WebCars! The Corvette Story

1959 Corvette: Styling Updates

GM brochure courtesy Skip Marketti of The Nethercutt Collection
There were few changes for the 1959 model year Corvette; perhaps GM figured people still needed time to absorb the 1958 styling.
The styling was toned down a notch as the faux louvers disappeared from the hood (above) and (below) the trunk "spears" were gone. The "Wind Splits", which made their hood debut in the 1957 model year, remained and would continue to the 1962 model year. Years later the change is considered to be the correct move as 1959 / 1960 Corvettes genrally get higher prices than the 1958 model.

There were minor revisions to the instrument panel in 1959. The glass in front of the gauges was convex, which reduced the glare problem with the flat glass of the previous year.
Above: Brochure illustration shows the dashboard which was completely revised in 1958. 1959 additions included a storage bin below the passenger grab handle. A "Corvette" script was added to the anodized aluminum area behind the grab bar.


Corvette C1 5,500 and 6,500 RPM tachometers. The base 230 HP and 245 HP and 250 HP fuel injected optional engines (basically those with hydraulic lifters) had a 5,500 RPM redline. The 270 HP and 290 HP fuel injected motors, which used solid lifters, had a 6,500 RPM redline.

1959 Corvette For Sale

Hand-Built 1959 Corvette
Price: $195,000 obo
Exterior: See ad
Interior: See ad
Miles: 0
Location: Palm Coast, Florida

Click Here for more info

This 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is hand-built and assembled by Smokey Albert Yunick in Palm Coast, FL, founder of Yunique Creations and son of Henry "Smokey" Yunick who was one of the greatest automotive engineering minds the world has ever known (more)

Corvette For Sale Banner

1959 Corvette Options, Prices

RPO Description Production Price
101 Heater 8,909 (92.13%) $102.25
102 AM Radio, Signal Seeking 7,001 (72.40%) $149.80
107 Parking Brake Alarm 3,601 (37.24%) $5.40
108 Courtesy Lights 3,601 (37.24%) $6.50
109 Windshield Washers 7,929 (82.00%) $16.15
121 Radiator Fan Clutch 67 (0.69%) $21.55
1408 Blackwall Tires, 6.70x15 nylon n/a n/a
1408 Blackwall Tires, 6.70x15 nylon n/a n/a
1625 24 Gallon Fuel Tank n/a n/a
1625 24 Gallon Fuel Tank n/a n/a
261 Sunshades 3,722 (38.49%) $10.80
276 Wheels, 15x5.5 (5) 214 (2.21%) n/a
290 Whitewall Tires, 6.70x15 8,173 (84.52%) $31.55
313` Powerglide Automatic Transmission 1,878 (19.42%) $199.10
419 Auxiliary Hardtop 5,481 (56.68%) $236.75
426 Power Windows 587 (6.07%) $59.20
440 Two-Tone Exterior Paint 2,931 (30.31%) $16.15
469 283 cu. in. 245 hp Engine two 4 bbl. carburetors 1,417 (14.65%) $150.65
469C 283 cu. in. 270 hp Engine two 4 bbl. carburetors 1,846 (19.09%) $182.95
473 Power Operated Folding Top 661 (6.84%) $139.90
579 283 cu. in. 250 hp fuel injected Engine 175 (1.81%) $484.20
579D 283 cu. in. 290 hp fuel injected Engine 745 (7.70%) $484.20
675 Positraction Rear Axle 4,170 (43.12%) $48.45
684 Heavy Duty Brakes and Suspension 142 (1.47%) $425.05
685 4-Speed Manual Transmission 4,175 (43.17%) $188.30
686 Metallic Brakes 333 (3.44%) $26.90

Total Production: 9,670
Convertible: 9,670 (100.00%)

Notes: Base Corvette with 283 cu. in. 230 hp engine and three speed manual transmission: $3,875.00

Colors

Code Exterior Quantity Interior Soft Top Wheels
Tuxedo Black 1,594 (16.48%) Blue / Black / Red Black / White Black
Classic Cream 223 (2.31%) Black Black / White Black
Frost Blue 1,024 (10.59%) Blue / Red Blue / Black / White Black
Crown Sapphire 888 (9.18%) Turquoise Black / Turquoise / White Black
Roman Red 1,542 (15.95%) Black / Red Black / White Black
Snowcrest White 3,354 (34.68%) Blue / Black / Red / Turquoise Blue / Black / Turquoise Black
Inca Silver 957 (9.90%) Black / Red Black / White Black

Notes: 1959 was the only year a Turquoise soft top was available. Colors of exported Corvettes are unknown.

Note: Clicking on an image with this symbol (Boxes) will lead to a larger image.



2025 Corvette
C8 ZR1

Corvette Spotter for the iPhone-txt
Introducing the Vette Spotter app for the iPhone.


The Vette Spotter app can identify the year of any Corvette.


All years and generations are covered, from 1953 to 2014. Over 350 photographs and detailed text are included.

Available_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_135x40_0801

To WebCars! Home