Highlights

One of only 1,007 examples produced with the 283ci, 290 bhp Rochester Ramjet fuel injection V8 engine (RPO 579D)
Matching serial numbers confirmed
Won first prize at the Cap d'Agde concours d'élégance in September 2025
Thorough mechanical overhaul carried out with all work supported by invoices
Original configuration maintained throughout — no disc brakes, power steering, or electronic ignition fitted

The Appeal

The Corvette C1 was hardly the sales success Chevrolet were hoping for, and the company dove deep to try and spark off the market-leading revolution they had invested so much in. By 1958, this included the new 283ci V8 powerplant, offering 290bhp thanks to its Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection. This was a bonafide ketstone - advertised proudly as 'one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch' and sitting amongst the first American cars to do so. Of course, the price was pretty ambitious too. Of the 9,168 Corvettes built for the 1958 model year, only 1,007 left the factory with the Ramjet.

This example, VIN J58S102931, was the 2,931st Corvette assembled at the St. Louis plant for 1958, with its engine block code confirming manufacture at Flint, Michigan in October 1957 consistent with a numbers-matching powertrain. Imported from New York State in 2015, it has resided in France since and is registered as a collectable vehicle.

The current owner specifically sought a fuel-injected C1 that was functioning on its original Rochester injection, and since acquisition has invested in a thorough mechanical overhaul covering the suspension, braking system, front axle, exhaust, and the Rochester injection unit - all while preserving the car's original specification. The fibreglass bodywork presents well in its original patina, and both a hardtop and a new soft top are present and correct. The car has since been invited by the FFVE to the national Final in Paris in October 2026.

History and Paperwork

1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1, VIN J58S102931, assembled at St. Louis, Missouri — the 2,931st Corvette built for the 1958 model year
Imported from New York State on 22 September 2015 by a collector from the Nantes region of France
Changed hands on 2 November 2022; previous owner parted with the car for health reasons
In current ownership since November 2022, approximately three and a half years
Odometer shows 4,658 miles; the odometer is believed to have gone around the clock or been replaced
Provenance documented by VIN Data Vehicle History Report and HISTOVEC (French vehicle history system)
Expert appraisals carried out on 13 January 2023 and 19 July 2024 by Cabinet ARTUS; both reports available
All parts replacements and work supported by invoices, with additional work completed since the last appraisal
Registered on French Carte Grise de Collection with matching serial numbers confirmed
Exempt from mandatory inspection as a pre-1960 collection vehicle; contrôle technique valid to April 2031
Won first prize at the Cap d'Agde concours d'élégance in September 2025
Invited by the FFVE to the national Final in Paris in October 2026

The Condition

Fibreglass bodywork in very good condition for its age, presented in original patina with no fatigue cracks
Front fascia has had a discreet restoration following an old impact; the vendor describes the bodywork as being in very good order
Hardtop present and reported by the vendor to be in very good order; soft top is new
Very good overall aesthetic condition with only minor imperfections consistent with the vehicle's 67-year age
Interior in very good condition with no tears; seats have been reconditioned
Acoustic felt insulation installed under the cabin carpet
Clock and radio currently not functioning but may work with a little attention

The C1 is an incredibly beautiful car - curvy fibreglass loaded with deco styling and a characterful front profile that's become synonymous with the fifties. This example is a very original, very handsome one. There's a gentle age-commensurate patina that adds an evocative glamour to every line, while the interior is exactly as it should, with a reconditioned set of seats and a well-presented dash.

The Mechanics

4,638cc (283 cubic inch) V8 engine developing 290 hp with Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection
Four-speed manual transmission
Engine features Duntov solid lifters (mechanical camshaft) with tachometer graduated to 8,000 RPM
10.5:1 compression ratio
Rochester 7014800 injection unit comprising: Plenum casting no. 7014783, Air Meter ref. no. 7014801, Fuel Meter ref. no. 7014802
Comprehensive safety overhaul by the current owner: shock absorbers, exhaust system, brake linings, drums, wheel cylinders, front axle, bushes, silent blocks, and engine/gearbox/differential gaskets all replaced
All fluids changed (10W30 mineral engine oil used exclusively); Rochester injection fully overhauled
Original configuration maintained throughout — no disc brakes, power steering, or electronic ignition fitted
Engine retains its original dynamo and contact breaker points
The Rochester Ramjet injection system requires specialist maintenance, as very few mechanics today are familiar with this period mechanical system

The Rochester Ramjet is a complex piece of kit, but it's one that repays correct care in spades. The engine bay of this one has been very well kept, with plenty of attention given to the hardware within. We understand that it's running as it should, and should a dedicated mechanic get their hands on it, we've little doubt it'll continue to do so with gusto.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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