The C1 Corvette initially drew criticism for lacking a V8 under the hood. Chevrolet righted that wrong in 1955, and with the demise of the “Blue Flame” six at the end of that model year, the ‘Vette would remain V8-only territory to the present day. This 1959 example features an eight, but not one that was available when it left the line. Therefore, it will appeal more to enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver than those preferring authenticity. It is set for a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Corvette listed here on Craigslist in Columbus, Ohio. You could drive this beauty home after handing the seller $40,000.
After a faltering start, Chevrolet’s C1 Corvette had established its spot in the market when this car rolled off the line in 1959. Sales began setting annual records, with 9,670 buyers handing over their cash during this model year. Our feature car presents exceptionally well in Inca Silver with White coves. Two-tone combinations proved popular in 1959, accounting for over 30% of total sales. However, this car’s Silver/White combination is one of the rarest of the breed, selected by only 220 buyers. The car’s presentation is extremely tidy, with no genuine cosmetic shortcomings. The White soft-top will probably present better if it remains raised for a while, because it has plenty of wrinkles. The factory hardtop appears perfect, and the trim and glass are excellent. There are no underside shots, but my research suggests the frame is rock-solid and in good condition.
Ordering a 1959 Corvette brought a 283ci V8 to the party, although Chevrolet offered buyers a selection that catered to every budget and performance expectation. This Corvette’s V8 isn’t original; the seller confirms it is a 350ci small-block. Its specifications are unclear, so we can only speculate on the power and torque figures. Bolted to the back of this motor is a two-speed Powerglide, which surprises me slightly. I honestly expected a transmission upgrade to exploit the potential gains provided by the 350. However, it should still provide a relaxed driving experience. The seller describes this classic as a beautiful cruiser, indicating that the motor is strong. It appears all the buyer has to do is hand over their cash, twist the key, and point this Corvette towards the horizon.
Trimmed in Red vinyl, this Corvette’s interior presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic. There are no glaring faults, aside from slight stretching on the seat bases. The remaining upholstered surfaces are free from wear, the carpet is excellent, and the wheel looks extremely nice. Its previous owners have resisted the temptation to add aftermarket components, and this car retains its original Wonderbar radio. It was a popular option, but at $149.80, it added almost 4% to the Corvette’s sticker price. Considering that most modern cars feature stereos with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay as standard equipment, the thought of an AM radio costing so much seems pretty incredible.
This 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is a tidy classic with no apparent needs or shortcomings. The seller’s price is well below the market average, but the lack of originality is a factor that will have impacted that figure. It also brings us to a point to ponder about this particular car. I found a previous listing for this classic, indicating that it sold in September 2025 for $90,000. The seller doesn’t reference this in their listing. I would like to know why it has hit the market again so soon and why the asking price is so much lower than the previous figure. I suspect there might be a sad story behind this, because a $50,000 hit in under a year is a pretty nasty financial shock. Do you agree, or is the current price more realistic for a ’59 Corvette with a non-original V8 under the hood?
Don’t forget to return the radio station, dumaxx,,,I know, Reds ( and Jim Reeds) Corvette was a ’58, but that was a hilarious episode.
Whenever i see a 1953-1962 Corvette, it makes me appreciate the 63-67 even more.
ha, I’m the opposite.
Like em B4 they lost the Italianate rear deck (’56/60) and while the ‘cove’ dash was still in (’58/62) so 8, 9 and 60’s “mine”.
Why would they take that gorgeous ‘56-‘57 body style and stick on bug-eyed quad headlights, and unnecessary chrome?
Totally agree. Even as a 12 year old kid in 1958, I was disappointed with the style change!
Everyone went to quad headlights in ’58. I always thought that was the best looking Vette ever. I would love to own a ’58, even if it wasn’t all original. In fact I would rather have a 350HO/TH700 setup ~ perfect driver. But yeah, the ad’s been removed, so it was most likely deemed to be a scam.
This is a gorgeous looking car. There are likely two possible explanations for the $50,000 drop from the 2025 auction price.
1. There is something seriously wrong with the car.
2. This ad is a scam.
Steve R
Steve R. I would go with option two because I can’t imagine what demon could have possibly reared its ugly head that would have precipitated a 50k hit. Particularly given the obvious assumption that the buyer at 90k was not a novice Corvette purchaser.
Me thinks that something is amiss with this little darlin’.
Totallly agree.
It looks like it was a scam, the ad was flagged for removal.
It’s a steal for just the price of a great paint job and interior. It can’t be real unless the market is totally crumbling. Auction prices are way down.
The too wide whites gotta go though …
Preferred the “A” model’s design with the “headlamps under screen” and the popped-out tail lamps. Maybe ’cause the six was so slow someone swatted it in the rear driving the tail lamps in and popping out the headlights. Just a thought.
I tried to reach the seller since I’m in the Columbus area. NO REPLY
Probably a scammer and today 6/1 its been flagged for removal on Craigslist.
This add HAS to be a SCAM. There’s NO way anybody is going to take a 50,000.. hit in a year for a car that’s in this condition and could be sold for more in a heartbeat.
The ad has been pulled scam for sure.
Obviously a scam, Craigslist is full of them. Too nice of a car for that price and take a50k hit, I think not
For a $50,000 drop, it has to be some kind of scam. Is the car still on the market and who can u contact about purchase if it’s real?
The ad has been deleted by Craigslist.
Thanks Joe. Does Craigslist give any reason for them deleting this ad?
Nope.
What a stunning color combination along with the red interior. Our parents knew how to live. As for the radio, FM was a few years away and signal seeking technology was high tech for the time. Helps you appreciate how far we’ve come since then.
I’d put a LS3 super charged with side pipes and wide tires!🤠
Probably blow the car up!🤣
Love my 2004 Zo6. My first Vett was a 1985. Black, 4+3. Still have it, very fun to drive, but, the Zo6 will run circles around it. Dyno’d with mass cold air intake and long headers! Love it! The new ones have 650hp, but mine will get to 145 really quick and cruise…
the 50K$ could B real (I no, I no, its scam) when a novice pays full tilt for a 1/2 car (‘no engine’ w/the 5.7L in it) his bud visits, points and squawks, he dumps 2 look for a ‘real car’.
I’d buy, put ina Blue Fame, lub me da trip YHs, i6, dash’n rear deck. Car’s ruined anyway. It still shows the Italian influence that spawned them crossed with merican truck (that’s what vetts seemed to me – truck engine, rear end, etc…
Had a ’86 328 Ferrari bought new. My ’85 vett made the Ferrari look like a fiero…nice ti drive around picking up chicks, but the insurance, 5000+ to change the belts, $500 oil change ect.
I’d rather have my vett
I’m confused by your comments. What do mean “1/2 of a car with no engine”? It clearly had an engine. Are you referring to the original engine being replaced with a 350?
I’m not trying to be a “smart aleck”, just curious.
(The “Italian influence” thing is slso a head scratcher, but that’s a whole different conversation.)
Ohio car check the frame, undercarriage!