Description
Iconic American sports car
4. 6-litre V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Comprehensively restored over 6 years between 2011 and 2017
Registered in Belgium
Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled glassfibre coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235. 5ci (3. 8-litre) overhead-valve straight six and, unusually for a sports car, there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time.
Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory, but with an inferior performance. Sales were sluggish initially and the model came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical re-style for '56 consolidated the 'Vette's position in the market. A facelift for 1958 saw the Corvette gain a quartet of chrome-rimmed headlamps and a host of other more minor styling changes. Perhaps not surprisingly, alterations for '59 and '60 were few, though one welcome change was the deletion of the 1958 model's fake hood louvres.
By this time, the end of the 1950s, Corvettes had begun to establish an enviable competition record for the marque. Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was a big fan of auto racing, and it was he that was responsible for unlocking the car's innate potential and development it into a genuine race-winner. These racing successes repaid Chevrolet's investment with interest: Corvette sales improved significantly, ensuring the car's survival and enabling it to go on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sports car.
This '59 Corvette roadster has the 283ci (4. 6-litre) V8, first introduced for 1957. The car was purchased in 2011 by a prominent Belgian collector, who expects nothing less than perfection for his cars. While with this previous owner the Corvette was treated to a spectacular restoration by Bart Holland that took from 2011 to 2017 to complete and cost over 650, 000. Notable features include epoxy coated chassis; electric convertible hood; electric windows; air conditioning; and power-assisted steering. Benefitting from all those practical features and offered complete with hardtop, this beautiful Corvette can be treated like a modern daily driver. The car comes with Belgian registration papers; an original operation manual; Certificate of Conformity (2012); and a complete - and very thick - file of all restoration invoices.
NOTICE COLLECTIONS, TRANSPORT AND STORAGE Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received.
MOTOR CARS & MOTORCYCLES
All vehicles must be collected from the Bonhams|Cars Marquee by 12noon on Monday 9 October 2023. Customers must notify BY EMAIL ONLY to Suzanne Kress , using the button below, no later than 8pm on the day of the Sale.
Please note that if Suzanne Kress hasn't received your notification on Sunday evening, all vehicles will be automatically removed to a temporary storage facility by the logistics company EXCLUTRANS BV on Monday 9 October at your expense and risk.
ADMINISTRATION AND UPLIFT FROM THE VENUE
€185 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle
STORAGE CHARGES
First 14 days
€25 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle per day
Payment of the uplift & storage charges and transport must be arranged with EXCLUTRANS BV. Collection is strictly by appointment only and at least 24-hours notice must be given.
POINT OF CONTACT TO ORGANISE STORAGE FEES' PAYMENT & COLLECTION
THEO VAN DEN EECKHOUT – EXCLUTRANS BV
+32 9 232 01 71
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
JORIS EYSERMANS - FIBONACCI
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING THE ORIGINAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS OF YOUR PURCHASE(S)
SUZANNE KRESS – BONHAMS|CARS
+33 1 42 61 10 11
Susing the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING PAYMENTS
CHERYL UGGLES - BONHAMS|CARS – CREDIT CONTROLLER
+44 the details below
using the button below
IMPORTANT CARS UNDER CUSTOMS BOND
Lots 103, 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 124, 134, 145, 150, 151, 155, 169, 185, 186
• Please note that for lots which are subject to the normal local duty/ import tax on Hammer Price : as Bonhams|Cars is the guarantor of the customs duties and taxes clearance, these motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• For these cars, collection by the buyer or a third party is only possible if import taxes are paid.
• These motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• Please keep in mind that it takes a couple of days to clear customs.
• Please send us from now your clearance instructions.
For all enquiries relating to Customs, be they administrative or legal, please contact:
FIBONACCI
Joris Eysermans
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
