1959 Corvette Fact Sheet
1959 Corvette Facts, Figures, and Specifications
The false hood louvers and vertical chrome strips on the trunk were removed. Otherwise, the 1959 Corvette was a carryover from 1958.
1959 Corvette – Styling Get a Cleanup
The styling “clean up” made the revised 1958 body shine. Production increased to 9,670. The Corvette was catching on.
General Year Information – 1959 Corvette Facts
Other than a clean up of the styling, the 1959 Corvette was a repeat of the 1958 model. However, a positive reverse lockout shifter with the famous “T” handle was standard with the 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered,
A 290 horsepower fuel-injected 1959 Corvette could go from 0 to 60 M.P.H. in 6.6 seconds. From 0 to 100 in 15.5 seconds. It had a top speed of 128 miles per hour.
1959 Corvette Facts – Models Offered
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Interior changes included redesigned bucket seats and door panels, a fiberglass package tray under the sissy bar and concave gauge lenses.
A tachometer, outside rear view mirror, dual exhausts and electric clock were among the standard features. Seven exterior color choices were offered: Black; White; Cream; Silver; Red; Blue and Crown Sapphire. The cove could be painted either silver or white. Blue, red, turquoise and for the first time, black interiors were available.
1959 Corvette Facts – Engines
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- 283 CID V-8 230 HP
- 283 CID 245 HP V-8
- 283 CID F.I. V8 250 HP
- 283 CID V8 270 HP
- 283 CID F.I. V8 290 HP
- Engine I.D. Suffixes
Base V-8. (Code “CQ” & “DG”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Carter WCFB 2669S PN 3746384.
Two 4-Barrel V-8. (Code “CT” & “DJ”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 245 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2626S PN 3744002. Rear: Carter WCFB 2627S PN 3744004.
Fuel Injection V-8. (Code “CR” & “DH”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017200. Late Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7014900R.
Two 4-Barrel “Competition” V-8. (Code “CU”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 4200 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Two 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741089. Rear: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741090.
Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8. (Code “CS”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 290 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 290 @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid Lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017250. Late Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7014900R
NOTE: All Competition Fuel Injection engines received outside air when the competition camshaft us used.
Engine ID Suffixes were as follows:
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- “CQ” – manual transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
- CR” – synchromesh with fuel injection
- CS” – Synchromesh with high-lift camshaft and fuel injection
- CT” – synchromesh with dual 4-barrel carburetors
- “CU” – synchromesh with high-lift camshaft and dual 4-barrel carburetors
- “DG” – Powerglide transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
- “DH” – Powerglide and fuel-injection
- “DJ” – Powerglide and dual four-barrel carburetors.
1959 Corvette Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 102.00″
- Overall length: 177.20″
- Front tread: 57.00″
- Rear tread: 59.00″
- Tires: 6.70 x 15 – tubeless
1959 Corvette Facts – Engine Options
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- V- 8 283 cubic inch 245 horsepower dual four-barrel carb. engine ($150.00).
- V-8 283 cubic inch 270 horsepower dual four-barrel carb. engine with “Competition” camshaft ($182.95).
- V-8 283 cubic inch 250 horsepower fuel-injection engine ($484.00).
- V-8 283 cubic inch 283 horsepower fuel-injection engine with “Competition” camshaft ($484.00).
1959 Corvette Facts – Significant Options
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- Additional Cove Color ($16.50)
- Courtesy lights ($6.50).
- Detachable hardtop ($215.00).
- Dual carburetor kit ($182.00).
- Electric windows ($59.40).
- Heater ($97.00).
- Parking brake alarm ($5.40).
- Power top ($140.00).
- Signal-seeking AM radio ($144.00).
- Special 15 x 5.5 inch wheels ($14.00).
- Whitewall tires ($31.55).
- Windshield washer ($16.00).
1959 Corvette Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will appear below. Click to Download:
1959 Corvette Foldout Brochure
1959 Corvette 8.25 x 11.0 Print Advertisements
1959 Corvette AMA Specifications Sheets
1959 Corvette “Fuelie” Road Test – Sports Cars Illustrated Magazine
1959 Corvette Facts – Production Figures
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- Corvette Series Number: 800
- Corvette Body Number: 867
- Body Style: 2-Door Convertible – 2 Passenger
- Factory Base Price: $3,875.00
- Shipping Weight : 2,840 lbs.
- Total Production: 9,670
1959 Corvette Facts – Power Train Options
- Transmission:
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission – Standard. First: 2.2:1, Second: 1.32:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.2:1
- Two-Speed Powerglide Automatic Transmission ($188.00). Ratios: Low: 3.82:1-1.82:1, Direct 1.82:1- 1:1. Reverse: 1.82:1.)
- Four Speed manual floor shift transmission ($215.00). Ratios: First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.66:1, Third 1.31:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.25:1
- Rear Axle Ratios:
- Manual Transmission. 3.70:1 (10-37)
- Powerglide Transmission: 3.55:1 (11-39)
- Available rear axle gear ratios: 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1. (Optional at extra cost)
- Positive traction rear axle ($48.45).
- Other:
- Heavy-duty brakes & suspension ($780.10).
- Special 15 x 5.5 inch wheels (no cost).
1959 Corvette Facts – Related Images
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1959 Corvette Resources
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1959 Corvette Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1959 Corvette:
502A Frost Blue | |
503A Tuxedo Black | |
504A Crown Sapphire | |
506A Roman Red | |
508A Classic Cream | |
509A Inca Silver | |
510A Snowcrest White |
1959 Corvette – What’s It Worth?
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