1959 Chevrolet Corvette Base Convertible 2-Door 283 CU. IN.

Description for Chevrolet Corvette 1959

I have owned this car for 40 years, 975 until now. I started with a frame off restoration in the late 70s. This included removing the body and sending the frame, heels, rake drums and assorted steel parts for sand blasting. Everything was primed then painted and clear coated with Imron. Although this does not have the original engine it has a period correct 283and a T-10 transmission. My friend Cappy, n ace mechanic, ocated a low mileage 283 andrebuilt the engine with Cleveite bearing and triple cut the valves and seats. He could notresist putting in a mild cam without telling me, o I was a little surprised when he started it up for the first time. Even with a stock exhaust and Midas mufflers it has the sweet sound of a Chris Craft inboard boat from that era. Those mufflers from 1980started to show their age and I just had them replaced in the spring under the warranty. Boy were they surprised when I showed them the paperwork from 1980! All new fuel and brake lines were installed on the bareframe,as well as a new master cylinder and new wheels cylindersand newbrake shoes which werearced to go with the newly cut drums. I had the master and all of the wheel cylinders and all of the rubber brake hoses replaced just a few years ago. I just had new king pins installed and had a wheel alignment done in the spring of 2015. I sent the car to the body shop without a speck of paint on it after we put it back on the frame and test drove it in 1980.

This is a car that I had planned to keep forever so I didn't exactly rush to do everything at once, side from the cost factor. I did replace the windshield after having a new dash pad installed. The same shop recovered the seats and installed a new convertible top and door panels and carpets that I supplied. I have most of the receipts. I didn't put many miles on the car over the years. The odometer reading of a little over 3,000 reflects the mileage after the car was fully assembled and roadworthy and when I had the speedometer rebuilt. There was about 42k on it before that. I didn't have a decent work space for many years until I bought my current house in Florida, o it rarely saw the light of day. I have access to an indoor lift nowand was able to wash the underbody and clean up the overspray from the paint work as well as finally detail the engine compartment a bit. The photos show that what you see is what you get.It didn't have any accident damage but there was a tear in the right front fender that was repaired with a heavy build up on the inside that is now cracking a bit, ther than that it has some of the usual fine upper fender lines common to the C-1 Vettes. All the bumpers were rechromed by Mark's Plating, ho does much of the work for the Palm Beach residents. I have made every effort to keep the car as original as possible. It is not a hotrod, ust a nice driver with decent old school performance from a 283 with a newer Edelbrock carb. I addedthose cute rolled exhaust tips after the new exhaust system went on. I have the hardtop and new windows and package tray as well as various other parts and books that will be included.

I don't have to sell it but my body is starting to tell me otherwise. The arthritis in my clutch knee and the gout flare ups in the left foot keep it in the garage too much! The starting price isless thana basket case goes for, nd this is not a basket case. The winning bidder must send $2,000.00 to me via Paypal within 24 hours, nd prior to release for pickup the balance must be in cash or via bank to bank wire transfer . No bank checks or certified checks. Please ask questions and make every effort to see and inspect the car. I am 20 minutes from Palm Beach Intl. Airport. If you are the winning bidder you are obligated to complete the deal, f you change your mind after that you will get negative feedback and lose the deposit. I will make every effort to accommodate your schedule for viewing. Shipping is up to you. Thanks for looking, id often and higher.