1959 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

Chevrolet, established in 1911, is an American automotive manufacturer. Commonly known as Chevy, the company was founded by its namesake, Louis Chevrolet, and William C. Durant, the founder of General Motors.

As Chevrolet grew, it acquired a controlling interest in General Motors in 1918, making Chevrolet GM’s entry-level brand. The first offering was the Series C, yet models such as the Series 490 and Superior established Chevrolet as one of the United State’s most famous and capable automotive manufacturers.

The company went on to create essential cars such as the Bel Air, Impala, and Camaro and revered truck models like the C/K, Advance Design, and Task Force. No Chevrolet is more highly regarded than the Corvette.

Chevrolet Corvette - C1 (1958 to 1960)

The 1958 model year saw the introduction of the C1 Chevrolet Corvette. The new Corvette featured an extended, sleeker, four-headlight design. Along with the exterior update, the interior of the C1 now featured a more driver-focused cabin.

The 283 cubic inch V8 engine was the only powerplant available, but it was offered in carbureted and fuel-injected configurations. For carbureted versions, power ranged from 230hp to 270hp, while fuel-injected versions, often called fuelies, offered the driver from 250hp to 315hp.

The standard transmission option was the three-speed manual, while a four-speed manual and two-speed automatic were optional. As the most produced of the C1 Corvettes, 29,099 cars were built in the 1958-1960 Corvette.

By 1960, Chevrolet’s Corvette was America’s sports car. Its racing successes and popularity continued to grow. More cars were made in 1960 than in Corvette’s 7-year history. Corvette’s horsepower was increasing, and in 1960, the top power rating for the optional RamJet fuel-injected 283 cid small block V8 had risen to 315 hp, more than 1.1 hp per cubic inch.

1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Mecum Las Vegas 2024 Lot S17

1959 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

Overall, it was mechanically unchanged from 1958

The 1959 Corvette featured slight changes from the previous model. The new edition boasted clean, pure styling due to the loss of unneeded chrome and hood louvres. Overall, it was mechanically unchanged from 1958. Several other design changes were introduced, including a new Magic-Mirror acrylic lacquer finish to keep it looking brilliant for years to come and a luxurious cockpit designed for navigator comfort.

1959 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

A new instrument panel with glare-reducing, concave instruments was introduced. The seats and door panels were redesigned, and a shelf under the dash was new for 1959. The ’59 offered a variety of power teams engineered for driving fun.

This particular Corvette represents a typically equipped car from the period. The standard 230 hp small block V8 is mated to an optional four-speed manual transmission. Over half of the Corvettes produced in 1960 were manual four-speeds.

This restored car is powered by a 283 CI V-8 engine, dual carburetors and a 4-speed manual transmission.

The car has new bucket seats, a black interior and a removable hardtop. Snowcrest white paint with silver coves covers the exterior.

The dash houses a tachometer and custom dual cooling fans. An owner’s manual is in the glove box.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Mecum Las Vegas Lot S167

1961 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

The 1961 Corvette is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever. It was the first Corvette to feature a sporty look and was powered by various engine options.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

This beauty underwent a comprehensive restoration, which was completed in 2024. The car is powered by a rebuilt 283/230 HP V-8 engine with a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. The engine bay has been refinished to factory appearance.

The car has a newer convertible top, factory wheels, and hubcaps with new Coker Whitewall tires on the outside. It has been stored indoors.

1960 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible

Mecum Las Vegas 2024 Lot S121.1

1960 Chevrolet Corvette Custom ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

The car has had a ground-up professional build in 2012 with 545 miles since.

It features a Newman Car Creations custom chassis with C4 Corvette steering braking and suspension, power rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel power disc brakes, and 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein shocks.

A new Chevrolet Performance LS3 Connect and Cruise E-Rod package rated at 430 HP, fuel injection, drive-by-wire, coil-on plug ignition and catalytic converters.

1960 Chevrolet Corvette Custom ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

There is a computer-controlled 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic pulse width modulated torque converter clutch.

Custom blue leather and houndstooth carpeting and floor mats. Custom blue and White body and paint performed by Devious Designs of Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning writer and journalist based on the West Coast. His writing resonates with those passionate about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, agriculture, lifestyle, historical events, equestrian and rodeo, and millionaire travel.

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