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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  The Fletch Collection
• Sale Date:
  01 Sep 2014 ~ 6pm
• Lot #:
  104
• Lot Description:
  1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1 (LHD)
  Chassis no. J59S101584; Engine no. F1111CQ
• Notes:
  When Chevrolet introduced the Corvette in 1953, even though it had that ‘dream car’ glamour, it was lacking in performance – the Blue Flame Six inline engine matched to a powerglide automatic was not exactly sports car material. The introduction of V-8 power and three-speed manual in 1955 improved things considerably and helped give the Corvette a stay of execution. With a redesign and fuel injection introduced over the next two years, the Corvette gave America its own sports car contender. A considerable facelift in 1958 made a flashier and more competitive Corvette. Growing nine inches in length with a pair of twin headlights, it had exposed four-headlight treatments and prominent grills, but the faux-louvered hood and chrome trunk spears made this model year unique. The dashboard was redesigned to put all the instruments, including an 8000 rpm tachometer, directly in front of the driver. In addition for the first time, seat belts were factory-installed instead of dealer-installed as on previous models. The 1959 interiors saw repositioning of armrests and redesigned seats; outside, the removal of hood louvres and chrome trunk lid spears made for a cleaner look and overall made the Corvette a better driver’s car. The tachometer, seat belts, outside rear view mirrors, electric clock and dual exhaust were now standard equipment, with sun visors and black interiors optional. Seat pleats on the 1959 were designed to run horizontally, opposed to the 1958 and 1960 models which had vertical pleats. Significant performance upgrades for 1959 were the RPO 686 sintered-metallic brake linings, which smoothed out braking performance and required less warming up to give peak performance. A positive reverse lockout shifter with "T" handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top colour could be ordered. Rare options included RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), metallic brakes (333), 15 by 5.5 in (38 by 14 cm) wheels (214), power windows (547), and power convertible top (661). Five 283s were available in 1959, starting with 4 bbl. carburettor and 230 horsepower. Options from multiple carburetion, fuel injection, and/or solid lifters delivered up to 290 horsepower. The performance of the 1959 model was indeed far superior to the previous models of the Corvette. Road & Track magazine tested the 290-hp fuel injected motor with 4.11 gears and achieved 0-60 in 6.8 second and 14.9 seconds at 96mph in the quarter mile – performance rarely seen in Detroit's sedans until later years. This stylish C1 left hand drive (LHD) example was built in November, 1958 at the St Louis Missouri Chevrolet plant. Finished in Frost blue paint with blue vinyl interior this car boasts the optional extra of both hardtop and folding white softtop. Fitted with a 283 cubic inch 230 hp V8 engine (4 barrel carburettor), with a 4 speed manual transmission and displays the odometer reading of approximately 85,700 miles. This particular vehicle was purchased new by Phillip Olchovy Jr in 1959 and would stay with its first owner in Cleveland Ohio for 35 years. In 1994 it was sold to Michigan, via Pro Team Corvette Sales Ohio, from where the current owner purchased it in August 2008. Accompanied with the sale are the original certificate of title, issued by the state of Ohio (10.28.59) and transfer and important paperwork. The car has been restored to a high quality, and has been actively used and exhibited at Corvette club events in NSW and QLD including the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS). Amongst its awards, a Second Flight Award at the ‘Mark of Excellence Australia’ NCRS meet on March 5th & 6th, 2011. A rare opportunity to acquire a fine example of the first of the iconic and stylish twin headlights C1 models. This vehicle is currently registered in Queensland (New 59) the club plates illustrated are not transferable and vehicle will be sold unregistered.
• Estimate:
  A$60,000 - 80,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.