1959 Chevrolet Full Size Cars Fact Sheet

1959 Chevrolet Facts, Figures, and Specifications

1959 Chevrolet Facts Specifications Information Data

Under GM’s Design Director, Bill Mitchell, Chevrolet styling changed radically, with no clues to the past. Virtually nothing from the old Harley Earl era remained.

 

1959 – Begin The Bill Mitchell Influence

For 1959 Chevrolet featured all new slimline styling with wider, roomier bodies; new  front fascia and grille, seagull-wing rear fascia, and “cat’s eye” taillights.

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General Year Information – 1959 Chevrolet Facts

1959 Chevrolets featured new slimline styling with wider, roomier bodies; new radiator grilles; seagull-wing rear ends; cat’s eye taillights; increased glass area and flat-top roof styling on Sport Sedans. The Del Ray name was dropped.

The big news from Chevrolet was the all-new El Camino, the company’s first car-based Pickup since 1941. Replacing the 1955-1957 Cameo Pickup as high end pickup, that Chevrolet depicted as, “More than a car More than a truck.” The El Camino had the general styling of Chevrolet’s passenger sedan models, while possessing a load capacity of 1,150 lbs.

1959 Chevrolet Factoids

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Borrowed from the Corvette, the Borg-Warner 4-speed transmission, synchromesh in all gears, was now available in full size Chevrolets. Ratios were: First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.66:1, Third 1.31:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.25:1. See a test of the 348 CID 4-speed equipped Chevrolet Bel Air HERE.

While called Vista Roof by GM Design, Chevrolet call models wit this type of rear window “Sport Sedan”. It would be used in GM models with varying success through 1961. To see examples of this roof design, see the 1959 Chevrolet Brochure HERE.

1959 Chevrolet Facts – Models Offered

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BISCAYNE SERIES: 1100 I-6 & 1200 V-8. The Biscayne became Chevrolet’s base, entry level vehicle fir 1959, replacing the Del Ray, which was dropped.  To indicate the series, ahead of the cove, a bi-level belt molding with slight forward taper was installed. This belt molding was connected to the single, lower cove outline trim at the rear. A two-door and four-door “Brookwood” station wagon was available in the line.

Standard equipment on Biscaynes included rear foam cushions; electric wipers and an oil bath air cleaner for V-8s.

BEL AIR SERIES: 1500 I-6 & 1600 V-8.  Bel Airs had model nameplates in script as well as crests on front fenders. While Biscayne side moldings ran from the headlights to center front doors, Bel Air moldings ran full length and had painted inserts. Another add-in was front fender top ornaments. The Kingswood and Park­wood station wagons had Bel Air trim, but their model name in script on front fenders.

Standard equipment was the same as Biscayne plus front foam seat cushions, Deluxe steering wheel and power tailgate on Kingswood.

Impala Models – 1700 (6-CYL) and SERIES  1700 (V-8).  Now the top line Chevrolet, Impala’s identification included “Impala” nameplates and crossed racing flags emblems – both were mounted inside the painted insert area of the full­ length side trim moldings, below the rear side windows. The front fender top ornaments also had rear extension strips. Bright metal trim marked the deck lid center crease and tail lamp lenses.

Closed models had simulated Impala-style roof scoops. Nomad wagons had Impala trim with “Nomad” in script. Standard equipment was the same as on Bel Airs, plus electric clock, dual sliding sun visors and aluminum trim.

 

EL CAMINO: MODEL G/SERIES 1100 (SIX) & MODEL H/SERIES 1200 (V-8).  The El Camino had the general styling of Chevrolet’s passenger sedan models, while possessing a load capacity of 1,150 lbs. The box was over 6 feet long and nearly 5feet 6 inches wide. It had a load volume of nearly 34 cubic feet and the steel was double wall design. The steel floor had built-in skid strips over a ribbed and embossed sub-floor supported by four cross members. Trim was at the Bel Air level with a full-length side molding with painted inserts and front fender ornaments. The front fender side scripts said “El Camino”. 

Features included all-vinyl trim, a Bel Air style steering wheel, and chrome window frames. Standard for the El Camino came standard with the I-6 engine, but the line’s  V-8s were available along with Power­glide, Turboglide, and overdrive manual transmission. These three transmissions were options to the standard three-speed manual gearbox.

 

1959 Chevrolet Facts – Engines

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Base I-6: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.25:1. Horsepower: 135 @ 4000 RPM. Torque 215 ft. lbs @2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°; Overlap: UNK; Lift: 0.4004″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model: (SMT) 7013003, (AMT) 7013000.

Turbo Fire Base V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 275 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap UNK, Lift: 0.3987″.  Carburetor: Rochester two-barrel model (SMT) 7013007 (AMT) 7013008.

Turbo Fire Optional 4-barrel Carburetor V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 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, Overlap UNK, Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: (standard manual transmission) Carter WCFB 2818 PN 3756676; (automatic trans mission and air conditioning) Rochester 4-GC 7013004.

283 CID 250 HP Fuel Injection V-8. 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°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap: UNK. Lift: 0.3987″. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017200. Late Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7014900R.

283 CID 290 HP Fuel Injection V-8. 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. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust: 287°, Overlap: 66°, Lift: (Intake) 0.3938″; (Exhaust0 0.3998″. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017250. Late Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7014900R.

250 Horsepower Turbo Thrust V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266°, Exhaust:  274°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 90°. Carburetor: (manual transmission) Carter WCFB 2816 PN 3756677 (automatic transmission) Carter WCFB 2816   P/N 3756677. (with air conditioning) Rochester 4GC  P/N 7013006.

280 Horsepower Super Turbo Thrust V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 280 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266°, Exhaust:  274°, Lift: Intake 0.4005″, Exhaust 0.4119″. Overlap 44°. Carburetors:  Rochester 2-barrels: (Front) 7013015, (Middle) 7013016, (Rear) 7013017.

305 Horsepower Turbo Thrust Special V-8 HD Powerglide Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust:  287°, Lift: Intake 0.4076″, Exhaust 0.4139″. Overlap 52°. Carburetor:  Carter AFB 4-barrel 3756678 or Rochester 7013006.

320 Horsepower Turbo Thrust Special V-8 Standard Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust:  287°, Lift: Intake 0.4076″, Exhaust 0.4139″. Overlap 66°. Carburetor:  Carter AFB 4-barrel 3764593.

335 Horsepower Super Turbo Thrust Special V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 315 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 356 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust:  287°, Lift: Intake 0.4076″, Exhaust 0.4139″. Overlap UNK. Carburetors:  Rochester 2-barrels: (Front) 7013973, (Middle) 7013974, (Rear) 7013975.

1959 Chevrolet Facts – Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: 119.0 inches.
    • Overall length: 210.9 inches.
    • Overall width: 79.9 inches.
    • Overall height: (Impala Convertible) 54.5 inches; (Impala sport coupe) 54.4 inches; (other models) 56.4 inches.
    • Tires: (convertibles and station wagons) 8.00 x 14; (other models) 7.50 x 14.

1959 Chevrolet Facts – Significant Options

    • Air cleaner, oil bath ($5).
    • Air suspension ($135).
    • Air-conditioner including heater ($468).
    • Convenience Group, deluxe: sun visor, front arm rest, fender ornaments, and cigarette lighter ($16).
    • Dual exhausts ($19).
    • E-Z-I tinted glass ($43).
    • Front seat air foam cushion ($8).
    • Heater, deluxe ($80).
    • Heater, recirculating ($52).
    • Heavy-duty 35-ampere generator ($8).
    • Oil filter ($9).
    • Padded dash ($18).
    • Power brakes ($43).
      Power seat ($102).
    • Power steering ($75).
    • Power tailgate window, wagons ($32).
    • Power windows ($102).
    • Radio, manual ($65).
    • Radio, push button ($87).
    • Shaded rear window ($22).
    • Steering wheel, deluxe ($4).
    • Two-tone paint, on Biscayne ($22)
    • Two-tone paint, on Brookwood, Bel Air, Impala ($27);
    • Two-tone paint, on Parkwood, Kingswood, Nomad ($32).
    • Wheel discs ($16).
    • Whitewall tires 7.50 x 14 ($32).
    • Whitewall tires 8.00 x 14, convertibles and station wagons ($35)
    • Whitewall tires 8.00 x 14, other models ($51).
    • Windshield washer ($12).
    • Wipers and washers, two-speed ($16).

1959 Chevrolet Facts –
Related Documents

Files directly related to the 1959 Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below:

1959 Chevrolet Deluxe Brochure

1959 Chevrolet Foldout Brochure

1959 Chevrolet El Camino Brochure

1959 Chevrolet Print Advertisements

1959 Chevrolet 348 CID V-8 315 HP Road Test – SCI Magazine

1959 Chevrolet Full-Size Car Production Figures

1959 Chevrolet Facts –
Powertrains

  • Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
    • I-6: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
    • 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.80:1
    • 348 CID V-8 Heavy Duty – 2.21:1, 2nd – 1.32:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.51:1
  • Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
    • Where Available: 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd –  1:1, Overdrive 0.70:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
  • Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
    • First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.66:1, Third 1.31:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.25:1
  • Rear Gear Standard Ratios
    • I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.55:1;  and Powerglide – 3.36:1;  Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1.
    • 283 CID V-8  SMT – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1, Powerglide & Turboglide 3.36:1.
    • 348 CID V-8 250 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.55:1, Powerglide & Turboglide – 3.36:1

NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.07:1 to 4.33:1.

1959 Chevrolet Facts –
Powertrain Options

    • V-8 283 cubic inch 230 horsepower engine. ($147).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 250 horsepower fuel injected engine. ($484).
    • V-8 348 cubic 250 horsepower engine engine. ($199).
    • V-8 348 cubic 280 horsepower engine engine. ($269).
    • V-8 348 cubic 315 horsepower engine engine. ($305).
    • Three-speed manual transmission was standard in all models.
    • Overdrive transmission. ($108)
    • Powerglide transmission. ($199).
    • Turboglide transmission. ($242).
    • Close ratio four-speed transmission ($188).
    • Posi-traction rear axle with 3.36; 3.55 or 4.11 gears ($48)

NOTE: Base 2-barrel 283 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.

1959 Chevrolet Facts –
Related Images

Related Images to the 1959 Chevrolet Line will appear below

1959 Chevrolet Facts Specifications Information Data

1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible was the only convertible offered in 1959 and topped out as the priciest Chevrolet. 72,765 were delivered in 1959

1959 Chevrolet Facts Specifications Information Data

1959 Chevrolet Impala 4-door Sport Sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala 4-door Sport Sedan was considered the top end Chevrolet in 1959. though about $100 less than the Convertible. 182,520 4-door Sport Sedans were built in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet Facts Specifications Information Data

1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe was the sportiest Chevrolet in 1959. Also only available in the Impala line this year, 164,901 were sold.

1959 Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan was the priciest 4-door in the 1959 Chevrolet lineup. 525,461 4-door sedans were produced in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sport Sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sport Sedan was the least expensive Sport Sedan offering. 182,520 4-door Sport Sedans were built in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan was priced just below the the Impala in this body design and was part of Cjevrolet’s bread and butter offerings. 525,461 4-door sedans were produced in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan was the most upscale 2-door sedan available. 281,924 2-door Sedans were built in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door sedan was the lowest-priced 4-door in the Chevrolet lineup and contributed to the brand’s great sales. 525,461 4-door sedans were produced in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door sedan was the lowest-priced regular 2-door offering. 281,924 2-door Sedans were built in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet Biscayne Utility 2-door sedan

The 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne Utility 2-door sedan was a 2-door with no back seat. Priced from $2,160 to $2,178, it was used by commercial and businesses. 281,924 2-door Sedans were built in 1959.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

The 1959 Chevrolet El Camino was a response to Ford’s Ranchero. It explored the gap between wagons and pickup and could be trimmed as high as a Bel Air. 22,246 were sold in its first year. NOTE: A sedan delivery was built as a closed El Camino 5,266 were sold, but it was considered a truck by the manufacturer.

1959 Chevrolet Nomad wagon

The 1959 Chevrolet Nomad wagon was trimmed as an Impala and topped the line in price.

1959 Chevrolet Kingswood wagon

The 1959 Chevrolet Kingswood wagon was also trimmed as a Bel Air, but was the only 9-passenger offering.

1959 Chevrolet 4-door Parkwood wagon

The 1959 Chevrolet 4-door Parkwood wagon was trimmed more like a Bel Air. It was part of the 188,623 in wagon sales total.

1959 Chevrolet 4-door Brookwood Wagon

The 1959 Chevrolet 4-door Brookwood Wagon was the lowest-priced 4-door wagon. As part of the wagon lineup, it contributed greatly to the 188,623 in wagon sales.

1959 Chevrolet 2-door Brookwood wagon

The 1959 Chevrolet 2-door Brookwood wagon was also considered more of a commercial offering, though many were bought for personal use. Only, 20,760 were sold that year.

1959 Chevrolet Resources

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1959 Chevrolet Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1959 Chevrolet

  Silver
  900 Tuxedo Black
  903 Aspen Green
  905 Highland Green
  910 Frost Blue
  912 Harbor Blue
  914 Crown Sapphire
  920 Gothic Gold
  923 Roman Red
  925 Classic Cream
  936 Snowcrest White
  938 Satin Beige
  940 Grecian Gray
  942 Cameo Coral
  502A Frost Blue
  504A Crown Sapphire

1959 Chevrolet – What’s It Worth?

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1959 Chevrolet Facts –
Current Market Values

 

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