Chevrolet’s 1958 Corvette was a reflection of the time – it got more complicated looking than its predecessor and chrome plating abounded. Regardless, it’s a C1 and is held in high esteem today – especially if it’s in either original condition or restored to a very high level of authenticity. Today’s find is neither. It is, however, claimed to be a running, driving project so let’s see what makes this old ‘Vette tick. It’s located in Harpursville, New York and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $31,100 with the reserve not yet met.

So, the big differences between ’57 and ’58 are the latter’s quad headlights, fake “washboard” hood vent, and the chrome “tusks” traversing the depth of the trunk lid. Numbers two and three would be dispatched for the ’58’s successor. As for specifics, the ’58’s base price jumped 13% to $3,591 while the volume saw a 46% increase, settling in at 9,168 copies – pretty good for a specialty car in a recession year!

So the big deal with this car is that it was originally powered by a fuel-injected engine and due to its 6,500 RPM redline tachometer, I would suggest that it was the 290 gross HP version and not the lessor 250. That said, it’s speculation on my part, I don’t know with certainty and the seller isn’t specific enough. Regardless, there’s a 1965 vintage 327 CI V8 currently holding court in the engine room which utilizes the original manual transmission. The seller adds that he has the original distributor and fuel injection unit, specifically, “The Distributor for fuel injection is as follows Delco Remy Model #111915 Serial #7-K-4 Made in The USA Fuel Unit Serial #1698 Patten #7014320 Rodchester products Rochester NY Made In The USA”.

Exterior-wise, this ‘Vette presents pretty well. The grille “teeth” and trunk tusks (expensive!) are missing and the listing states, “The Car has been modified with the nose being pinched…” I don’t know what that means. Mentioned is a soft top that is in good condition and a hardtop that, “needs to be restored or at minimum the back window changed“. No close-up images are included so what exactly is wrong with the top and rear window is not revealed.

The interior images aren’t too revealing but the seats definitely could use reupholstering and it is said that carpet is needed. The original large diameter tiller is still in place and it appears that some auxiliary gauges have been added. From what can be seen, the dash looks OK, and that 6,500 RPM tachometer is a nice inclusion – wonder if it works?

I’m not sure what to make of this ‘Vette, it’s neither fish nor fowl in its current condition with its wrong engine and missing trim. That said, ten bidders like it and are making a move for it. So, let me ask you, if you were interested, would you try to restore to stock with the fuel injection unit (you’d have to get a date correct 283 engine) or just go with it in a modified vein?