The big news for the Chevy Corvette sports car for 1958 was likely the addition of dual headlights, making it easy to spot a ’58 compared to a ’57 ‘Vette. Sales numbers were creeping closer to the 10k unit mark, so it looked like the little car was here to stay (and it was!). The seller’s vehicle has had its original 283 cubic inch V8 replaced with a 1962-vintage 327 that’s said not to be a production engine. Located in Walker, Louisiana, this interesting Chevy is available here on eBay where the current bid is $45,200, the reserve is unmet, and $65,000 is the magic number to beat to seal to deal right away.
Public interest in the Chevy Corvette continued to creep forward in 1958 after their slow start in 1953-55. The earlier addition of a V8 engine helped a lot and by ’58 several versions of the 283 eight-cylinder were available in the ‘Vette. Some 9,168 Corvettes were shipped in 1958 of which 5,607 had a removable hardtop like the seller’s car. Besides doubling the number of “peepers”, fake louvers were added on the hood and chrome spears now adorned the trunk lid.
If numbers-matching is a must for you, then you should pass on this 1958 Corvette. But otherwise, it seems to have a lot going for it. Like a 1962-era 327 V8 rated at 350 hp because it was not a stock or production engine in the 327’s first year in the Chevy fold. The seller says the auto spent two decades in storage and is in good shape having been brought back up to running condition. The frame and body are good, and we’re told it’s never been an accident. I’m not sure if the paint is original or even an available color in ‘58, but it looks good and would present even better when detailed.
The “special engine” has been rebuilt and the seller says it’s a very desirable powerplant. It’s been tricked out somewhat, but we don’t know how much is from new or what may have been done later. This is a 4-speed Corvette that also sports new tires and brakes – and the 70s Cragar wheels complete the vintage look. We’re told this Chevy is ready to cruise, but are you?
One word: Gasser
Really , gonna give 50 k or more and make it a gasser, you must have deep pockets.
Four words … a gas to drive!
Lose that shift handle……quickly
The same guy you sell the shift handle to will probably also buy the Cragers.
I’ve seen the Gasser thing done to a decent 57 Corvette. A guy named Bob Cook has a show quality 57 that he drag races with the Ohio Supercharged Outlaws.
The story I got (from the track owner we were at) was it was a decent original car that he got from Florida and made into a gasser. I guess if you got the cash and need to do it, life is short and go for it.
https://www.facebook.com/ScottRodsAAGassers/photos/bob-cook-and-his-team-had-the-crazy-grandpa-corvette-running-like-a-champ-at-the/1712768162166831/
I love this car, it’s look, it’s dual headlamps, it’s unique drivetrain and even that gawdy shifter handle.
Cute shifters and aerodynamics are for people who can’t build engines!
You are correct Mitchell.
So, where’s the chrome long tube header/side pipes?
That’s all it needs. Other than a winter project color change. Not big on what ever you call it.
Nice old school vette!
I bought a ’58 from Ed Thiebauld in California in 1975, after getting back in country. I remember that I had to fly a right traffic to his runway because of the turkey farm. Ed told me that if I overflew his turkeys, in the pattern, his birds would rush together and hundreds would likely die. At the time, Ed owned the number 3 Corvette and many more.
He was a gentleman.
I paid exactly $2,460 for the car and had a friend drive it home to Auburn, Indiana.
I went to school under the GI Bill and teaching scuba diving, but ran short of money.
About a year later, I sold the car for exactly $2,460.
It was a particularly sad green color, the two speed Powerglide transmission was a little disappointing, but that was offset by the loosest steering this side of a Mack truck.
God, i miss that car.
Whether it’s an original color or not it looks great. Have always loved Cragers on almost any car.
Ditch the shift knob for an old school white knob, change out the m/t valve covers for a set of script originals and a new shift boot to keep the fumes and occasional smart car out and drive the wheels off it IMO
usually like oe paint or era correct (even other co.s), this looks good tho. ALSO
is in the only range 4 me ’56/’60 (early too weird in back, later has the DA rear). One year ‘trunk spears R ok w/me. Wrong motor brings it into my bank’s range. Take more’n 30K off of A-1 for this 1? Still hi $ being asked?
Gasser? I would change the shift handle, nothing else. Reserve is high for not matching, but that opens up to driving it routinely. Have to experience this car.
I would repaint the coves in a cream color.
That would look great.
Lose the shifter .a nice white ball and leather boot.. 65k is a pipe dream for a non number matching car. But if I had 65k laying around I’d be tempted.