The ’58 Corvettes were easy to spot compared to the ‘57s, though the same basic body was still in play. The cars had quad headlights for the first time, chrome accents adorned the trunk lid, and a “washboard-style” pattern ran across the hood. This 1958 edition has been in the same family since 1963, when it was treated to a 327 cubic inch V8. It’s been in storage for decades and will need a thorough restoration. Located in Los Angeles, California, this once-loved project is available here on Hagerty, where the current bid is $28,000 with no reserve. Our appreciation extends to Barn Finder “PRA4SNW” for this cool tip!
As the story goes, the seller’s parents purchased this ’58 Vette in the Spring of 1963. The seller’s uncle supervised a dealer’s installation of a modified (but period-correct?) 327 V8, replacing the factory 283 for reasons not specified. The car has been in storage for about 40 years, and since the odometer reads 5,000 miles, we assume the reading was on its second time around when the car was retired. That was in Connecticut, and the car is now in LAX, where the seller lives, with three videos included in the listing to document the Chevy’s journey. The title is from CT, the bill of sale from CA.
The transmission is a 3-speed manual, so apparently no attempt was made to upgrade to a 4-speed when the engine swap was done in ’63. When the Corvette was assembled, it was finished in black paint, which was switched to a light green sometime back in the day. For patina fans, there is plenty of it, and all of the chrome pieces are pitted and/or rusty. The black convertible top is full of holes, and the black interior has run its course.
15-inch wheels are at all four corners, but we’re unsure if any two of the worn-out tires match (one looks like a snow tire). Four knockoff-style wheel covers are included. The speedometer goes up to 160 mph, which essentially is a challenge for those with a heavy right foot (the tachometer has a 9,000-rpm face, too). The engine does not turn over after all these years, and the windshield is cracked and will need replacement. A few spare parts will come with the sale to help get this car back to its former glory.
The “same family” is rough on cars.
Would look good as Hot Rods to Hell tribute car..
Right rear tire looks like a snow tire to me.
Boy, and I thought my 62 was rough.
My Dad put snow tires on his ’58. It was no garage queen. It was his daily driver all year round. (Northern Illinois)
With the posi and some of his weight lifting weights. It was a,very good snow car. He always made it to the train station. But in the winter of ’67. When he got off the train. He could not find the car in the lot. The snow in the parking lot was drifted up higher than the roof of the cars. He slept that night in a jail cell. (The only place with a bed close to the parking lot.) It was a,few days before the -Vette came home.
Rw loved that movie (hot rods to hell )when I was a kid
Cool old vette 57 and 58 are my favorite years but what’s with the pink instrument binnacle? Wish this was still on the east coast and mt current project was closer to completion
That would be stainless not chrome trim it should buff out if not to bad. I had a 1958 and a 1959. Love the C1s!
This brings back many good memories of Dad and I restoring and repairing his ’58. He then used it as his daily driver until I turned 16. Where the car insurance went through the roof. Lots of quality time with Dad.
Not period correct for 1958, as a 327 engine didn’t appear till 1962. I own a 58 fuelie Panama Yellow.
I like to see all Corvette restored to original condition, but with the replaced engine, I’m not sure if this one will end up that way.
It’ll probably end up as a high buck restomod, but in any case, this car deserves to live again.
This poor old girl needs a lot of work= MONEY. I hate to see them like this.
Nobody said anything about the steering wheel!
Looks like a great project for a new owner
I now have my dad’s 62,340 hp, 4 speed. But before that he had a 58 3 speed with the base engine. It was a radio delete car and he used the stainless spears on the trunk as his antenna.
Wish I’d gotten that car from him when he bought the 62
love the chum chucking snow tire. get some of that
Had to look up “chum chucking!”
Just did a quick check into the numbers that were shown, the head number comes back as a 283 head, not a 327. Is that normal? Never was one to follow casting numbers, as I haven’t done any restoring, but I love these old cars as they were what was on the road in my youth. My favorite was 1960. Our family doctor (who made house calls back then) had on in white with red interior. I was in love at first sight. Always wished I could find one I could afford, but never did.Sigh!
“Our family doctor (who made house calls back then) had on in white with red interior. I was in love at first sight. ”
The first one I saw was owned by a dentist. It was a dark gray 57. Don’t know if it was a fuelie or not. So I was 11, but it impressed me.
I once had a 65 maroon coupe with the 350 hp engine and a 4 speed. Now I have the 62 that my dad bought new.
SOLD for $48,150.
36 bids.