Chevrolet Corvette (C1) Cabrio

Vehicle Description

– 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (C1) Cabrio
– delivered with sports package: larger brakes and improved suspension
– bi-colour (red/white) exterior and black leatherette interior
– body has never been restored, but patina carefully preserved
– with the current owner since 1991
– complete electrical system re-installed 1993
– soft top renewed 2003
– 2006 / 2007 engine and gearbox overhauled, suspension and brakes renewed
– rear axle and steering gearbox overhauled, new exhaust and new carburettor
– 2019 crankshaft overhauled, new bearings, new engine oil pump
– original hardtop available

In navy terms, a corvette is a small, easily maneuverable warship. GM borrowed the name in 1953 when they presented the very first concept vehicle of what was to become the best known American sports car of all times. Right until today, the “Vette”, now in its 7th generation, is in high esteem with motoring enthusiasts around the world.
The first generation Corvette was Chevrolet’s reply to Porsche and Jaguar: a compact roadster which was lightweight and sporty. The low kerb weight was achieved by using a fibreglass body on a steel frame, a revolutionary concept at its time. The sportiness of course was due to powerful engines, especially with the introduction of the “Small-block” V8 in 1956.
In the first model year, no more than 300 Corvettes were produced, mostly hand-built, and indeed it took a while until the car had reached a certain level of popularity. For the 1956 model year, the Corvette was given a new body with an improved convertible top. Glass windows were introduced and a hardtop became available. Production numbers first crossed the 10,000 mark in 1960. Over the course of one decade, a total of 69,015 first generation Corvettes were built. In 1963, the 1st generation was replaced by C2, the forever popular “Sting Ray”.

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