While the 1958 Corvettes remained virtually the same underneath as in 1957, their styling was all-new. It included the newly introduced and wildly popular quad headlights, a “washboard” hood with decorative simulated cooling louvers, and a rear deck lid decorated with a pair of chrome trim “tusks,” all following an industry trend that demanded more flamboyant decoration. Within, the dashboard was redesigned, moving all instruments directly ahead of the driver, and a grab bar was fitted for the passenger to grip during what Zora Arkus-Duntov would have termed “advanced handling maneuvers.”

The example offered here is finished in one of the most beautiful color combinations available in 1958, Inca Silver with white coves, with white factory hardtop and black soft top bound in correct vinyl, Daytona-weave carpeting, rubber floor mats, clock, and AM radio. The drivetrain combination is the most potent 290-horsepower 283 V-8, with fuel injection and solid lifter cam, and four-speed manual transmission; the block stampings and the castings on both the block and gearbox decode to the correct units for this car. A splendid restoration using correct General Motors hardware and proper finishes throughout has left the car in wonderful overall condition, extending to the excellent chrome and stainless trim, brilliant paintwork, and Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires. A correct spare and lug wrench are neatly tucked into the trunk.

Every collection should include a hot late-1950s Corvette, and the Elkhart Collection’s car is an outstanding example in the best imaginable colors and drivetrain combination.