While it faced potential extinction in 1955 due to poor sales, the C1 Corvette bounced back solidly to cement its place in automotive history. Tidy and original examples are highly sought after, and the indications are that this 1958 model is poised to find a new home shortly. The seller listed it here on eBay in Walker, Louisiana. It has only received a modest number of bids, leaving the current figure of $60,000 below the reserve. However, it has drawn within shouting distance of the $65,000 BIN price. It could see someone throw caution to the wind and hit the button to avoid the disappointment of missing out on an iconic American classic.
The seller is candid about this Corvette, stating it isn’t a restored classic or a trailer queen. It is 1-of-2,477 Corvettes ordered in Snowcrest White, the most popular of the eight shades offered by Chevrolet in that model year. It shines impressively, particularly if it is as original as the listing suggests. Its body is said to have never suffered any hits, with the fiberglass showing no evidence of cracks or stress marks. The owner includes the Blue-Gray soft-top and a color-matched hardtop requiring a new headliner. The glass looks crystal clear, and the trim is excellent. This ‘Vette has avoided the plague of aftermarket wheels, with its original steelies sporting the factory hubcaps and wrapped in whitewall tires.
Ordering a ’58 Corvette in Snowcrest White gave potential buyers the choice of three interior trim shades. This car’s original owner selected Blue-Gray, which is more subtle than the alternative Charcoal or Red trim. Its overall condition is consistent with a survivor-grade classic of this vintage. It isn’t perfect, with some trim pieces exhibiting wear or minor physical damage. The carpet is faded and stained, and whether the winning bidder chooses replacement will depend on their desire for originality. However, there is no ripped or torn upholstery, suggesting the interior could serve in its current form for many years. It features an aftermarket shifter and radio, but the seller includes the original items in the sale.
The 1958 Corvette offered impressive performance for the time, even equipped with the entry-level 283ci V8 we find under the hood of this classic. It sends 230hp to the road via the rear wheels and a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the car to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds on its way to 113mph. Some people erroneously compared the Corvette with Ford’s Thunderbird, which is unfair for both badges, because the philosophical difference between the two was abundantly clear by 1958. However, even that didn’t prevent some contemporary motoring journalists from falling into the trap. Chevrolet marketed the ‘Vette as a genuine sports car, while the Thunderbird broke new ground as a Personal Luxury Car. Performance figures support that, with an auto-equipped 332-powered T-Bird taking a more leisurely 17.8 seconds through the ¼-mile traps. The difference is significant, but it is also expected with a curb weight difference of more than 1,000 lbs in favor of the Corvette. The seller describes this classic as honest, stating it runs and drives well. There are no identified mechanical faults, meaning the new owner could fly in and drive this baby home.
The early years of the C1 Corvette were fraught, with sales falling far below the company’s expectations. With only 700 cars finding buyers in 1955, Chevrolet came close to pulling the pin on the Corvette program. However, the success of Ford’s Thunderbird, although not a direct competitor to the ‘Vette, saw production continue as a face-saving exercise. It proved a wise decision because sales grew significantly during the remaining years of C1 Corvette production. Few model badges survive continuously for seven decades, but the Corvette has achieved that feat. This one is a gem from the formative days of the brand, but would you preserve or restore it?
This solid-color Corvette looks so much nicer than the 2 toned ones.
… and put on one of the better looking of the series. Beautiful car.
And the cove color option at 16.00 was silver….I think silver was the only cove color that looks good , and on white, black, or charcoal just as the factory intended.
Original. Replace the shifter and radio. No brainer. Wait. I don’t have $65K so that’s someone else’s decision. Just remember, I told you so.
Keeping it original is a lot smarter for resale rather than upgrading shifter and radio is the no brainer.
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Not if you want to enjoy driving it. Do those things when you are ready to sell.
It’s a really great survivor for a ’58 Vette!
I’ve seen many and had one but this one is special as is. The seats were done at some point but that’s a good thing as they look to be done correctly.
It presents what I call an in the day look.
I’ve always liked the looks of these earlier years of the Corvette… nice looking car, and a bit high on the price, but whoever gets it, enjoy it by driving it.
these (’56/60) are the ones for me. Great binnacle/both dashes, still w/the Italianate rear deck, etc. Look at the great variety on 911 (more angular/squarer, smaller dog house, more rounded over all, more glass in dog house/less, etc, etc) over the yrs. Y didnt cheb do that w/this one? Update, modify, face lift, etc? I’d love that~
yes
My cousin bought a new blue 58 with fuel injection. He was working as a mail boy for Goodyear in Akron. Man how things have changed. I was 14 at the time and when I got the first ride it was heaven.
Pricing classics out of the market, you can’t drive em on these prices,.
Insure it and drive it.
Probably not a bad price if the motor and transmission are original. Looks like a nice Vette and I like the solid white.
IDK… Just seems lately there’s WAY too many “all original” perfect condition cars floating around. Ever since people have more money than brains it’s just odd to me this many made it 50 plus years. JMO
In 1961 I bought a used ‘59 Vette, all white, red interior, both tops, 4-speed, 283 CI dual quads, 4:11 positrac rear end. Loved that thing!!
In 1962, I ordered a new ‘63 Vette, red with black interior, both tops, 4-speed 327 CI, 4 barrel, 340 HP, 4:11 positrac rear end. They were so popular, it took months to get it! Unfortunately I got drafted in January of ‘64 and had to sell it!
Got married when I got back from Vietnam and was never able to fit another one into my life! Still miss both of them!
I have story similar to yours. I in 1958 I bought a used 60 corvette put in a 327 engine raced it for while then repainted and redid interior new wheels and tires. While parked a local bowling alley it was stolen. A few weeks later I learned it burned up in bad guys garage. After insurance paid me was drafted. It was a great car.
Nice looking 58. Just so much chrome. Love the dash and guage layout. I have a 56 bought in 1975 and did an update restoration. My son says it’s hot, noisy, smells of exhaust, rides rough, no fm radio or blue tooth, you sweat at a signal light. I reply, but you look so COOL!