1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster Chassis no. J58S103353 • V8 engine • Desirable manual gearbox • Body off restoration • Alternator electrics upgrade * Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Belgium. Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled glassfibre coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5ci (3.8-litre) overhead-valve straight six and, unusually for a sports car, there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time. Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory, but with an inferior performance. Sales were sluggish initially and the model came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical re-style for '56 consolidated the 'Vette's position in the market. A facelift for 1958 saw the Corvette gain a quartet of chrome-rimmed headlamps and a host of other more minor styling changes. Perhaps not surprisingly, alterations for '59 were few. By this time, the end of the 1950s, Corvettes had begun to establish an enviable competition record for the marque. Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was a big fan of auto racing, and it was he that was responsible for unlocking the car's innate potential and development it into a genuine race-winner. These racing successes repaid Chevrolet's investment with interest: Corvette sales improved significantly, ensuring the car's survival and enabling it to go on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sports car. This Corvette roadster has been the subject of a body-off restoration that included the following works: Chassis frame sand blasted Glassfibre body treated Resprayed in original colors New upholstery, dashboard and door panels Electrics recently overhauled Suspension fully restored New shock absorbers and springs Steering components new Manual gearbox restored Engine tuned Brakes restored Trim re-chromed New carpet and boot mat Original hubcaps New tyres Alternator upgrade New distributor The car is offered with a clean US title and with duties and taxes fully paid. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing