Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
During the 1920s, Bill Mitchell was doing advertising work when he was exposed to road racing by the Collier brothers. This early racing influence that would foster throughout the years would be used in perfecting the Chevrolet Corvette. Between Zora Arkus-Duntov and Mitchell, the Corvette would evolve into an icon and racing legend.
There was an AMA (Automobile Manufacturer's Association) racing ban in 1957, which meant GM pulled out of competition at that time. Duntov was able to find a loophole and kept high-performance parts readily available on the Corvette. Improvements were made to the small-block V8 engine resulting in an increase in horsepower. The result was a very versatile machine that could be ordered for street use or for racing.
A few years later, in 1959, Gary Laughlin, Jim Hall, and Carroll Shelby were planning to build a competition car that could challenge the Ferrari 250 Testarossa and 250 SWB Berlinetta. The Corvette chassis and 'fuelie' powerplant were chosen and it was sent to Scaglietti for its bodywork. This infuriated Enzo Ferrari, as Ferrari had used Scaglietti on several occasions for bodywork on his cars. He was not excited about his competition using one of his coachbuilders. The Italian coachbuilder worked for two years on the project, creating a total of three lightweight alloy coupe bodies similar to the Ferrari 250 GT 'Tour de France.'
Harley Earl and Ed Cole had approved the project, but it was rejected by GM's upper management. The two-year construction time and rejection by GM had Shelby frustrated, but undaunted, and would later create the legendary Cobra.
Though the Scaglietti Corvette project was unsuccessful, the Corvettes would enjoy much success. They were very dominant in SCCA racing during the 1959 season, with Jim Jeffords winning the SCCA B Production points Championship. The car he drove was known as the People Eater MK III. Encouraged, plans were made for the 1960 season to contest the 24 Hours of LeMans and the FIA Championship.
Among the Corvette construction projects that occurred during the close of the 1950s was this Fuel Injected Competition Convertible. Resting under the hood is the 290 horsepower, 283 cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. There is a Positraction rear axle, heavy-duty brakes, and upgraded suspension. Anyone who had $5,227.65 (including freight) was able to purchase this sports car in 1959. All that was needed were a few minor modifications, such as safety considerations, and this car was ready for racing.
Gene Cormany was the first owner of this car. He was the VP of Engineering for Zollner Corporation which specialized in automotive pistons. Cormany used this car in competition in the Midwest during the 1959 and 1960 seasons. He had twelve top-three finishes and outright victories on four of 22 events.
Ownership later passed to Roland Gorman and then to Dale Pearman. While in Pearman's care, the car was treated to a restoration. During the restoration, Pearman met Mike Ernst, an NCRS member and Corvette expert. Ernst had an original engine and fuel injection unit from the first Scaglietti-bodied Corvette. In early 1989, Pearman purchased this engine and fuel-injection system and fitted it in this car.
In 2004, the current owner purchased this car, which was still in the process of being restored. It was sent to a professional restoration shop where the restoration was completed over a three-year period.
In 2007 it was brought to the Newport Concours d'Elegance where it won 'Best Sports Car' and later won the NCRS Heritage Award.
The car has traveled 90,366 miles since leaving the showroom floor many years ago. It is painted in the original black with a red interior. It has a bolt-in roll bar, steel wheels with Goodyear Super Cushion tires, a full-width cut-down windscreen, a stock windshield, windshield wipers, and white convertible top.
In 2007 it was brought to the Bonhams Auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, held at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California. The lot was estimated to sell for $400,000 - 450,000 but failed to sell at auction.
In 2008 the car was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $350,000. The cost of the restoration, the racing history, and its engine support the high estimates. At the auction, those estimates were nearly reached, as a high bid of $275,000, including the buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
There was an AMA (Automobile Manufacturer's Association) racing ban in 1957, which meant GM pulled out of competition at that time. Duntov was able to find a loophole and kept high-performance parts readily available on the Corvette. Improvements were made to the small-block V8 engine resulting in an increase in horsepower. The result was a very versatile machine that could be ordered for street use or for racing.
A few years later, in 1959, Gary Laughlin, Jim Hall, and Carroll Shelby were planning to build a competition car that could challenge the Ferrari 250 Testarossa and 250 SWB Berlinetta. The Corvette chassis and 'fuelie' powerplant were chosen and it was sent to Scaglietti for its bodywork. This infuriated Enzo Ferrari, as Ferrari had used Scaglietti on several occasions for bodywork on his cars. He was not excited about his competition using one of his coachbuilders. The Italian coachbuilder worked for two years on the project, creating a total of three lightweight alloy coupe bodies similar to the Ferrari 250 GT 'Tour de France.'
Harley Earl and Ed Cole had approved the project, but it was rejected by GM's upper management. The two-year construction time and rejection by GM had Shelby frustrated, but undaunted, and would later create the legendary Cobra.
Though the Scaglietti Corvette project was unsuccessful, the Corvettes would enjoy much success. They were very dominant in SCCA racing during the 1959 season, with Jim Jeffords winning the SCCA B Production points Championship. The car he drove was known as the People Eater MK III. Encouraged, plans were made for the 1960 season to contest the 24 Hours of LeMans and the FIA Championship.
Among the Corvette construction projects that occurred during the close of the 1950s was this Fuel Injected Competition Convertible. Resting under the hood is the 290 horsepower, 283 cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. There is a Positraction rear axle, heavy-duty brakes, and upgraded suspension. Anyone who had $5,227.65 (including freight) was able to purchase this sports car in 1959. All that was needed were a few minor modifications, such as safety considerations, and this car was ready for racing.
Gene Cormany was the first owner of this car. He was the VP of Engineering for Zollner Corporation which specialized in automotive pistons. Cormany used this car in competition in the Midwest during the 1959 and 1960 seasons. He had twelve top-three finishes and outright victories on four of 22 events.
Ownership later passed to Roland Gorman and then to Dale Pearman. While in Pearman's care, the car was treated to a restoration. During the restoration, Pearman met Mike Ernst, an NCRS member and Corvette expert. Ernst had an original engine and fuel injection unit from the first Scaglietti-bodied Corvette. In early 1989, Pearman purchased this engine and fuel-injection system and fitted it in this car.
In 2004, the current owner purchased this car, which was still in the process of being restored. It was sent to a professional restoration shop where the restoration was completed over a three-year period.
In 2007 it was brought to the Newport Concours d'Elegance where it won 'Best Sports Car' and later won the NCRS Heritage Award.
The car has traveled 90,366 miles since leaving the showroom floor many years ago. It is painted in the original black with a red interior. It has a bolt-in roll bar, steel wheels with Goodyear Super Cushion tires, a full-width cut-down windscreen, a stock windshield, windshield wipers, and white convertible top.
In 2007 it was brought to the Bonhams Auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, held at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California. The lot was estimated to sell for $400,000 - 450,000 but failed to sell at auction.
In 2008 the car was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $350,000. The cost of the restoration, the racing history, and its engine support the high estimates. At the auction, those estimates were nearly reached, as a high bid of $275,000, including the buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
2011 RM Auctions at Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $175,000-USD $225,000
High Bid (Lot was not sold)
USD $130,000
2008 Automobiles of Amelia Island, RM Auctions
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $300,000-USD $350,000
Sale Price :
USD $275,000
2007 Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $400,000-USD $450,000
Lot was not sold
1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Chevrolet Corvette C1
(Data based on Model Year 1959 sales)
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s104526 Sold for USD$115,500 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: J59S109630 Sold for USD$165,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: J59S102441 Sold for USD$91,300 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: J59S107928 Sold for USD$220,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: J59S103114 Sold for USD$66,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 283/290 FUELIE CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: J59S106481 Sold for USD$82,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s102464 Sold for USD$88,000 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s107060 Sold for USD$88,000 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s102187 Sold for USD$74,800 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s105937 Sold for USD$52,800 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s101569 Sold for USD$64,900 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Chassis#: J59S103671 Sold for USD$69,229 2023 RM Sothebys : Munich | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s101395 Sold for USD$78,100 2023 Mecum : Chattanooga | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s105626 Sold for USD$66,000 2023 Mecum : Dallas | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s106299 Sold for USD$99,000 2023 Mecum : Dallas | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Chassis#: J59S108205 Sold for USD$168,000 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible Chassis#: s0s313336ill Sold for USD$242,000 2023 Mecum : Monterey | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#: j59s104225 Sold for USD$121,000 2023 Mecum : Harrisburg | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Chassis#: j59s101175 Sold for USD$192,500 2023 Mecum : Indy | |
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 283/245 CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: J59S103989 Sold for USD$110,000 2023 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach |
Chevrolet Corvette C1s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | j59s102427 | 2024 Mecum : Houston | $70,000 | $125,000 | $175,000 |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Fuelie Convertible | j59s107154 | 2024 Mecum : Glendale | $110,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | j59s105902 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $90,000 | $125,000 | $140,000 |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | j59s102692 | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 | $100,000 | ||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | j59s104254 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | $155,000 | ||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | j59s106759 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | $80,000 | ||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible | 2022 Mecum : Dallas | $100,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible | 2022 Mecum : Orlando | $150,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Custom | 2022 Mecum Indy | $170,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible | 2022 Mecum : Glendale | $115,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2022 Mecum : Kissimmee | $72,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2021 Mecum : Tulsa | $55,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2021 Mecum : Indy 2021 | $120,000 | $135,000 | $150,000 | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Gasser | 2020 GAA : November 2020 | $39,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2020 Mecum : Kissimmee Summer Special | $38,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2020 Mecum : Indy | $42,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2020 Mecum Auctions : Kissimmee | $80,000 | $130,000 | $140,000 | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2020 Mecum Auctions : Kissimmee | $71,000 | $90,000 | $115,000 | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2020 Mecum Auctions : Kissimmee | $68,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2019 Mecum : Chicago | $36,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2019 Mecum : Chicago | $160,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette | 2019 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | ||||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | J59S106542 | 2019 Mecum : Monterey | $85,000 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | $95,000 | $90,000 | $110,000 | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | $45,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | $50,000 | $70,000 | $90,000 | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction | $45,000 | |||
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | J59S105521 | 2018 Mecum : Monterey | $72,000 | $95,000 | $110,000 |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible | J59S101478 | 2018 Mecum : Monterey | $55,000 | $80,000 | $100,000 |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster | J 59S102167 | 2018 Coys : Schloss Dyck | $79,000 | $85,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $101,774 range.
1966 Chevrolet Nova SS Chassis#:117376w143201 Sold for $102,300 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#:20867s103937 Sold for $101,200 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1997 Dodge Viper GTS Chassis#:1B3ER69E1VV301532 Sold for $100,800 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale by Bertone Chassis#:AR177216 Sold for $100,800 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
1977 Toyota Land Cruiser Chassis#:FJ40249055 Sold for $100,800 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Chassis#:109.018.12.006303 Sold for $100,800 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1961 Morgan Plus 4 Super Sports Chassis#:5020 Sold for $100,800 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
2023 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT HELLCAT WIDEBODY JAILBREAK LAST CAL Chassis#:2C3CDZC97PH566795 Sold for $101,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1940 LASALLE 52 SPECIAL CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:4333040 Sold for $101,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1970 PONTIAC GTO JUDGE RAM AIR III Chassis#:2423701112814 Sold for $101,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1966 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:138676K205948 Sold for $101,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1932 FORD CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:1883357 Sold for $101,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1978 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ45L CUSTOM SUV Chassis#:TNVIN130142362764 Sold for $101,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Chassis#:194377s110717 Sold for $101,200 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Chassis#:vc56s017616 Sold for $101,200 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
2019 Chevrolet COPO Camaro 50th Anniversary Chassis#:2019copo-048 Sold for $101,200 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Chassis#:194376s120613 Sold for $101,200 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#:194679s707737 Sold for $101,200 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Pace Car Edition Chassis#:124679n628213 Sold for $102,300 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Chassis#:9t02t191165 Sold for $101,200 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery
• Other Chevrolet Corvette C1 model years
1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Vehicle Profiles
Chassis #: J59S 103671
Engine #: FO524EB
Engine #: FO524EB