Chevy Corvette 1959 Technical Specifications

	Chevy Corvette 1959 Technical Specifications

Years of Manufacture: 1959
Number Built: 9670
Price at Introduction: US$3,745
Body:
- Unitary construction (Monocoque)
Models:
- Convertible
ID Location:
- Left front body hinge pillar
Exterior Dimensions:
- Total Length: 177.2 in.
- Total width: 72.8 in.
- Height at kerb weight: 52.4 in.
- Wheelbase: 102.0 in.
- Front Track: 57 in.
- Rear Track: 59 in.
Kerb Weight:
- 3080 lb
Transmission:
- 2 Speed Automatic:
  - 1st: 1.82:1
  - 2nd: 1.1:1
  - Reverse: 1.82:1
- 3 Speed Manual:
  - 1st: 2.21:1
  - 2nd: 1.32:1
  - 3rd: 1:1
  - Reverse: 2.21:1
- 4 Speed Manual:
  - 1st: 2.20:1
  - 2nd: 1.66:1
  - 3rd: 1.31:1
  - 4th: 1:1
  - Reverse: 2.25:1
Rear Axle Ratio:
- 4.11:1
- Optional 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.56:1

290 bhp V8 Engine:
- Capacity: 283 cubic inches
- Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylinders in Vee configuration
- Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, upright
- Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
- Fuel System: Fuel injection
- Bore and Stroke: 3.875 x 3.0 in.
- Power: 290 bhp @ 6200rpm
- Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4400rpm
- Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
- Other engines available 230 bhp, 245 bhp, 250 bhp and 270 bhp
Ignition and Electrical:
- Coil and distributor
Suspension:
- Front: Independent, A-arms, coil springs
- Rear: Rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs
Steering:
- Rack and pinion, ratio 21:1 standard, 16.3:1 optional
- Turning circle: 39 feet
Brakes:
- Front: Hydraulic 11 in. Drum
- Rear: Hydraulic 11 in. Drum
Wheels:
- Steel disc wheels with safety rims 15 x 5K
Tyres:
- 6.70 x 15 in.
- Tyre pressure: 24/24 psi
Performance (290 bhp V8):
- Standing Quarter Mile: 14.6 secs.
- Speed at end: 95.0 mph
- Top Speed: 130 mph

1959 Chevrolet Corvette V8 Performance (4 spd/290 bhp)
Speed	Time
0-30 mph	3.1 secs.
0-40 mph	4.1 secs.
0-50 mph	5.2 secs.
0-60 mph	6.7 secs.
0-70 mph	7.6 secs.
0-80 mph	10.2 secs.
0-90 mph	12.2 secs.
0-100 mph	15.6 secs.

Corvette Identification Number (Codes and Ranges)
Year	Model Year	Series Prefix	Assembly Plant	Serial Range
1959	1959	J	St. Louis	001001 - 109670

1959 Corvette Color Codes
Exterior color	Quantity	Interior color	Soft-Top	Wheels
Tuxedo Black	1,594	Blue / Black / Red	Black / White	Black
Classic Cream	223	Black	Black / WhiteBlack / White	Black
Frost Blue	1,024	Blue / Red	Blue / Black / White	Black
Crown Sapphire	888	Turquoise	Black / Turquoise / White	Black
Roman Red	1,542	Turquoise	Black / White	Black
Snowcrest White	3,354	Blue / Black / Red / Turquoise	Blue / Black / Turquoise	Black
Inca Silver	957	Black / Red	Black / White	Black
**1959 was the only year a Turquoise soft top was available.

Corvette Options: 1959
RPO	Description	Production	%	US$
101	Heater	8,909	92	102
102	AM Radio (Signal Seeking)	7,001	72	150
107	Parking Brake Alarm	3,601	37	5
108	Courtesy Lights	3,601	37	7
109	Windshield Washers	7,929	82	16
121	Radiator Fan Clutch	67	1	22
1408	Blackwall tires 6.70 x 15 nylon	n/a	n/a	n/a
1625	24 Gallon Fuel Tank	n/a	n/a	n/a
261	Sunshades	3,722	38	11
276	Wheels 15 x 5.5 (5 inclusive of spare)	214	2	n/a
290	Whitewall tires 6.70 x 15	8,173	85	32
313	Powerglide Automatic Transmission	1,878	19	199
419	Auxiliary Hardtop	5,481	57	237
426	Power Windows	587	6	59
440	Two-Tone Paint Combination	2,931	30	16
469	283ci 245 bhp Engine two 4 bbl. carburetors	1,417	15	151
469C	283ci 270 bhp Engine two 4 bbl. carburetors	1,846	19	183
473	Power Operated Folding Top	661	7	140
579	283ci 270 hp Fuel Injected Engine	175	2	484
579D	283ci 290.hp Fuel Injected Engine	745	8	484
675	Positraction Rear Axle, 3.70:1	4,170	43	48
678	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.11:1	n/a	n/a	n/a
679	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1	n/a	n/a	n/a
684	Heavy Duty Brakes and Suspension	142	3	425
685	4-Speed Manual Transmission	4,175	43	188
686	Metallic Brakes	333	3	27