1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

The introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette in 1953 offered a stylish open-air cruiser to the GM lineup. Much of the credit of transforming the Corvette from a cruiser to a true sports car goes to engineer and racer Zora Arkus-Duntov, who built the car to succeed in America’s fast-growing youth market. Beginning with the newly developed small-block V-8 engine in 1955, the Corvette was transformed by Arkus-Duntov into a race-bred, high-performance sports car. Understanding the need for factory performance, Arkus-Duntov insisted that the high-performance parts developed and tested for the Corvette become available on the Corvette option sheet used at Chevrolet showrooms.

This 1959 Corvette offered here demonstrates the thoroughness of Arkus-Duntov’s approach to an all-out competition version. It is powered by the most potent engine in the 1959 lineup: the RPO 579D 283 CI small-block V-8 rated at 290 HP at 6,200 RPM. Equipped with improved Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection, 10.5:1 compression and the high-performance Duntov solid-lifter cam, the engine was fed fresh air through a front-end duct, a system introduced the previous year on Corvettes with this high-output powerplant. It is backed by a close-ratio T-10 4-speed manual transmission, delivering truly brilliant performance and making this Corvette a natural choice for any enthusiast driver.

Finished in the ultrarare 510A Snowcrest White paint with white coves and a black vinyl interior, this Corvette wears one stunning color combination. Having been the recipient of a complete frame-off restoration, this example shows today in concours-quality condition. It has been driven very few miles since the restoration was completed. Other factory features include the hardtop, a black vinyl soft top, a Wonderbar radio and whitewall tires. A Corvette roadster with the 283/290 HP V-8 will ensure driver and passenger excitement traveling down any style of road. This '59 Fuelie roadster would definitely make a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection.