The first generation C1 Corvette series was introduced in 1953 and ran through 1962. Made of fiberglass to keep production costs down, early cars shared an in-line six-cylinder with every other Chevy model, but there the resemblance ended. With higher compression, a high-lift camshaft, and three Carter carburetors, the Corvette’s version of the 235ci six managed 150 bhp. Its long hood and convertible configuration were also nothing like the ubiquitous Chevy sedan of the day. As the Corvette evolved, a V8 became standard fare in the engine bay, and by 1958 the body was embellished with dual headlights, nonfunctional air scoops, fake louvers on the hood, and a chrome-trimmed decklid. Considered gaudy by some aficionados, the 1958 still sold extremely well. But Chevrolet listened, and the styling was toned down in 1959, making the ’58 a standout in the lineup of C1s. Here on eBay is a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette ready for reassembly, with an asking price of $52,500. This car was stored for forty years as a partially finished restoration. It is located in Saugatuck, Michigan.
The installed motor is a 327ci V8 from a later ‘Vette paired with a Muncie four-speed manual. It does run, but the seller used an external fuel source rather than the installed fuel cell. The seller believes the original 283ci block is with the car, having been bored 0.040 over, decked and honed. Chevrolet didn’t keep production records before the early 1960s nor were VIN numbers and engine numbers tied together, so the best one can do is determine if the block casting is correct for a ’58, as opposed to a later or earlier car. This one is 3737739, corresponding to ’58. These motors came in several configurations with horsepower ranging from 245 to about 290 for the fuel-injected version.
The car should have a rectangular “louvered” hood section and no scoop. That said, this customized hood looks good on the car. Other fiberglass work has been performed, in a driver-quality manner without proper finish work on the underside of the repairs. In this walk-around video, the seller discusses the bodywork, the suspension, the parts that come with the car, and more. One charming feature is the 1958 “Land of Lincoln” license plates.
I love the whole car – it’s my favorite year for the ‘Vette – but the swankiest feature is the chrome spears down either side of the trunk lid. Of course, those are missing from here but just visible are the fastener divots, ready to accept the trim, which I hope is somewhere nearby. Other collectors are apparently fond of the ’58 too, as prices have become strong for this peacock of a ‘Vette. Restomod cars can draw strong six figures – the ‘Vette has company in this phenomenon, where improved mechanicals trump originality. Original cars sell for around $90k or more if restored with the right block. Our subject car shows a promising start but still a lot of work ahead; what do you think of the price?
A nice car indeed, and while I love Chev Rallies, I’d get ’em off this car.
You would be all of 90k or more to make this a 90k original. Not a money thing but if you love these than making money is not the objective. I would trash that hood and rebuild original motor
If you gave.55k..you’d spend another 70s…on this car easily..so ..it’s a choice….20k.ok to paint..10 k for drive.motor.tranny..5k interior..10 k on incidentals..expensive 58 vette..you might find a 58 car together for a cheaper price.
Not orig hood or drive train my parents owned 3 c1 vettes 58 60 62 all were money pits and problems unless you have deep pockets stay away
Pretty hefty price for a car with that much time and money still to be put in it to get a complete car. Paint cost alone will water your eyes. Really one of Corvette’s finest examples.
What is the price of a good paint job today? I don’t think Earl Scheib is around anymore.
I’ll paint any car any color no ups no extras. His history is very interesting.We had a Earl Scheib by us about a mile away and it became maaco about 25 years ago or so.
Primer, paint and labor will get you close to 20K on the average.
even Edwardo Scheib is expensive
Looks like somebody did a baby l88 hood scoop job.Looks cool and done well by the pics I can see. I agree with Bob Hess. Too much $ too finish off this one especially not a #’s car that will bring more $ if you ever have to sell it.
58 was a great year for these.
“58 to “62, my favorite years. If I had the $ I’d be all over this one. It would be like putting together a full size model.
So, 52.5K for a car that needs paint, assembly, “some” missing parts and isn’t original? The dealer states “original 283 engine block” that I seriously doubt is original to this car or it would be stated. What does the frame look like?
Michelle mentioned in the great write-up that there weren’t number-matching Vetts before the early 60s. The block number the owner supplied checked out to be a 58 block, so that is as good as it gets.
The greatest thing about the ’58 was the louvered hood. It made them as unique as the split windows. Can a person find a replacement? I don’t know.
Body lines at trunk horrible. Thing thing has definitely had collision damage. Not worth buying. Seller must be digusted with it. Don’t blame him.
Ikea version??
In the video the guy is showing and describing the chrome pieces sitting on the concrete floor, stating many of them have been re-plated, as he drags them on the floor to show you the condition. Who does that? He also says “fuel cell” instead of fuel or gas tank. Little things like that really make you wonder. On the other hand, the video is pretty decent, and he is pretty up-front about things, especially the left rear quarter “repair”. The rear axle appears to have had ladder bars or other suspension modifications at one point. If you know your C1’s well, this “could” be a decent deal for the right person.
It’s an old Drag racing car – been run ragged & that’s why the Hood scoop & Ladder bar mounts on Rear suspension.
Nice Hot rod car not a collector in any way shape or fashion & that block is meaningless