| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1958 |
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) represents a significant milestone in the evolution of America's beloved sports car. As part of the first-generation Corvette lineup, the 1958 model brought forward a distinctive cabriolet design that combined style, performance, and open-air driving pleasure. The C1 Corvette Convertible is recognized for its sleek fiberglass body, smooth contours, and a sporty two-seater layout engineered for driving enthusiasts.
In terms of dimensions, the 1958 Corvette Convertible measured approximately 4,511 mm (177.5 inches) in length, offered a width close to 1,778 mm (70 inches), and stood about 1,265 mm (49.8 inches) tall. This compact and lightweight design, weighing around 1,415 kg (3,121 lbs), allowed for agile handling and spirited driving dynamics, especially given the powerful V8 engine options available at the time. The car's modest dimensions underscore its role as a true sports car, designed to provide a thrilling yet comfortable driving experience.
Inside, the Corvette Convertible featured a simple yet driver-focused cockpit with minimalistic instrumentation and ample visibility—enhanced by its foldable soft-top roof. The 1958 model introduced several improvements over earlier versions, such as updated front and rear styling details, enhanced safety features, and options that increased its appeal as a luxury sport convertible.
Today, the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible remains a prized classic car admired by collectors and enthusiasts for its timeless design and historic importance. Whether compared to its contemporaries or subsequent generations, the C1 convertible exemplifies the spirit of 1950s American automotive innovation, blending compact size, performance attributes, and open-air enjoyment into an iconic package.
Discover the standout features that make the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible a leader in its class
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The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) features classic mid-20th-century sports car proportions. Its length measures approximately 4,340 mm (170.9 inches), its width is about 1,740 mm (68.5 inches), and its height is roughly 1,270 mm (50 inches). These dimensions give the car a compact and sleek profile, characteristic of early American sports cars. Its relatively narrow width and low height contribute to its aerodynamic shape and sporty appearance, while the length provides sufficient cabin space for a two-seater convertible setup.
The wheelbase of the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) is approximately 2,438 mm (96 inches). The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles, and it significantly influences the car's handling, stability, and interior space. A 96-inch wheelbase is relatively short by modern standards but was typical for sports cars of that era, allowing for agile handling and a responsive, fun driving experience while maintaining balanced weight distribution.
The curb weight of the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) is approximately 1,322 kg (2,915 lbs). This relatively light weight enhances the car's acceleration, handling responsiveness, and overall agility. The lighter mass allows its V8 engine to perform efficiently, contributing to lively driving dynamics and sporty feel. However, compared to contemporary cars, it may lack some modern safety features and structural reinforcements due to its era and construction style.
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) is designed as a two-seater roadster, focusing primarily on driver and passenger engagement rather than spaciousness. While exact interior dimensions vary, the cabin width provides just enough room for two occupants to sit comfortably side-by-side, estimated at roughly 1,300 mm (51 inches). Headroom and legroom are adequate for most adults but limited compared to larger vehicles, emphasizing a sporty, snug cockpit that enhances the driving experience and connection to the car.
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) has a height of approximately 1,270 mm (50 inches), making it quite low-profile compared to many modern cars and SUVs. This low height means it easily fits within the ceiling height of typical residential garages, which often range from 2,100 mm (83 inches) to 2,400 mm (95 inches) or more. Its convertible top, when retracted, further reduces vertical space requirements, so parking the C1 in standard garages is generally convenient and requires no special accommodations.
Yes, the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) fits comfortably within the dimensions of a standard home garage. Typical garage dimensions in many regions are around 3,000 mm (10 feet) wide and 6,000 mm (20 feet) deep or more, while the Corvette measures about 4,340 mm (170.9 inches) long and 1,740 mm (68.5 inches) wide. Its relatively compact size, especially the narrow width, makes it easy to park without difficulty, even with garage doors that may be less generous than modern standards.
The 1958 Corvette Convertible (C1) builds upon the original C1 generation introduced in 1953 but features some dimensional refinements. Compared to the initial model years (1953–1957), the 1958 version grew slightly in length and width, improving cabin comfort and road presence. Specifically, subtle increases in overall length and width enhanced interior space without sacrificing the lightweight, sporty feel. This evolution reflects Chevrolet's efforts to mature and refine the Corvette's aesthetic and functional design while maintaining its iconic status.
Compared to contemporaries like the Jaguar XK150 and the Mercedes-Benz 190SL, the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) is similar in length but slightly wider and lower in height, emphasizing American muscle styling. Its 4,340 mm (170.9 in) length and 1,740 mm (68.5 in) width place it mid-range among 1950s sports cars. The Corvette's dimensional footprint is distinctive, balancing aerodynamic form and muscular cues that set it apart from more classically styled European roadsters, making it a unique blend of size, performance, and American design ethos.
The 1958 Corvette Convertible (C1) is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 82 liters (21.6 gallons). This relatively large tank size was suitable for both spirited sporty drives and longer road trips. Considering the fuel consumption typical of V8 engines in the late 1950s — around 11-14 liters per 100 km (20-26 mpg US) depending on conditions and driving style — the Corvette could provide a driving range of roughly 550 to 700 kilometers (340 to 435 miles) on a full tank, offering reasonable autonomy for its era.
The 1958 Corvette Convertible (C1) weighs approximately 1,322 kg (2,915 lbs), which is slightly heavier than early C1 models from the 1953-1957 period. Earlier versions typically ranged from about 1,210 to 1,290 kg (2,670 to 2,840 lbs) depending on options and year. The modest weight increase in the 1958 model is attributed to added features, more robust structural components, and improved safety equipment. Despite this, the Corvette maintains an excellent power-to-weight ratio that preserved its strong performance and agility relative to its predecessors.
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