Technical Specs

Technical Specifications

There is a V8 engine that displaces 283 cubic-inches and capable of producing 230 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.
Cleaning off some of the chrome excess resulted in the much cleaner-looking 1959 Corvette. It was the same as the 1958 except for minor improvements – the fake hood louvers and vertical chrome strips on the trunk were removed. Otherwise the car was very much a carryover from the previous year. 

Interior changes included redesigned bucket seats and door panels, the armrests and door handles were in different positions, a fiberglass package tray under the “sissy” bar and there were concave gauge lenses which helped reduce any reflections. The optional four-speed manual transmission had a T-shaped reverse-lockout shifter with a white plastic shifter knob. A tachometer, outside rearview mirror, seat belts, dual exhaust and electric clock were among the standard features. Sun visors became optional. There were seven exterior body colors offered and only 9,670 were made. 

“Road & Track” described the 1959 Corvette as “a pretty package with all the speed you need and then some.” A 290 bhp fuel-injected Corvette with the 4.11 rear axle could go from 0-to-60 mph in 6.8 seconds; from 0-to-100 mph in 15.5 seconds It did the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 96 mph and had a top speed of 124 mph.