Guide for the 1959 Corvette

The 1959 Corvette is one of the best entries in the Corvette lineup, combining great looks with killer performance.
Written by Michelle Ballestrasse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
By 1959, Corvette was an established icon among American sports cars. 1959 marked the end of the overly designed and chrome-heavy bodies in favor of a smaller, less aggressive grille and sleeker, simpler, and less ostentatious styling than previous models.
The 1958 model year wasn’t one of Corvette’s best in terms of practicality, as Chevrolet admittedly got carried away with overdoing their landmark car. While mechanically unchanged from the ‘58, the 1959 model year combined the speed of the ‘57 and the more sensible style of the ‘56 to bring the Corvette series back to form.
The extreme weight shedding and the addition of trailing radius rods and stiffer suspension springs meant that the ‘59 ‘Vette was a speed machine that could even contend on today’s tracks. If you’re hoping to drive away with one, we here at the
car insurance
app
Jerry
have compiled everything you need to know about finding, buying, and insuring a
1959 Corvette
.
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Ownership costs for a 1959 Corvette 

Because almost everything about owning a classic car is specialized, it’s difficult to calculate the true ownership costs of a car like the 1957 Corvette. Repairs can’t be carried out by just any mechanic and will require specialty parts that are more expensive and harder to find. In addition, you’ll need specialized
classic car insurance
, license plates, and storage.
Classic cars are not like modern commuters. They require special attention and care, and unfortunately, that tends to come at a higher price. 

Where to buy a 1959 Corvette

In 1959, 9,670 Corvettes were produced—more than any previous years but shy of Chevrolet’s goal of 10,000. This means finding one in good condition is a bit easier than with previous model years but still no mean feat. The website
Classic Cars
lists several Corvettes for sale by owner and usually in great condition, including the ‘59.
Classic Corvettes are highly coveted collector’s items today, so you can expect to see purchase prices ranging between $31,100-$80,500 depending on the car’s condition. Since 1959 was the only year that the Corvette was available in turquoise, expect those to be on the higher end of the spectrum.
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What does the 1959 Corvette bring to the table? 

The sleek design of the 1959 edition reminded buyers that Corvette is synonymous with speed. Although its predecessor was largely criticized for its overly chromed exterior design, the ‘59 was lauded for its simple, smooth lines, graceful curves, and carefully calculated mechanical additions that made it one of the first true high-performance in the lineup. 
With looks, talent, and enduring value, the 1959 Corvette is the ultimate triple threat.

Strengths and weaknesses of the 1959 Corvette

The ‘59 Corvette stripped away the excessive chrome trim that had overpowered its older brother, meaning it was lighter, sleeker, and most importantly, faster. The addition of trailing rods and stiffer suspension springs also meant that the ‘59 was superior in terms of handling. 
1959 demonstrated that Chevrolet had finally found the magic formula for creating Corvettes that were nimble, agile, and stylish. Its success demonstrated a returning interest in American cars, which had been waning in recent years in favor of Japanese imports.
In terms of weaknesses, it’s largely agreed amongst the Corvette community that the ‘59 simply does not have any. Of course, these days, there are still all the usual headaches associated with owning a classic car, but the ‘59 was second to none. It’s considered the best Corvette of its decade. So finding one of your very own may be a tall order, since few of its owners may be willing to part with theirs.

The bottom line—which 1959 Corvette to buy

Of all the Corvettes out there, the ’59 is one of the absolute best. It’s practical, it’s stylish, it’s powerful, it’s comfortable, and it was the statement piece that said “America loves the Corvette.” It was proof positive that Corvette was a contender, and the continued success of the line is due largely to the 1959 model.
If you’re looking to pick one up, seek out the Fuelie version, which is ‘Vette-speak for the fuel-injected Corvettes of the ‘50s and ‘60s. The ‘59 fuel-injected ‘Vette had a 283 engine pushing out 290 horsepower, which could hit 60 mph in 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 128 mph. Only 745 of the ‘59 Fuelies exist.
If you can find a ‘59 with the RPO 684 heavy-duty racing suspension option, these are one of the rarest on the market, with only 142 ever made. 
Otherwise, whether you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or someone looking to own one of the best cars ever made, a 1959 Corvette is a worthwhile investment and a fine addition to any garage.

How to save money on car insurance for the 1959 Corvette

If you’re looking to get your hands on a 1959 Corvette, or any of its contemporary siblings, you can call on
Jerry
to find the appropriate car insurance to cover every base. As a
licensed broker
, Jerry can help you secure a new insurance policy at ‘Vette-speed.
After you answer a few quick questions, Jerry gets straight to work, scanning competitive quotes from over 50 top name-brand insurance companies in less than a minute. Choose the policy and price that works for you and Jerry will take care of the rest. 
Join the thousands of Jerry users who save an average of $887 per year on car insurance.
“A super easy app for great savings. I gave them my information and got quotes from
Jerry
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