First launched in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette fully came of age in the latter years of its first generation, matching its top billing as “America’s sports car” with the introduction of V-8 power in 1955. Like a fine wine, the C1 Corvette only improved with time, enjoying incremental advancements culminating in a hugely successful restyle in 1958. This included quad headlamps, a “washboard” hood with decorative louvres, and a rear deck lid sporting chrome “tusks.” Improvements were just as effective inside, with a redesigned dashboard that moved all instruments directly ahead of the driver.

Chassis 101498 is one of these desirable 1958 models, featuring a striking two-tone color scheme of red with contrasting white coves. Built at General Motors’ St. Louis, Missouri plant, this restored example features a correct-type 270-horsepower, carburetor-fed, 283-cubic-inch small-block V-8 engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. A photographic restoration record accompanies the car, detailing work believed to have been carried out in 2006. Tasks outlined in the file include stripping, priming, and painting of the chassis; replacement of fuel and brake lines; refitting of the engine, said to have been prepared by HBR Competition Engines in Las Vegas, Nevada; plus installation of a four-speed Borg Warner T-10 transmission, new wiring, and a variety of auxiliary components.

Registered in the UK on 10 November 1997 by the consignor, records suggest that the Chevrolet was used sparingly from 2008 until 2012, when its last MoT expired. As a result, it is expected that some servicing and reconditioning will be required before this Corvette returns to the road.

A pioneering automobile and an icon of American culture, the first-generation Chevrolet Corvette is one of those rare machines that transcends the world of collector cars, drawing in and winning over all who lay eyes on it. A model as usable as it is historically significant, this smart C1 Corvette would be just as at home as starter classic cruising to “cars and coffee” events as it would serving as the cornerstone of a serious collection of American muscle.