Highlights

Vendor reports matching numbers and first paint
Desirable 245 hp dual 4-barrel carburettor specification with 3-speed manual transmission
History file with documentation from the original 1958 purchase order
Mechanical recommissioning carried out in 2010 by a specialist
All US and EU taxes and duties reported as paid

The Appeal

When it hit the market in 1953, Chevrolette's Fibreglass-bodied, solid-axled car was designed to capture the imagination. Harley Earl's curvy, characterful convertible felt like a remarkably contemporary yet utterly timeless car. Built to challenge the 'European invasion' of roadsters post-war, the idea was to create an equally agile, willing roadster. It was a fraught journey, but would go on to define a globally beloved brand. Seventy years later, almost everybody knows what a Corvette is.

The 1958 model year marked the introduction of the now-iconic quad-headlamp design to the Corvette, along with packages of other features, updates and a fresh cabin. As big fancy Studes became so commonplace, it felt like this was the natural decision. To this day, it remains one of the most coveted iterations of the first-generation C1.

Fitted with the optional 245 hp dual 4-barrel carburettor setup and a 3-speed manual gearbox, this charcoal black example with its striking red vinyl interior is a particularly handsome, characterful car.

The provenance here is quite something. Ordered new in May 1958 from North York Chevrolet Oldsmobile in Toronto and delivered to its first owner, Mr Joseph O'Hara, the car was traded in against a new Corvette in 1967 - and then remained at the very same dealership for a further twenty years. It was eventually sold to its second private owner in April 1987 showing just 39,297 miles.

A detailed evaluation carried out in 2000 by Kreger Evaluation Services described the body, glass, and mechanical components as original, with the paint noted as original with light scratching. The vendor reports that the car retains its first paint and matching numbers to this day, supported by a paper trail that stretches all the way back to the original purchase agreement.

Following a mechanical recommissioning in 2010 in California and a subsequent period in Finland, the car is now located in South Carolina with all US and EU taxes and duties reported as paid. It's increasingly rare to find a C1 Corvette in such fine condition, let alone in its handsome 1958 guise and such a handsome livery.#

History and Paperwork

Originally purchased new in July 1958 by Mr Joseph O'Hara from North York Chevrolet Oldsmobile, Toronto, Canada
Given as trade-in to the original selling dealer in 1967
Held by North York Chevrolet Oldsmobile from 1967 to 1987
Sold to second private owner, Mr R Rosenthal, in April 1987 at 39,297 miles
Special Interest Vehicle Report issued in June 2000 at 43,512 miles by Kreger Evaluation Services
Mechanical recommissioning carried out in 2010 by SV Automotive in California, with a vehicle appraisal valuing the car at $110,000
Imported to Finland (EU) in August 2010
Finnish Historic Vehicle inspection and certification obtained August 2010 at 44,150 miles
Finnish technical control (MOT equivalent) last conducted July 2019 at 44,554 miles
Now located in South Carolina, USA
Vendor reports all US and EU taxes and duties are paid; only a state title fee is required for US-based buyers
Vendor advises that only shipping costs would apply if returning the car to the EU
Documentation present includes:
- The original 1958 purchase agreement and invoice
- Chevrolet Owner Service Policy certificate
- 1987 contract of sale and inspection report
- 2000 evaluation report
- 2010 appraisal with detailed works list

The Condition

Charcoal black exterior with black soft top and red vinyl interior
The vendor reports first paint and matching numbers
Paintwork is original with some gentle scratching and marks
Chromework is bright and original with slight wear
All glass is reportedly original
Steel wheels and covers in very good order
Interior is handsomely presented
Undercarriage and frame repainted during the 2010 recommissioning
Wheels powder-coated and engine compartment sheet metal parts powder-coated in 2010
Engine compartment repainted and detailed in 2010
Exhaust manifold heat shields re-plated in 2010
New wide whitewall radial tyres fitted in 2010
Exterior detailed during the 2010 recommissioning

Harley Earl's bodywork is a masterpiece to this day. Curvaceous, vivacious and handsomely presented, everything in the roadster feels loaded with mid-century deco. The bodywork is clean and well-presented, with a handsome Charcoal livery, black soft top and good, clean chromework.

The cabin is picked out in red vinyl, and really looks the part. Everything here continues the extravagant design language of the car itself, with plenty of chromework, tactile instruments and a bright, well-presented colour scheme. The dash is clean and carries only gentle signs of rubbing, while the upholstery is clean and free of any rips or tears.

The Mechanics

283 cubic inch (4,638cc) V8 engine producing 245 hp with dual 4-barrel carburettors
3-speed manual transmission
The 2000 evaluation report noted the engine as original and running well with no major leaks
New exhaust system fitted with correct hangers in 2010
Radiator rebuilt, new thermostat, new belt, new spark plugs, new distributor cap, rotor and points in 2010
New air cleaner, oil filter, and fuel filter assemblies fitted in 2010
Intake manifold and valve covers media-blasted and re-sealed in 2010
Exhaust manifolds and brake master cylinder graphite-coated in 2010
New correct hose clamps fitted throughout in 2010
All fluids replaced during the 2010 recommissioning

The 283cui V8 powerplant is the true heart of the Corvette, and has become synonymous with those early days of muscle car mania. It's a car with fine performance on its side, and we're told that this particular example is very mechanically standard, very original and driving as expected.

The 2000 evaluation recognised that this is an authentic matching-numbers car, and nothing under the bonnet is a nasty surprise. It's a clean, ready-to-go car that's waiting for its lucky new owner, who we've no doubt will find it a very engaging classic.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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