Nobody can say that General Motors wasn't hitting on all eight cylinders in the 1950s. One brilliant design after another flowed out of their design studios, and few are more timeless and widely recognized than the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. With quad headlights, the contrasting side cove, and exquisite detailing throughout, these were more than just America's sports car, they were artwork. This particular C1 has been tastefully modified with some performance and handling upgrades that make it that much more... special, take a look... Signet Red was actually quite a popular color in 1958, although white was still by far the most popular. Given the condition of the finish, it's hard to believe this car was painted in 2001, but absolutely suggests that someone has taken exceptional care of this 'Vette ever since. Fit and finish are excellent throughout, with tight door gaps and smooth panels that don't display the typical Corvette flaws and imperfections and those white side coves really pop! And while some may feel that the details on the 1958 models are excessive, including hood louvers and trunk trim that were exclusive to this year, it's also what makes these cars unique and therefore desirable. Of course, there are others who feel that there's no way to make an early Corvette look bad, and all the trim is just part of the wonderful decade of the 1950s. Either way, this is a car that will be the center of attention anywhere it goes. The red interior was provided with a very thorough makeover in 2001 as well, and although it shows very light signs of use today, it matches the condition of the exterior aptly. Few will argue against a red-on-red Corvette, and the look is as timeless as the Corvette itself. There's not a lot of bolstering to the buckets, but fortunately seat belts were included for the first time in 1958, which surely helped keep drivers in place during spirited driving. Plush carpets and matching door panels give the interior a highly polished look, while the instruments, which were freshly redesigned in 1958, have only retained the original speedometer but are augmented with a modern tach in the center and auxiliary AutoMeter units at the flanks. The steering wheel looks original, an ornate piece straight out of Art Deco magazine, and it's easier to get comfortable with thanks to a recent Ididit steering column and upgraded power rack-and-pinion steering kit. There is no radio (oh no, you might have to listen to the purr of the engine and the wind whistling through your hair!!!) and the Hurst shifter snaps through the gears with authority. There's also a nice-fitting white convertible top and red hardtop, making this a very desirable 'Vette that can be driven in all conditions. The engine is a 350 cubic inch Chevy from 1970 that was fully built and fits in there like it was designed that way, which shouldn't be a surprise because this C1 was professionally restored top-to-bottom. With a dressed-for-show look, it runs beautifully with upgrades specifically chosen to make it more user-friendly, including some ZZ4 add-ons and a Comp Cam. Note the Holley carb and polished intake, the Griffin aluminum radiator, and a new Holley fuel pump (just to name a few), all working together to make it reliable and fun to drive. Black Chevrolet valve covers give away that there may be something mean lurking below, and splashes of chrome throughout the engine bay make it all look flashy and sophisticated. Underneath, the chassis has been thoroughly upgraded in recent years to improve handling, most notably with Jim Meyer Racing kits providing coilovers and sway bars. Sanderson coated headers feed into a custom stainless exhaust with chambered mufflers, providing a burbling soundtrack that attracts the whole neighborhood. A Borg Warner Super T-10 4-speed manual transmission shifts rapidly and spins a narrowed 9" rear filled with 3.36 gears, allowing for both red-light brawls and longer distance cruises. Finishing the look are American Racing Torque Thrust wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich white-letter radials. Early Corvettes have been highly sought-after since they were little more than just used cars, and it's easy to see why. This C1 is extra special and packed with performance upgrades and the maintenance records/photographs to prove it. Call today!
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