The Chevy Corvette received its second major facelift for the 1958 model year. Four headlights, two per side arranged horizontally, replaced the previous year’s single light per side. Two chrome strips were added to the trunk lid, running vertically from the top of the rear deck to the rear bumpers. The previous thirteen heavy chrome “teeth” in the grille were reduced to nine, but were beefier in appearance. The side coves had faux vents with cross-flag emblems and three horizontal chrome spears. The hood had washboard-style ridges that were initially intended to be functional, but were enclosed faux vents by production time. All paint colors were acrylic lacquer, whereas previous years had been nitrocellulose lacquer save for Inca Silver, which had always been acrylic lacquer. This extensive revamp included all-new body panels, instruments, and upholstery.
The 1958 Chevy Corvette had a revamped interior as well, with an all-new 160 mph speedometer positioned behind the large, flat three-spoke steering wheel. The tachometer was placed just above the steering column, inside the large-radius speedo. Also within the speedometer were the parking brake and high beam warning lights, along with the odometer. To the right of the steering column were the battery and oil pressure gauges, and to the left were the gas and temp gauges. The parking brake was just under the dash on the left side, just beneath the hood release. In the center stack, you could find the radio, heat and defrost controls, and the clock, with the radio speaker centered on the top of the dash. The passenger side of the dash featured a padded grab bar in front of a brushed aluminum crescent imprinted with CORVETTE script. For the first time ever, seat belts were factory installed.
Though all of the engine options for the 1958 Chevy Corvette displaced 283 cubic inches, there was a variety of power and induction choices. Engines could be had with a single or pair of four-barrel carbs, or with Rochester mechanical fuel injection, with outputs of 230 horsepower for single four-barrel carbs, 245 or 270 horsepower for dual-carb engines, or 250 or 290 horsepower for the fuel-injected variants. The 230-, 245- and 250-horsepower engines had tachometers with 1,000 rpm increments and read up to 6,000 rpm, while the 270- and 290-horsepower engines had tachometers that read up to 8,000 rpm. Base engines received painted valve covers with Chevrolet script, with all other engines dressed with seven-fin aluminum valve covers. The base transmission was a three-speed manual unit, with optional four-speed manual or two-speed Powerglide automatic.
Our feature 1958 Chevy Corvette fuelie has had a multi-year restoration courtesy of Solid Axle specialists Don and Carey Faber of Phoenix, Arizona. The Tuxedo Black paint and bodywork was completed by Sun Valley Classic. Bumpers have been replated, and all stainless trim has been professionally polished to a high standard. Power comes from a 290-horsepower Rochester mechanical fuel-injected 283 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The interior is trimmed in bright red vinyl. The Corvette is equipped with a heater, seat belts, correct T3 headlights, and both tops.
Comments
That Vette is gorgeous.
I saw a brand new 58 when was 10 years old.
I worked for Rochester Products Division of General Motors. They had a beautiful mechanical fuel injection unit, all chrome, under a glass case in the lobby.
Those mechanical fuel injection units were all handmade in the model shop at the Lexington Avenue plant in Rochester New York. They are fairly rare and very sought after.
Love this 58 Corvette, it is and will always be my dream car. The reason being is I was born in 1958 so this is my birthday car and I would definitely pick this one, I have always preferred this old design with the four headlights up front, looks mean and looks
like it means business! As a dream goes
She’s still a problem to get out of my head.
Just being able to sit in one, would be an honor, It will always be my favorite among all the Corvettes produced thereafter. Please Remember my birthday is November 7th so
if you want to wrap it up and give it as a gift
my arms are open. 😜👍👍
John..you would love my rare 1958 Cushman Eagle. It looks and runs as factory fresh. I made the mistake of rebuilding the engine with so much compression that when my age caught up with me i now have to get young folks to start it for me.😐
I was also born in 1958.
My dream Corvette is the 1963 split window coupe. It always amazes me how timeless that car looks. To me, it certainly doesn’t look like a car that was styled over 60 years ago.
I wish i could afford this car,I’m sure it will go into the six figure price !!!