1959 Corvette

The 1959 Corvette was a "cleaned up " version of the 1958 version. Gone were the fake hood louvers and the chrome trunk streamers. New in '59 was a reverse lockout t-handle gearshift ( 4 speed). Also, seatbelts were now factory installed. Body colors available were Tuxedo Black, Classic Cream, Frost Blue, Crown Sapphire, Roman Red, Snowcrest White, and Inca Silver. Interior colors available were Blue, Red, Turquoise and (for the first time) Black. Top colors were Black or White (available with all body colors) also Blue (available with Frost Blue or Snowcrest White), Turquoise (with Crown Sapphire) or Tan (with Snowcrest White). The base engine was the 283 producing 230 hp. The optional engines were the same 283 block but with 2 four barrel carbs producing 245 hp, another at 270hp and 2 versions with fuel injection producing 250 and 290 hp. A 3 speed transmission was standard with a 4 speed the optional manual. Also as an option was the automatic transmission.

A few options and their cost in 1959

additional cove color   $16.15

windshield washer   $16.15

Sunshades     $10.80

auxiliary hardtop   $236.75

fuel  injected 283 w/290 hp  $484.20

4 speed transmission   $188.30

total production for the 59 model year was 9670 units with a factory base price of $3875.

In our club, Bob is the lone owner of a classic '59. His is Frost Blue/white top, fuel injection/290 hp and a 3 speed transmission. We wonder just how many they made with those specs? Could it be the only one????