1959 Chevrolet Corvettes
Building on the popularity of previous models, for 1959 the Chevrolet Corvette evinced a somewhat less glitzy design producing 9,670 convertibles. With the trunk ‘spears’ gone, the ’59 Vette silhouette was basically the same as in ‘58, yet there were some other changes. Outside, hood louvers were deleted and all wheels painted black, while inside, black interiors were introduced, door releases were moved forward, armrests moved for more elbow room, instruments redesigned and seats were more smoothly upholstered with side-to-side pleating.
The 283 cube V8 was again retained, with the same base 230 hp 1×4 carb motor, optional 245 hp 2×4 carbs, 270 hp 2×4 carbs and 250 hp and 290 hp fuel-injected versions available as in the previous ’58 Vette. Again, a 3-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed manual and 2-speed Powerglide automatic as options. Body colors were: Tuxedo Black, Classis Cream White, Frost Blue, Crown Sapphire, Roman Red, Snowcrest White and Inca Silver. Interior colors were: Black, Blue, Red and Turquoise. Soft Top colors were: Black, White, Blue and Turquoise. Other options were the same as for the ’58 model, with the addition of: a 24-gallon gas tank; metallic brakes; sunshades; and radiator fan clutch. The racing brakes and suspension packages, signaling collector favoritism today, were factory installed on 142 ’59 Corvettes.
