A U.S. dealership has listed a fully restored and engine-swapped 1958 Chevrolet Corvette for nearly $500,000 (approximately VND 13.18 billion).
This staggering price tag raises a compelling question: does a classic car, even a rare one, truly warrant a value equivalent to two brand-new supercars?
In 1958, Chevrolet unveiled significant updates to its lineup. The introduction of the Impala, with its sleek new design, catapulted the brand to the forefront of the American market. Simultaneously, the Corvette received notable enhancements: larger front and rear bumpers, a speedometer reaching 160 mph, and a host of fresh exterior details.
That year, Chevrolet produced only 9,168 Corvettes, with a starting price of $3,591 (roughly VND 94.7 million today). Buyers could opt for additional features like a removable hardtop or more powerful engines, topping out with a 290-horsepower fuel-injected V8.
The Corvette now on sale no longer houses its original small-block engine. Instead, it boasts a GM LS7 427 V8, delivering a formidable 570 horsepower, paired with a 4L75E 4-speed automatic transmission. This upgrade transforms the classic 1958 model into a modern performance powerhouse.
Mechanically, the car has been comprehensively overhauled with an Art Morrison GT chassis, powder-coated for durability; an independent rear suspension with coilovers; Wilwood brakes; a stainless steel fuel tank; Kevlar lines; a DeWitts radiator; and Ultimate stainless steel exhaust.
All these upgrades were completed in September 2023, leaving the car in pristine, nearly unused condition.
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette’s interior blends vintage charm with modern convenience. Fully upholstered in leather, it features power-adjustable reclining seats, Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital gauges, a Bluetooth sound system with Memphis amplifier, and even an electric hood release.
Priced at nearly $500,000, this Corvette rivals the cost of a new Ferrari or Lamborghini. Yet, its true value lies in its uniqueness—a one-of-a-kind custom build that seamlessly merges 1950s heritage with 21st-century technology.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
