Two-Owner Survivor: 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1959 Chevrolet Corvette received very few styling changes on the outside from the previous model, other than a few little clean-ups such as eliminating the cosmetic hood vents and chrome trim on the trunk, but when the car’s looking this sweet already why mess around with it too much? 1959 was a long time ago, and for a Corvette or any other vehicle to have only been under the ownership of 2 individuals after all those years is a bit unusual, and to remain in such good driver quality as this ’59 Chevrolet Corvette here on eBay makes this a really desirable C1. Others must think so too, as 24 bids have already driven the price up to $45,800 with the reserve still not reached, but it can also be in your driveway today for the buy-it-now price of $57,500. You’ll need to head down to some Bayou country in Walker, Louisiana to check this ‘Vette out in person.
The seller says the second owner obtained this one back in 1983 and calls the Corvette an amazing survivor. One of the first things pointed out is the rarity of the Crown Sapphire finish, as fewer than 10% of the 9,670 cars from this year came from the factory in that color. The seller also states that the car hasn’t been restored and it’s been garaged at least for the last four decades, so maybe it’s still the original paint we’re seeing on the outside. The finish has some chips and imperfections, but if that is indeed the factory coat it still looks quite good to be more than 60 years old.
Five different variants of the 283 were offered for ’59, including the coveted fuel injection version, but this one has the most basic offering with a single 4-Barrel carburetor. But it still gets you a respectable 230 horsepower, and the seller says the car still runs and drives fine, though no word on whether or not the motor has ever had a rebuild. Things under the hood certainly appear to be in good order, plus the frame is described as beautiful, with the handful of shots we get from down below appearing to show a very solid underside.
The teal interior is presumed to be original and still looking decent, with a new carpeting kit to be included with the sale. The factory radio isn’t working and the convertible top material has a gash, but overall this one appears to be a well-kept first-generation Corvette that hasn’t been tampered with a whole lot. Even though the paint is nowhere perfect, it looks good enough to me that I’d probably drive this one for a long time before considering taking it to the next level. How about you?
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Comments
I’m glad no one messed with it much. Figuring out the paint confuses me. I’ve seen many with original paint and none have surfaces like this over dirt look. The bumped up spot above the trunk key escutcheon is almost sanded off indicating paint work. I’ve never seen front license plate bumpers in such bad condition ( in the trunk) . It sure would be a great driver for 40k.
Those bumpers are the arm rests, not bumpers.
You’re right. You would think I’d remember recovering them in the past. The mounting holes are in the same spot as the licence plate mount holes on the bumperetts…
I love the car…. but not the price!!! But some lucky person can be driving this around their neighborhood shortly.
I’ve always loved these cars but I just can’t fit comfortably in one. It’s not a tall man’s car.
You have to leave the top down all the time so your head isn’t pushing up against the roof
If it has not been restored, why does the paint on upper surfaces look like it was resprayed in dusty conditions?
Hello from Germany,
I own a very original ’58 Corvette with 95% original paint. The paint looks as it should for its age in some areas faded and in some spots there is no paint left.
This Corvette here had a repaint you can see the overspray on the lower control arm in the photos.
Have a great day.
1958 to ’62 is my favorite period for Corvettes. This one is actually the color I prefer although I’d rather have the blue and white reversed. Nonetheless, if I could afford this I’d take it home and drive it, and have a whole lot of fun. Even the engine is the one I prefer. A single 4bbl provides plenty of horses for my driving habits. I guess I can keep wishing…
the right bracket yrs (’56/’60) for me, the same w/excellent dash (both sides).
Nother winner ! Love to have it Blue Flame’n some (nota cheb guy) 4 speed/OD auto transmis. I daily w/a standard and dont enjoy~