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Same Family Since ’86: 1959 Chevrolet Corvette

Hiding in this garage is a classic that many enthusiasts would give their right arm to own. You don’t need to go to such radical lengths, but submitting a bid could make the dream of owning this 1959 Corvette a reality. It has been part of the same family since 1986 and has collected its share of show trophies courtesy of its spotless presentation. The time has come for a new owner to appreciate everything it offers, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Vista, California. The seller set the auction to open at $60,000 but has received no bids at the time of writing.

This Corvette has spent its life in California, making its rust-free status unsurprising. It snuggles securely in a dry garage when it isn’t undertaking the occasional weekend drive or trip to car shows. The ‘Vette has accrued a collection of trophies during the thirty-seven years it has been part of its current family, which is a testament to its overall condition. The car is 1-of-805 ordered in Roman Red with White coves, representing a take-up rate of 8.3%. The seller undertook a repaint in 1995, and limited use since has preserved the paint to look as stunning today as it would have when it rolled out of the shop. They say there are no marks or chips, and the supplied photos support that claim. However, they didn’t rest on their laurels because the trim items received a refresh last year, with every piece shining magnificently following triple plating. The glass is spotless, and the wide whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.

Powering this Corvette is a numbers-matching 283ci V8 bolted to the original four-speed manual transmission. With 230hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, the ¼-mile journey should take 16.1 seconds. That figure is hardly startling by modern standards, but it commanded respect in an era when the considerably more expensive Jaguar XK150 struggled to break the 16-second barrier. It appears there is nothing but positive news for those seriously considering admitting this classic to their life. The seller replaced the water pump last year, stating the car receives limited use. It runs and drives perfectly, making the concept of flying in and driving home viable for those wishing to build a relationship with their new purchase.

The theme of spotless presentation continues when we examine this Corvette’s interior. The seller recently fitted new Red leather seatcovers, which uncovers one of the few points worth criticizing. The covers are in as-new condition, but the fit on the driver’s seat base is more wrinkled than I would generally expect. It could be a sign of collapsing seat foam, although it might merely be a fitment issue. Releasing the hog rings and stretching the outer cover may address the problem and would be my first port of call. The solitary blurry interior shot makes it impossible to be sure, but there could be something slightly odd with the armrests. Otherwise, the presentation is first-rate. The dash is immaculate, there is no wear or physical damage to the carpet, and no wear on the wheel. There are also no aftermarket additions, which is a serious consideration with any vehicle of this caliber.

It takes a serious level of passion to commit a significant six-figure sum to the luxury of purchasing a classic car, but that is what parking this 1959 Corvette in your garage entails. However, there are several compelling reasons why it could be a wise move. The first is that the car presents so beautifully that it is guaranteed to attract plenty of attention and favorable comments wherever it goes. Secondly, climbing values mean C1 Corvettes represent a rock-solid investment that can be better than money in the bank. However, the most important consideration is that it should provide its new owner with years of classic motoring enjoyment, and isn’t that what cars of this type are supposed to be all about? I can’t think of a better reason to submit a bid on this trophy-winning gem.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Fred R.

    Nice but needs more HP.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar photo TheOldRanger

    I like the looks of the earlier Vettes, but they all look pretty close to the same any more. Way over priced, in my opinion, which with $1 will buy a cup of coffee (also way overpriced today).

    Like 4
    • Avatar photo Yblocker

      Me too, I don’t care for any Corvette past 1962. I won’t comment on the price, I’ve grown numb.

      Like 4
  3. Avatar photo Irish Bill

    After watching C1’s being sold over the last several months I am starting to think that the market is slowing down on these C1’s. They are still sought after but it doesn’t seem as frantic as in the past. Im wondering if the market is starting to level or start turning down.

    Like 3
    • Avatar photo Rob

      If I were to buy it, the market would collapse. At least, that is what has happened to every vehicle I have bought.

      Like 6
      • Avatar photo FrankD Member

        Buy it Rob!! I waiting for a collapse so I can purchase a Porsche GT3.

        Like 0
  4. Avatar photo PETER HOFFMANN

    Someone correct me if I’m wrong but shouldn’t the first letter in the serial number be a “J” not an H?

    Like 0
  5. Avatar photo chrlsful

    “…start @ 60K$…” OK
    I was gunna say ‘right priced’ but will go way beyond. Auctions, net sales – all created seller’s mrkts. Now inflation… to buy we need something in our favor. There’s no thing insight as these sales find deep pockets that are somewhere world wide. No way a typical fella can compete. Problem? it effects the rest of the mrkt. I cant even find junks to restore. Well, ok, old enuff now anyway. May B I can monazite my cookin interest… lol :0 )

    Like 2
  6. Avatar photo ruxvette

    Ahh…my second Vette was a ’59. Bought it for $850 and sold it for $7000. Obviously a loooong time ago.
    I would guess (hope?) the H in the S/N is a mistype, it should be J. Does the car come with both tops? Any tops?
    First order of business would be to turn the tires around (ugly whitewalls) and then address the interior.
    At $60k it would appear to be a buy. $70k…maybe. $80k…still maybe. But, as said above, someone with more money than sense will bid it to $90 ish.

    Like 1

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