Following a somewhat shaky start in 1953, Chevrolet’s Corvette maintained a two-seater layout and decidedly sporting character throughout its landmark first-generation run, unlike archrival Ford’s Thunderbird, which grew into a gargantuan four-seater by 1958. While the Corvette did feature numerous trendy design cues for 1958, it still emphasized sportiness on the street and growing, class-dominating performance on the racetrack. With the restyled 1958 model, the Corvette struck a particularly strong chord with buyers and solidified the car’s desirability to fast-growing numbers of fans and eventual buyers. Styling for 1958 was previewed by GM’s wildly popular Motorama roadshows, showcasing the latest design and engineering achievements, including a new quad-headlamp arrangement that would continue through 1962, plus one-year-only cues including a louvered hood and twin chrome strips atop the rear deck lid. Providing substance to match its style, the Corvette offered heightened passenger comfort and usability with numerous interior upgrades. Safety was also heightened with new frame-mounted bumpers and—for the first time— standard seat belts. Corvette performance also took quantum leaps forward, thanks to relentless development by Zora Arkus-Duntov and his Corvette engineering team. The 1958 Corvette’s 283 CI V-8 engine was now available in five levels of tune, ranging from 230 HP to 290 HP in carbureted and Rochester fuel-injected forms, with power delivery via a choice of 3- and 4-speed manual transmissions and Chevrolet’s 2-speed Powerglide automatic. Positraction rear axles and three available final-drive ratios including 3.70:1, 4.11:1 and 4.56:1 were available as well. Growing strength on the track for ’58 included high-profile class wins at Sebring, Pomona and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Sales were strong for 1958, with 9,168 Corvettes produced—a new record, resulting in the first-ever profit on GM’s heavy investment in the vehicle. The fast-growing list of factory-optional paint, interior and mechanical options for the Corvette heightened the car’s desirability and produced myriad rare combinations for 1958. Offered with just under 37,000 original miles and three owners from new, this unrestored and wonderfully original 1958 Chevrolet Corvette was completed on July 28, 1958 and delivered new to Fencl-Pierce Chevrolet in Oak Park, Illinois. Following its sale, the Corvette remained under the loving care of the original owner until 2011. Ample power is delivered by the original base-level 283/230 HP V-8 engine and 3-speed manual transmission. Out of total Corvette production for 1958, only about one-third (3,422) were factory-finished with RPO (Regular Production order) 440 two-tone paint including contrasting side coves; of them, this car is one of only 756 Signet Red cars with White coves. Interiors were not individually coded to each vehicle by the factory; however, a choice of either Charcoal or Red upholstery was available with cars painted Signet Red, and this Corvette retains its original Red upholstery. Features and options include radio delete, a windshield washer system, full-size wheel covers and period-style wide whitewall tires. A very nice white convertible top finishes the Corvette off. A dealer sticker and 1966 Illinois registration decal are affixed to the lower driver’s side of the windshield, further supporting the Corvette’s excellent provenance. Awards and accolades in top Corvette circles are many, with this Corvette being one of only three 1958 Corvettes to win the NCRS Bowtie award, and it is the only Signet Red 1958 Corvette ever awarded 5-Star NCRS Bowtie honors. Survivor and Silver certification from Bloomington Gold further distinguish this beautifully preserved 1958 Corvette. Supporting documentation is fabulous, including the original invoice, keys, owner’s manual, Owner’s Protection Policy (warranty booklet), the original Delco Battery Service Policy and electric clock pamphlet, an original showroom brochure and copies of previous registrations. A seven-page breakdown of every number on the car is also included, highlighting the matching numbers on this incredibly original, unrestored and unadulterated 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, which is more than worthy of inclusion in any collection celebrating irreplaceable originality.
