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1959 Chevrolet Corvette

The '59 Corvette? A total dreamboat! Its sleek, iconic design—those sculpted curves!— cemented its place in automotive history. A symbol of '50s cool, it represented freedom and American optimism. Mechanically improved over previous years, it remains a highly sought-after classic.

History of the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette

Known for its incredible blend of performance and spectacular styling, the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette stands out as a jewel in the Corvette lineage. Have you ever felt the thrill of exploring automotive history? It's kind of like opening a time capsule filled with stories of innovation and design.

Development and Engineering

Remember the guys who tinkered with its body, trying out everything from reinforced plastic to the sturdy steel we admire today? Ellis James Premo and Robert McLean played pivotal roles, ensuring the 'Vette handled like a dream.

Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette

1959 Chevrolet Corvette Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Chevrolet Corvette Worth?

Original MSRP :

Outstanding

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$175,000

Clean

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$111,000

Average

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$76,300*

Rough

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$55,300

1959 Chevrolet Corvette Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Passengers: 2
Model Number: 867
Length: 177.2 inches
Width: 72.8 inches
Height: 52 inches
Wheelbase: 102 inches
Type: Super Turbo-Fire V8, overhead valve, Dual downdraft 4-barrel, Close-ratio, 3-speed, floor-mounted manual, synchormesh
Displacement: 283.0 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3.875 & 3 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 9.5 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 245@5000
Horsepower Rated: 48.05
Torque: 300@3800
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Cast iron
Engine Number Location: On front right side of block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
2 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
Unknown
Gear Ratios Second:
Unknown
Gear Ratios Third:
Unknown
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
Unknown
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.55 to 1
Front: Independent coil springs
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Premium
Tire Size: 6.7 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 16.5 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:J59S100001 to J598S109670
Total Digits:10
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2-3:Model year
Digits 4:Assembly plant
Digits 5-10:Production number
Snowcrest White, Classic Cream, Frost Blue Metallic, Crown Sapphire Metallic, Roman Red, Inca Silver Metallic, Tuxedo Black
Convertible: Opt

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Cultural Impact of the Corvette

Who doesn't love a classic car that screams freedom and rebellion, right? The Corvette was a poster child for the car-centric culture of the 1950s and 60s, influencing everything from suburbia's music to Hollywood's glitzy motion pictures.

Influence on Music

Striking a chord with rock and roll enthusiasts, the Corvette found itself celebrated, riffing alongside iconic tunes and artists. Its sleek design and roaring engines became the chorus to a generation's soundtrack.

Television and Film Appearances

Be it on screen or off, the Corvette always stole the spotlight. Eric "Otter" Stratton from "Animal House" drove one, and it wasn't just about looks—it told a story of adventure and aspirations.

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Popular Figures Who Own the 1959 Corvette

Owning a Corvette is like holding a badge of coolness, and several celebrities can vouch for that. Let's chat about some famous names associated with this beauty.

George Clooney

Ah, George Clooney—the suave actor with a penchant for classic beauties—owns a '59 Corvette Roadster. This connection only heightens the car's status as a Hollywood-style icon.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp, the enigmatic star of "Pirates of the Caribbean," received his '59 Corvette as a gift. Just imagine, having a car as a token of appreciation! It's no wonder the Corvette stands as a symbol of star-studded luxury.

Bruce Springsteen

The "Boss" himself, Bruce Springsteen, was often seen with his Chevy beauty. A nod to the Corvette's rock-and-roll legacy, don't you think? It perfectly complements his rugged, free-spirited music.

Other Notable Owners

Let's not forget the rock legends and athletes like Slash and Mark McGwire. A red Corvette in your driveway after hitting a home run? That's quite the congratulatory nod.

Speed Records and Engineering Marvels

The powerhouse that is the 1959 Corvette wasn't just about making a style statement—it raised pulses with its performance too! With engines roaring to 290 horsepower and acceleration that took your breath away, it sped like a dream.

1959 Chevrolet Corvette Gallery

Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette

Fluctuating Price Records

Like all classic beauties, the 1959 Corvette has seen its fair share of ups and downs in the market. Despite market corrections, its charm seems undeterred, holding its own among enthusiasts despite changing collector dynamics.

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Additional Resources

Looking to check out some older models? Try a or a . And if you've stumbled upon an old paper with a or even a mysterious , well, there are tools for those too!

Should you need insights on the car's historical tidbits, a might just do the trick. It's like adding layers to the tantalizing mystery that every vintage car holds.

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Explore Chevrolet Corvette from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '59 Corvette? A real head-turner, that one. It's instantly recognizable, you know? Think sleek, aggressive styling; that's the key. The biggest change from previous models? The body got a serious upgrade, with those distinctive, sharp-edged fenders. And let's not forget those iconic quad taillights—like four little jewels at the back. Oh, and the interior? Pure '50s cool, with that classic sporty vibe. It's got that certain je ne sais quoi, if you know what I mean. A true beauty.

Under the hood, you had a few choices, depending on how much rumble you craved. The base engine was a 283 cubic inch small-block V8; a pretty solid performer. But if you wanted something with a bit more oomph, you could spring for either the 245-horsepower or the 290-horsepower versions. That extra power really made a difference, it’s night and day. Now, those high-performance engines – those were really something special. They could really move! Think of it like this: choosing an engine was like choosing your level of adventure. You get what I’m sayin’?

For shifting gears, you had a couple of options; a two-speed Powerglide automatic or a three-speed manual transmission. The automatic was pretty smooth for cruising around town, you know? But the manual...ah, that's where the real fun was! It was a bit more involved, but it gave you more control over the car. It was a completely different driving experience. So the choice really came down to whether you valued smoothness or control – it’s all about what you’re looking for in your driving experience.

In '59, it was all about the roadster. No hardtops or coupes that year—just that classic open-air experience. It was all about feeling the wind in your hair, man. You simply could not get more open-top than that. Think sunshine, cool breezes, and the open road; that's the 1959 Corvette experience, you get it?

Chevrolet built approximately 9,670 Corvettes in 1959. So, it's not exactly the most common classic car on the road; which makes finding one all the more special, right? Kinda like finding a rare collectible item. I mean, it really does give a sense of exclusivity.

The value of a '59 Corvette? Well, that depends on a whole lot of factors—condition, options, rarity, and so on. It's not really a simple answer, you know? A well-preserved, low-mileage example? You might be looking at a high six-figure price tag. But those prices can fluctuate wildly. Think of it as an investment – or, if you’re lucky, a really cool car to own. It's all about finding the right match for your budget.