Corvette: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 19641965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Corvette Specs, Options: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 19651966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978
1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
1959 Corvette Specs
To learn more about the 1959 Corvette, click here.
Body Specs |
|
| Wheelbase | 102.00 inches |
| Front Track | 57.00 inches |
| Rear Track | 59.00 inches |
| Length | 177.2 inches |
|
Width
Including Bumpers / Moldings |
72.8 inches |
|
Width
Not Including Bumpers / Moldings |
70.3 inches |
| Front Overhang | 33.0 inches |
| Rear Overhang | 42.2 inches |
| Height (at Windshield) | 49.2 inches |
| Height (Loaded, Hard Top) | 51.9 inches |
| Height (Loaded, Folding Top) | 52.0 inches |
| Hood Opening | Front (reverse alligator) |
| Finish (paint type) | Lacquer |
| Turning Diameter |
38.5 feet (right); 39.0 feet (left) wall - wall
36.5 feet (right); 37.0 feet (left) curb - curb |
| Steering gear ratio | 16.3:1 |
| Steering Wheel Turns | 3.25 |
| Tire Size | 6.70-15 4 Ply Rating |
| Tire Type | Rayon |
| Three Speed Transmission |
1st Gear 2.21:1
2nd Gear 1.32:1 3rd Gear 1.00:1 Reverse Gear 2.25:1 |
| Four Speed Transmission Close Ratio |
1st Gear 2.21:1
2nd Gear 1.66:1 3rd Gear 1.31:1 4th Gear 1.00:1 |
| Axle Ratio |
3.70:1; Optional: 4.11:1, 4.56:1
Automatic: 3.55:1 |
| Transmission Synchromesh |
Three Speed: 2nd and 3rd Gears
Four Speed: All Four Gears |
|
|
| Shipping - Powerglide (Automatic) Transmission | 3,002 lb. |
|
Curb - Powerglide (Automatic) Transmission
Shipping + fuel (107 lb.), water (38 lb.) |
3,135 lb. |
|
Loaded - Powerglide (Automatic) Transmission
(Two Passengers @ 150 lb. each) |
3,405 lb. |
| Shipping - Three Speed (standard) Transmission | 2,900 lb. |
|
Curb - Three Speed (standard) Transmission
Shipping + fuel (107 lb.), water (38 lb.) |
3,033 lb. |
|
Loaded - Three Speed (standard) Transmission
(Two Passengers @ 150 lb. each) |
3,333 lb. |
| Optional Hard Top | 55 lb. |
|
|
|
| Heavy Duty Brakes, Suspension (Code 684) | +77 pounds |
| Limited Slip Differential | +6 pounds |
| Dual Four Barrel Carburetors | +17 pounds |
| Fuel Injection | -7 pounds |
| Hardtop | -2 pounds (Without Folding Top) |
| Hardtop | +58 pounds (With Folding Top) |
| Sunshade | +2 pounds (Pair) |
| Heater | +20 pounds |
| Radio | +16 pounds |
| Whitewall Tire | +1 pound |
| Power Top | +34 pounds |
| Four Speed Transmission | +12 pounds |
| Automatic (Powerglide) Transmission | +101 pounds |
| Power Windows | +7 pounds |
| Windshield Washers | +4 pounds |
| 15-5 Wheels | -2 pounds |
|
|
| Type: | V8 |
| Valve Location: | In Head |
| Bore / Stroke: | 3.875" / 3.00" |
| Displacement: | 283 Cubic Inches |
| Compression Ratio: | 9.5 : 1 |
| Crankshaft Material: | Forged Steel |
| Camshaft Material: | Cast Alloy Iron |
| Oil Pump Type: | Gear |
| Normal Oil Pressure | 35 psi @ 2,000 RPM |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | Electric |
| Crankcase Oil Capacity (less filter) | 5 Quarts |
| Recommended Oil Grade |
Above 32°: SAE 20W, SAE 20 or SAE 10W-30
To 0°: SAE 10W or SAE 10W-30 Below 0°: SAE 5W or SAE 5W-20 Sustained high speed over 90°F - SAE 30 may be used |
| Fuel Tank | 16.4 Gallons |
| Fuel Filter | Strainer |
| Fuel Pump | Mechanical |
| Fuel Pressure | 5¼ - 6½ PSI |
| Carburetor | Carter 3756676 Single 4 barrel |
|
Carburetor
Optional dual four barrel carburetors Code 469 |
Carter 3744002 (front) / 3744004 (rear)
Special Camshaft: Carter 3741089 (front) / 3741090 (rear) |
| Cooling System Capacity |
16.5 Quarts (with heater)
15.5 Quarts (without heater) |
| Cooling System Frontal Area | 380 sq. in. |
| Radiator Cap Relief Pressure | 6 ¼ - 7 ¾ PSI |
| Thermostat Type | Choke |
| Thermostat Opening | 160° F |
| Battery |
Delco 1980458 (12 volt)
53 Amp hr. @ 120 hr. |
|
Horsepower |
|
| Standard Engine |
230 hp @ 4,800 RPM;
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM |
|
Code 469A
(Two Four Barrel Carburetors) |
245 hp @ 5,000 RPM;
Torque: 300 ft-lb. @ 3,800 RPM |
|
Code 469C
(Two Four Barrel Carburetors, Special Camshaft) |
270 hp @ 6,000 RPM;
Torque: 285 lb-ft @ 4,200 RPM |
| Code 579A Fuel Injection |
250 hp @ 5,000 RPM;
Torque: 305 lb-ft @ 3,800 RPM |
|
Code 579B
(Special Camshaft) |
290 hp @ 6,200 RPM;
Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM |
|
Fuel Injection |
|
| Manufacturer | Rochester Products |
| Model | 7017200 (Code 579B, 283 hp) |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium |
| Fuel Pump | Mechanical |
| Fuel Pressure | 5 ¼ - 6 ½ PSI |
| Inlet Manifold | Cast Aluminum |
| Air Cleaner Type | Dry |
| Air Meter Location | Engine Left Side |
| Plenum Chamber | Integral With Inlet Manifold |
| Ram Pipe Length | 12 Inches |
| Fuel Induction | Metered as Function of Air Flow |
| Air / Fuel Ratio Control | Vacuum Sensitive Diaphragm Located on Air Flow Meter |
| Fuel Meter Pump Type | Gear |
| Fuel Meter Pump Location | In Fuel Meter Assembly |
| Fuel Meter Pump Drive | Gear Driven by Flexible Shaft From Distributor |
| Fuel Meter Pump Pressure | 300 PSI |
| Injection Nozzles Quantity | 8 |
| Injection Nozzles Material | Brass |
| Injection Nozzles Location | Mounted on Inlet Manifold Above Intake Ports |
| Injection Nozzles Orifice Size - Fuel | .0118 inch |
| Injection Nozzles Insulation | Bakelite |
| Automatic Choke Type | Electric, Time Temperature Type |
| Automatic Choke Location | On Air Meter Assembly |
| Automatic Choke Current Draw | 1 amp @ 70° |
| Automatic Choke Fast Idle Cam | Yes |
|
Ignition System |
|
| Coil | Delco-Remy 1115091 (FI Engines: 11151007) |
| Coil current rating |
4 amps (engine stopped)
1.8 amps (engine running) |
| Breaker Gap | .018" |
| Ignition Timing | 4° BTDC @ 600 RPM idle |
| Ignition Timing Centrifugal Advance |
14 ° @ 1,500 RPM
28 ° @ 3,700 RPM (Maximum) |
|
Ignition Timing Vacuum Advance
Standard Engine |
15° @ 15.5 inches Hg |
| Spark Plug | AC 46 |
| Spark Plug Thread | 14 mm. |
| Spark Plug Torque | 20 - 25 lb.-ft. |
| Spark Plug Gap | .033 - .038 inch |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
1959 Corvette Options
| 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
Notes: Base Corvette with 283 cu. in. 230 hp engine and three speed manual transmission: $3,875.00 |
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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. |
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