AJ’s Car of the Day: 1959 Chevrolet C-1 Corvette Fuel-Injection

AJ’s Car of the Day: 1959 Chevrolet C-1 Corvette Fuel-Injection

Car: Chevrolet C-1 Corvette Fuel-Injection

Year: 1959

What makes it special: In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette succumbed to the look of the day. Starting with the 1958 model year and the four that followed, all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grills.

What made it famous: For the 1959 model, engines and horsepower ratings did not change. Interiors were revised slightly with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with “T” handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered, and all 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 could not be ordered with convertible tops due to inadequate space for the folding top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15″×5.5″ wheels (214), RPO 426 power windows (547), RPO 473 power convertible top (661). Optional engine choices included two with twin carburetors, including a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB 4-barrels, and two with fuel injection. Power output for the highest rated fuel-injected engine was 290 hp. Displacement remained 283 cu in. 

Why I would want one: When I think of Corvettes, I generally think of the C-1.

Fun fact: It is commonly referred to as the “Solid-axle” generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray.