The Chevy Corvette received two notable styling updates in 1958. This was the first year they would wear quad headlights and the hood gained that louvered “washboard” look. Mechanically a 283 cubic inch V8 continued to deliver power to the rear wheels. The seller describes this ’58 as a “driver project” which looks more driver than project. Located in Raymond, Mississippi, the C1 Corvette is available here on eBay where the current bid of $45,000 has not yet rattled the seller’s reserve.
Having left its six-cylinder days in the rear-view mirror, the Corvette was starting to turn some heads on the racing circuit. For example, a ’58 ‘Vette finished in first place at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and another took the SCCA National Championship in the B-Production class. And they were also winning on the showroom floor, as deliveries of 9,168 Corvettes in 1958 reflected a 45% increase over the prior year. Production would finally surpass the 10,000 level in 1960.
This Corvette has a 230 hp version of the 283 V8 and comes with a 3-speed manual transmission. The body has received some prep work so it sports primer at the moment with its replated chrome simply hanging on the car. The red interior looks okay, but it’s ready for a refresh and some of the pieces needed are photographed separately and come with the car. We’re told that the convertible top is older but looks okay and the brakes and tires are new, so it’s in running order.
This style of Corvette is similar to the ones made famous in the 1960-64 television series, Route 66, where the car was as much a star of the show as Martin Milner and George Maharis were (ole George is still alive at 94!). The current bid is about half of what a ’58 Corvette can be worth in good, average condition, according to Hagerty. Does the reserve on this car leave some room for equity once the restoration is completed?
Going to be an expensive project any way you look at it with that present bid being so high. Love this series of the C1s and am reminded that we saw Roger Penske race one of them in Michigan in the mid ’60s. Had pictures too but lost them in the ’17 hurricane.
At 45 K now and reserve not met, I think the price is too high, You are going to really have to want it.
Personal inspection is required! I know every nut and bolt of these and for this price the body and frame have to be clean and unaltered with matching numbers on everything. Count on another 25k for paint and interior. The new expensive carpeting is there but the rest of the interior has needs. This reminds me of the recent white ’58 shown here.
I bought a 1958 after getting back in country in 1972. I bought it from the legendary Corvette collector, Ed Thiebauld. He was a turkey farmer who owned the number 3 Corvette. What a nice guy. I was 22 years old and a member of the Auburn, Indiana, Corvette club the “Glass Resurrection.”
My finances were very limited, but I had access to a few airplanes.
A buddy and i flew to Ed’s turkey farm.
I bought my 1958 for exactly $860.
It was a very ugly green, and had the handling characteristics of the later Yugo.
I hated the car.
When I went to college and really needed money for the silly tuition, and books, I brilliantly sold it for $2,400 in 1974.
The two speed Powerglide and the worst (sloppy) steering of any car in the world made it easy to get rid of it.
Now, I wish that I still had it.
this 1 threads the narrow window of appeal for me in the C-1 (’56/60). Some dont like the dual hdlghts or chrome trunk lid spears. For me it pre-dates the ducks a$$ rear (a good thing), still hasa nice binnacle & curved dashes, italianate rear, etc. Much of the rest does not matter to me as the cited yrs are the only cheb/GMs I enjoy lookin at ( well in this model the 63 split, not vert, as well). (OK, full disclosure: 1st gen ’64/6 cheb van; 1st, 2nd gen chev II all models (not 3rd gen); 3rd/final gen ’73/7 chevelle, all models; late 3rd gen C/K w/the 4 hdlghts).
Powerglide would lessen my interest if I were considering this kind of commitment.
Ended at $46,100, Reserve Not Met.