Corvette History 1953-1962 Corvettes (C1)1958 Chevrolet Corvette
1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Contributed by Mike Antonick, Editor "Corvette Black Book"
Design features included new body panels, new instrument panel with tachometer in the driver cluster, and new upholstery. Although criticized by some for styling excesses, 1958's distinctive louvered hood and chrome trunk spears set it apart visually from the otherwise similar models which followed. It was the first Corvette with four headlights and factory-installed seat belts. All 1958 Corvette exteriors were painted using acrylic lacquer.
Corvettes were virtually unchallenged in SCCA's Class B-production with Jim Jeffords taking the points championship. Controversial or not, 1958 sales increased to 9,168. The hottest fuel injected engine was up to 290-hp and 1,007 were built. The rarest option was the renamed--"racing" was taboo--RPO 684 Heavy Duty Brake/Suspension package at 144 units. Snowcrest White was this model's favorite exterior color with 2,477 sold, while Inca Silver was the rarest at 193.
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