Thank you for taking the time to review our classic car site. Joe Basil Chevrolet has been providing excellence in automotive sales and service for over 70 years. We have recently expanded our inventory to include classic and special interest vehicles available to view at Basilclassiccars.com or stop in our climate-controlled showroom at 5077 Transit Road in Lancaster NY. We guarantee you will enjoy your trip down memory lane. Basil has nearly 200 classic and special interest vehicles in stock with 70 or more in our showroom at any given time.
Though many Corvettes are in stock, this 1958 model we can very clearly say, is among the finest examples we have ever seen. Born on October 31st 1957, it is the 480th 1958 Corvette produced. This California Corvette was ordered with a power convertible top, a body color matching hardtop, power windows, fuel injection and a Borg Warner four speed transmission with 3.70 rear end gears. It remained in California until the early 1970s when it was purchased by a dealer and brought to New York. The current owner purchased this Corvette from the dealer in 1974 and notes that prior to his ownership, the power top assembly and fuel unit were removed. Two period correct WCFB four-barrel carburetors were installed. The 6K RPM tachometer discloses that a hydraulic cam 250hp fuel injected engine was the original engine option ordered. The correct fuelie core support is still in place as is the air intake mounting plate on the driver's side inner fender. While in the current owner's care, a total frame off restoration was completed to painstakingly correct specifications and the car remains in that restored condition to date. The entire body was painted correct charcoal metallic with silver coves in base coat, clear coat. All of the body chrome has been refinished by show chrome in Cambridge Ontario and all stainless is completely restored. Original T3 headlights are in place and correctly date coded taillight lenses are in place as well. Photos of the restoration and relative documents are available to view to an interested purchaser. Seated behind the wheel of this timeless classic and gazing upon the crystal-clear instrumentation, it is nearly impossible to believe you have not slipped back into the year 1958 and are seated in a new vehicle. The factory shifter was replaced with a vintage look Hurst unit which improves positive firm shifts from gear to gear while still providing the original vintage appearance. Interior upholstery, carpeting, trunk lining and mat were replaced during restoration as was the material on the restored top frame assembly. The factory hard top has also been fully restored, and both tops are included.
The current owner has always kept this stunning 1958 Corvette in a heated garage and has never driven it in the rain. The frame and underside appear as near new with no deterioration noted since restoration. In 2018, the engine was completely rebuilt and balanced. The owner chose to mount P225/70R15s on American racing rims which beautifully contrast the body color. The condition of this Corvette must be seen to believe and its very early production, and matching numbers combined with its rare options add to its desirability. The louvered "washboard" hood and chrome trunk spears are features seen only on the 1958 model and its overall striking detail will amaze you. Call for an appointment to view this beautiful Corvette, it is a must see.