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People forget because now the odd, one-off things are desirable (like the split window) but the 58 was considered garish in its day with the trunk spears, washboard hood, grill teeth, etc.. Funny how tastes change...
I have to admit, of all the C1s, the '58 is my least favorite, exactly because of what you mentioned, but they DO have their fans.....personally I thought the '59 and '60 were much better looking. In particular, I hated the spears and fake louvers.
I didn't like the fake brake scoops on the '56 and '57 either, but I've sort of gotten used to them....
the BEST year would be the 53. It is worth the most money.
I drove a 54 - the 6 cyl powerglide combo got along well enough. The low belt line on all of the C1s makes them much more fun than modern convertibles.
I like the Cascade Green, too, and the black, on '57s, but the Arctic Blue I bought is my favorite original color. And I DO think they should be painted in original colors, although that's just a prejudice of mine.
Personally, I like the 61-62. I’m tall and that little bit of extra room is important. I also like the paint coves and a lttle more bling than the 62 allows, so I went with a 61. I also bought a non-original car as I knew I wanted to make it the best driver possible without changing the overall look substantially. For example, when you first look at my car you will notice the aftermarket wheels. You also might notice a non-stock paint color (actually a BMW metallic blue) and that the front end sits lower. If you peer into the interior, you may notice a smaller diameter steering wheel (almost the most important change for a taller driver given the steering wheel is almost vertical and very close to the seat) and a full leather interior. Hidden behind all of this is a high output 350 engine, 700R4 transmission, A/C, power disc brakes, power R&P steering, cruise control, and improved suspension. My point is that unless you want a numbers matching, all original car, the sky is the limit on what you can do to make one of these cars yours.
For me, it had to be the '62. It is the ultimate development of the C1, featuring the new-for-'62 327 engine and the slightly larger cockpit for a bit more room. Some say the lack of contrasting-color coves makes it less desirable than the '61 - but the reality is that all through their production, the number of C1 Corvettes with the coves painted in a contrasting color was always statistically in the minority anyway - although a LOT more have them today than ever left St. Louis that way. Here's a few shots taken at a local show showing my '62 next to an otherwise similar '61. I just think the '62 looks more modern and cleaner - just my opinion, of course. Any C1 can be a great car, and which one is "best" is impossible to determine with any consistency.
Do you know if it is possible to install R&P steering etc and keep the original steering wheel etc? I thought about doing it, but you have to change a lot of hardware, and I wasn't up for it, at least not right now.
Do you know if it is possible to install R&P steering etc and keep the original steering wheel etc? I thought about doing it, but you have to change a lot of hardware, and I wasn't up for it, at least not right now.
Jim Meyer sells a modification kit for your stock steering column that allows you to modify it (retaining your current steering wheel) to connect to a R&P rack. Steeroids also used to sell one, but I’m not sure if they still do.
IMO, '56-'57 is hands down the best looking C1, and the '61-'62 probably the best driving/running/most refined. The '62 has the best engine, but the '61 has dual quads, two tone paint, and side trim around the cove. It also has a much nicer interior than the '62, with the 'Motorama' door panel treatment of the earlier cars. Whatever C1 you want has to be a personal choice. They are all equal in the eye of the beholder, and all are great cars.
the BEST year would be the 53. It is worth the most money.
You may have a few people arguing with that statement.....
I have owned them all and with the right color, the '57 is tough to beat in the looks department. A lot of "firsts" in that year, as well. Pretty clean lines and a minimal amount of chrome. Hate the position of the steering wheel, however. Easy to work under the dash, as everything is exposed. Much prefer the gauge cluster of the post '57 cars. Like the added room of the '61-'62 cars. Have to love the jump from the 283 to the 327 in '62. Can you imagine what Corvette owners thought when you could buy a '62 with 360 hp. A 25% jump in power over previous years. Wow. A semi base motor with 300 hp. Again, wow, when you put it in perspective.
Last edited by Dan Hampton; 07-25-2018 at 06:53 PM.
I'll argue about the 'worth the most money' statement. Been into old cars all my life, and 'the one worth the most money' never factored into any of my purchases, or was even considered. It's not the reason I buy and repair and drive old classic cars.
I have to admit, of all the C1s, the '58 is my least favorite, exactly because of what you mentioned, but they DO have their fans.....personally I thought the '59 and '60 were much better looking. In particular, I hated the spears and fake louvers.
I didn't like the fake brake scoops on the '56 and '57 either, but I've sort of gotten used to them....
Funny I was going to say 58. Maybe I need to take a closer look at the 59s.
IMO, '56-'57 is hands down the best looking C1, and the '61-'62 probably the best driving/running/most refined. The '62 has the best engine, but the '61 has dual quads, two tone paint, and side trim around the cove. It also has a much nicer interior than the '62, with the 'Motorama' door panel treatment of the earlier cars. Whatever C1 you want has to be a personal choice. They are all equal in the eye of the beholder, and all are great cars.
I like the '58 by far the best. When I went C1 shopping, I found deals on a number of other years, but nothing else would do. Its the only year I wanted. The busy look makes it stand out. Love the louvered hood and chrome strips on the trunk. And the toothy grille + the rounded tail are must-haves for me too.
I think the '61-2s are more refined cars, but I just dont care for the grille and the missing cove trim on the '62. I also dont care for the Sting Ray tail design. The overall design just looks like its changing into another model.
The V8 '55s are very cool too, but I imagine they are even less driver friendly than the rest of the log wago... I mean, C1s. Just kidding, I drove my '58 all over including a couple 200 mile one way trips.
I found the absolute #1 must have on a C1 driver to be radial tires, IMO.
I like the '58 by far the best. When I went C1 shopping, I found deals on a number of other years, but nothing else would do. Its the only year I wanted. The busy look makes it stand out. Love the louvered hood and chrome strips on the trunk. And the toothy grille + the rounded tail are must-haves for me too.
I think the '61-2s are more refined cars, but I just dont care for the grille and the missing cove trim on the '62. I also dont care for the Sting Ray tail design. The overall design just looks like its changing into another model.
The V8 '55s are very cool too, but I imagine they are even less driver friendly than the rest of the log wago... I mean, C1s. Just kidding, I drove my '58 all over including a couple 200 mile one way trips.
I found the absolute #1 must have on a C1 driver to be radial tires, IMO.
I've always thought the 61-62's were the hermaphrodites of the C-1 era. Nice rounded front end with a squared off rear. While I think the 58's were a bit gaudy, I prefer the cleaner look of the 59-60 but hands down, the best looking C-1's were the 56-57
07-24-2018, 09:34 AM
While I think the 58's were a bit gaudy, I prefer the cleaner look of the 59-60 but hands down, the best looking C-1's were the 56-57
