Many Barn Finds readers will immediately recognize that the mechanical specifications of this 1959 Chevrolet Corvette confirm it is not a numbers-matching classic. It has received upgrades, but many parts required to return it to its factory specifications are included if the new owner wishes to follow that path. Eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J spotted it, and I must say a big thank you for bringing it to our attention. It is ready to find a new home, with the seller listing the Corvette here on Craigslist in Lutz, Florida. They set their price at $74,900, and since it has been on the market for under a day, it will be fascinating to see how quickly someone snaps it up.
The 1959 model year saw Chevrolet set a new sales record with the Corvette. It is worth noting that it would be, except for 1983, when the Corvette was limited to pre-production and prototype vehicles, the last time the build total would be in four figures until 1997. The seller is this classic’s third owner, and they suggest the car comes with a documented history. It received a repaint in 2004 in its original combination of Roman Red with White coves. Two-tone paint added $16.15 to the Corvette’s sticker price, and while 2,931 buyers ticked that box on the Order Form, Roman Red and White was chosen by 805 of those people. The cosmetic refresh wasn’t faithful, utilizing a clear-over-base process to produce an impressive shine. There is little to criticize about this car’s appearance, and we must look closely to identify flaws and defects. The panels have a few minor imperfections that seem to be ignored during the repaint, but they don’t detract from the car’s presentation. The fiberglass is free from stress cracks, and the White soft-top is relatively new. The buyer will also receive a hardtop that was painted to match the exterior. The trim shines well for its age, although the underside of the rear bumpers shows deterioration that could be related to exhaust heat. The frame wears a light and consistent coat of dry surface corrosion, but it appears structurally sound. The wheels retain their correct hubcaps, with the whitewalls adding a classy finishing touch to the exterior.
The Corvette’s interior presents as nicely as its exterior, and if considered purely as a high-end driver, it is easily acceptable. The only visible aftermarket addition is the wheel wrap, which is a wise protective investment. The dazzling Red upholstered surfaces are spotless, there is no carpet wear, and the dash is immaculate. The bright trim has avoided the relatively common physical damage, and this ‘Vette retains its original factory radio. Driving this Convertible with the top down will allow everyone to admire the presentation and undoubtedly draw favorable comments wherever this classic goes.
Lifting the hood reveals a 327ci V8 that sends its power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Purists will immediately know this Corvette isn’t numbers-matching because the 327 didn’t join the range until 1962. The seller includes a period-correct 283ci V8, but my research suggests that while its casting number confirms it is a 1958 to 1961 two-bolt engine, the engine code suffix indicates it may have started life in a 1958 or 1959 Impala with a Powerglide bolted to its rear. I am happy to have that corrected by our readers because I’m never too old to learn! The panels and paint weren’t the only areas to receive attention in 2004, with the car receiving new brakes, a new dual exhaust, a fuel pump, shocks, and motor mounts. The Corvette is in excellent mechanical health and is a turnkey classic where the new owner could fly in and drive it home.
If this 1959 Chevrolet Corvette was original and unmolested, placing a value on it would be relatively straightforward. These cars have taken a hit in the market during the last year, and while the situation appears to have stabilized, there is no evidence that values are about to climb to their previous levels. Any classic purchase is a leap of faith, even more so when the vehicle is modified. I am unsure whether the seller will achieve their price, although they might if they are patient. Do you view the figure as realistic, or do you have another price in mind?
Worth all the money, IMHO.
GLWTA! 👍🤓
I have dealer in these cars for years. This one is way over priced. It’s not the first time it’s been for sale. 40 to 45 an excellent price
$40 to $50….you wish. I haven’t seen any 58-60 go near that low price level unless it was missing a drive line.
I agree. I think $45,000 is plenty.
Agreed. That ugly wheel wrap alone knocks a few thousand off.😉 Seriously, couldn’t splurge for the leather over the vinyl? It looks exactly like the one that came on my Mustang. That’s long gone. But I do think the C1 is the best Corvette. And this example is very nice.
That “fire waiting to happen” air cleaner I would change before I drove it home.
If I could have any year corvette, I think it would be this one. Love the lines. Style.
Perfect color.
Same here, every red blooded American will agree, nicest Corvette, except for one thing, the wide whites have to go. Several images show a ’59 Vette with modern( not clown wheels) and red line tires, looks really sharp. This looks like grandpas Hudson. As cool as WE think of it today, in ’59 it wasn’t so. 1st, it wasn’t cheap, and at $3875, only about 9600 were sold. Not something Joe or Joann Lunchpail could afford on a Rambler budget, which made up like 95% of Americans. So who DID buy a ’59 Corvette? Peace time military, who had nothing else to spend their money on, lawyers for their up and coming children,,,lawyers, astronauts,,you get the idea. In the 50s-60s, focus was still on practicality, and a Corvette wasn’t too practical in Beer City. So many nice cars from around the world tried, in vain, I might add, to appeal to Americans, when the ’59 Corvette was everything an American could want. If guys like Red Forman/Jim Reed( ’58, same car) or Buzz and Todd( ’60) thought so, representing 3 distinct groups of buyers, the foreign cars didn’t have a chance. I think the 240Z changed all that. Not here, though, simple V8, 4 speed, a TRUNK,,,man, this was the coolest.
I would verify all ” original parts” and condition. Restore it to original and MAYBE its worth 70K. That will take 40 K so fair price is ??? 38K to 43K as is. I have owned 3, lots of work & research required,
Geez boys!! She a beauty!! I think 55 k good buy considering either engine not corect. Power glide bolt pattern quite distinctive when un bolted and see grease marks. Still very, very pretty car.
I am surprised at all the dreamers who are posting here that this good looking and running C1 is only worth high $30’s / low $40’s. I checked all sources/web sites of C1’s for sale and there is nothing for sale at those prices short of incomplete basket cases. Personally, I would love to see good running, complete C1’s at those prices so I can go out and buy them.