Chassis No. J58S107022

The 1958 model year was one of unbridled opulence within Detroit, as, for most all makes and models, the decade's extravagances reached their chrome-slathered zenith. This was especially true at General Motors, which saw the production of such grandly trimmed machines as the Buick Limited and the original Chevrolet Impala. Chevrolet's sports car, the Corvette, was not exempt, and was dressier than ever this season. It adopted the newly in-vogue quad headlights, and featured a larger grille, also following an industry-wide trend. Most distinctive were the designs of the hood and rear deck, which featured stamped-in faux cooling louvers and a pair of decorative chrome spears or "tusks," respectively.

Distinctively American in its design but nonetheless remaining a true, proud sports car, it was a beautiful automobile, and while the louvers and "tusks" would be one-year-only features, this same basic design was employed through the final season of "C1" production in 1962.

Offered here from the Gateway Automobile Museum is an extremely nicely restored example of this watershed design, finished in Silver Blue with silver coves and a Blue-Grey interior, one of the most well-known and beloved color schemes for the model. The engine, a 283 cu-in mill with a solid-lifter cam and dual four-barrel carburetors good for 270 horsepower, is mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and mounted in a nicely detailed engine bay that is not over-restored but well-finished throughout. Additional features include a Wonderbar AM radio, clock, driver's side-view mirror, seatbelts, and both a white pinpoint vinyl soft top and matching removable hardtop, altogether an excellent complement of accessories.

The interior is properly finished with Daytona-weave carpets, and original hubcaps are mounted to the wheels, shod in wide whitewall tires. That the restoration remains in pristine condition throughout, showing few signs of age or use, should be no surprise, as at the time of cataloging the car had recorded just 3 miles since completion of the work. Needless to say, the car remains in virtually show-ready condition from stem to stern.

A beautifully finished and impeccably presented 1958 Corvette, this car is worthy of any aficionado of 1950s American sports cars. It is a marvelous example of its design, showing the C1 Corvette at its most stylish, and would be welcomed to any number of shows as well as to the open road, stretching its legs and showing off its beauty to all comers.

Collection Guarantee Disclosure

Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.