exhausts. There were no side windows, only weather protection being side curtains and a manual canvas top.

Because tooling for a steel body would have been time consuming and expensive, fiberglass was chosen instead. Still, production was slow and by the end of the year, only 300 had been built, all of them white with red interiors. The price of $3,498 was $1,200 more than the most expensive ’53 Chevy, and $500 more than Ford would ask for a Thunderbird a year later.

The 1954 models differed mostly in availability of additional colors. Production increased tenfold, reaching 3,640. In 1955, Chevrolet’s new small block V8 engine became available, and with it a manual transmission, though few were equipped that way. Only 700 Corvettes were built in 1955, however, partly because 1954 ended with more than 1,000 unsold cars on hand.

The iconic Corvette arrived with the 1956 model. Restyled with a more flowing body, the car was given concave side coves finished in a contrasting color. Roll-up side windows provided all-weather comfort and required exterior door handles. Engines were all V8s, the 265 cubi- inch unit from passenger cars making 210 bhp in standard trim and 240 with duel carburetors. Development of the Corvette continued under engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. The 283-cubic-inch V8 was adopted in 1957, making 283 bhp with optional fuel injection and a four-speed transmission was made available. By 1959, there were power options up to 290 bhp, and sales topped 10,000.

Specifically, this 1959 Corvette has been the subject of an extensive older restoration. In the current ownership, this example has been sorted to provide a usable and fine example of the model. With a refined direction of the of the owner’s collection, the car no longer fits its mission and is now presented for sale, having only covered a few thousand miles during the current ownership. The car comes complete with a hard top and all available records. This example is not matching numbers, however, it is all there and a great driver.

Specifications:

Chassis: J59S100953

Engine: 283ci – 270bhp – 2X4bbl

Transmission: 4-speed

Brakes: 4-wheel hydraulically assisted drums

Color: Black with silver coves and red interior

Mileage: 1,534 miles (showing on the clock)

Price: $85,000