1959 Corvette C1: Styling Updates

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)