NCRS Top Flight 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel-Injected 283/290

Description

Building on the bold redesign introduced three years earlier, the 1959 Corvette showcased the continued advancement of Chevrolet’s first-generation “solid axle” sports car design. Gone were the faux hood louvers and intricate chrome trunk trim of earlier models, replaced by a cleaner, more purposeful look that emphasized performance over ornamentation. Powered by variants of the venerable 283 cubic-inch V8, buyers could opt for fuel injection, high-lift camshafts, and close-ratio four-speed transmissions — hardware that underscored the car’s serious sporting intent.  

With its distinctive quad headlamps, sculpted side coves, and a growing reputation on both street and track, the ’59 Corvette was more than a style icon, it was a statement. As period Chevrolet advertising proudly declared, “In every way, the Corvette is an authentic sports car ... America’s sports car.” 

This 1959 Corvette underwent a comprehensive frame-off restoration in 2012-13 that included installation of a period-correct replacement 283 cu-in V8 (290 hp) with fuel injection and Hi-Lift cam, as well as a repaint and new interior. It earned a Chapter NCRS Top Flight award in 2014 and a National NCRS Top Flight award in 2016, scoring 98.4 and 94, respectively.

Highlights 

• Winner of a 2014 Chapter NCRS Top Flight award and a 2016 National NCRS Top Flight award 

• 2012-13 frame-off restoration included:  

  • Replacement 283 cu-in V8 engine with Rochester mechanical fuel injection 

  • Refinished in silver paint with white coves and black convertible top 

  • Refinished matching silver “quick-change” hardtop 

  • New interior with red vinyl bucket seats 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• The chassis number (J59S106813) decodes as:  

  • J – Corvette 

  • 59 – 1959 model year 

  • S – St. Louis Assembly Plant 

  • 106813 – Sequential production number for build date of April 1959 (April: 106034-107144); matches production code stamp on engine block  

• The Engine Block Code Number (F409CS) decodes as:  

  • F – Flint, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 4: Assembly month – April 

  • 09: Assembly day – 9th 

  • CS – 290 hp, fuel injection, manual transmission

 Features 

• 6.70-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown bias ply tires 

• Service under current ownership includes: 

  • Replaced intake manifold gasket 

  • Replaced tachometer cable 

  • Replaced starter 

  • Replaced ignition and turn signal switches  

  • Rebuilt the transmission 

  • Resurfaced the flywheel 

  • Replaced the clutch assembly 

  • Rebuilt the fuel injection system 

 Known Imperfections 

• Crack in paint on right fender by hood 

• Scratch on the hardtop 

• Two indentations and a small hole on the underside below license plate 

 Included 

• NCRS Top Flight Awards 

• Removable fiberglass hardtop with stand 

• Spare trunk-mounted tire 

• Car cover 

• Owner’s manual 

• Service records 

• Miscellaneous parts  

• Original set of spinner style wheel covers 

• Additional set of vented chrome wheel covers with simulated knock-off hubs  

Ownership History

The Ohio consignor purchased this 1959 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 from the restorer in 2021.