It can be hard to tell whether a classic has hit the mark with potential buyers, but this 1959 Chevrolet Corvette has no doubt struck a chord. That is understandable, because it possesses many positive attributes. It isn’t original, but the 383ci Stroker V8, festooned with updates, will generate plenty of power and torque. The frame is rock-solid, and the overall condition suggests a cosmetic refresh would be straightforward. It has already received four offers since the seller listed the Corvette here on eBay in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. They set their BIN at $29,996 OBO, and you may have no choice but to hit the button if you want to take it home.
Chevrolet didn’t reinvent the wheel with its latest C1 Corvette in 1959. Engine choices stayed the same, and the interior got a few updates. The seller listed this classic to finalize an estate, so they can only provide limited information. It appears to be an unfinished project build, and I suspect that the late owner adopted a frame-off approach. Several underside shots show the frame with fresh paint, along with many mechanical components. Most of the trim looks exceptional, and the glass is clear. The existing Bronze paint isn’t on that year’s color chart, and it looks pretty tired, with a matte appearance. However, since the fiberglass has no major problems, the new owner could do a cosmetic refresh with minimal work to markedly improve its appearance.
Buyers ordering a 1959 Corvette could choose any V8 they wanted, as long as it was a 283ci powerplant. It is unclear which available version this car’s first owner chose, but that is irrelevant. Tipping the hood forward reveals a 383ci Stroker V8 with a Weiand aluminum intake, Holley Sniper fuel injection, aluminum cylinder heads, ceramic-coated headers, and dual side exhaust. Power flows to a narrowed Oldsmobile rear end via a Turbo 400 transmission with a shift kit and a 2500 rpm stall converter. A triangulated four-link setup and airbags with a trunk-mounted compressor support the rear end. The list doesn’t stop there: the seller believes the entire fuel system is new, and the late owner updated the brakes with all-new components and a four-wheel disc conversion. The Corvette isn’t currently roadworthy, but it looks like it won’t take much work to get it there. However, it runs, drives, and sounds really sweet in this YouTube video.
The Corvette’s interior is a work in progress, but it won’t need much to present acceptably for a driver-grade classic. The black seat covers and matching carpet are in good condition. The dash is tidy, and the wheel shows no significant wear. The late owner installed a selection of aftermarket gauges and an LCD for the Holley EFI system. I can’t spot the door trims in the listing images, but I won’t rule out that they are present. Otherwise, this interior needs someone willing to spend time on the finer details and tidy up the rough edges.
The seller is offering this 1959 Corvette on a thirty-day listing, and the fact that it has attracted four offers in the first twelve hours confirms that people like what they see. The Watch List tally of forty-three is equally impressive, and I expect that number to climb if the seller doesn’t accept one of the pending offers. I suspect the new owner will have to fight for the right to take it home and may have no choice but to hit the BIN button to guarantee it. Do you agree, or do you think a lower price might be more appropriate?
Wow, nice writeup Adam, Barn Finds is on a roll today! Another beautiful juiced-up hotrod that needs nothing but some TLC to get it rolling. I would name it “2-Toned Terror” This is another example of how many cars looked 50 years ago when we raced after school.
Anyone seen that new Mustang?
Not since 2nd gear!
Interesting car. Lot of rough edges everywhere and no telling what kind of preparation is under all that primer. Those rear fenders aren’t going to last long with that wide rear end in there either. Think maybe I’d go look somewhere else.
They should have narrowed that Olds rear end a few more inches 😂