1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sale?

[Mark S.]

Would appreciate your insights into what a solid un-restored driver quality numbers matching 1959 270hp/283ci 4-speed is pulling in the market today? Engine and transmission are numbers matching down to the radiator, with the exception of the ignition coil and generator (refer to itemized list below). Even has original rebound straps. Roman Red with White coves, Red interior and Black soft top. Paint is a 10-footer with light peeling in a few sports, but is presentable and shines real nice. Interior is like new. I am the 3rd owner. Looking to sell the car and want to establish a fair price for a reasonably quick sale. Car has tremendous pedigree and needs to go to a good home to enjoy as a driver or a great candidate for a full restoration. I have attached a few pictures. I would appreciate your fair market pricing guidance. Please call or text Mark at 262-488-7220 or PM me. Many thanks in advance.

VIN Tag
J59S102249
Morning hours of Thursday December 18, 1958 (Source: NCRS The Corvette Birthday Book, 7th Edition)


Engine
Engine Block ID Casting Code: 3756519 (late 1958-1960)
Engine Block Date Casting Code: L 8 8 (L=December, 8=8th Day, 8=1958)
Engine Assembly ID Stamping: F1210CU (1210=December 12, 1958, CU=270hp, 2x4, Hi-Lift Cam, Manual Transmission)
Cylinder Head (Driver Side) ID Casting Code: 3755550 (early 1959)
Cylinder Head (Driver Side) Date Casting Code: J 1 8 (J=October, 1=1st Day, 8=1958)
Cylinder Head (Passenger Side) ID Casting Code: 3755550 (early 1959)
Cylinder Head (Passenger Side) Date Casting Code: J 1 8 (J=October, 1=1st Day, 8=1958)
Intake Manifold ID Casting Code: 3739653 (1958-1960)
Intake Manifold Date Casting Code: TBD
Distributor ID Stamping: 1110891 (1958-1960 245hp & 270hp)
Distributor Date Stamping: 8 J 24 (8=1958, J=September, 24=24th Day)
Oil Pan: 3-Step Oil Pan


Transmission
Main Case ID Casting Code: T10-1
Main Case Date Casting Code: 12-31 (12=December, 31=31st Day)
Tailhousing ID Casting Code: T10-7B
Tailhousing Date Casting Code: 1 13 1958 (1=January, 13=13th Day, 1958)


Radiator
Core Tank ID Embossed Code: 3141674 (1958-1960)
Core Tank Date Embossed Code: 58 L (58=1958, L=December)


Gas Cap
Stant (correct)


Items Not Numbers Matching
Ignition Coil: after market replacement (calls for 091)
Generator: 1102115 (58-59 Chevy with Power Steering application, calls for 1102043 used on all engines except 290hp)


Items Yet To Be Verified
Exhaust Manifolds
Starter
Water Pump
Fuel Pump
Belhousing
Rear Differential
Wheels

[Darryl D.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

You did not state if it is a two top car or not? That is a $5000. difference.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

I'm unsure of market, but just FYI from the photos I see there are a few items that would affect value a bit if you're looking for a future judging candidate.....

I'm not knocking the car, seems very nice, except they always need something, and those somethings can add up.

-Valve covers polished. ie should be raw castings.
-Intake manifold polished. ie should be raw casting.
-Air cleaner later service type('60+). ie Should be sealed type.
-Master Cylinder cap should be metal
-Missing Fresh Air hose ad clamps to heater. (btw hose & 2 clamps very pricey)
-Generator end frame threads stripped (not a biggie but need Helicoiled)
-I think the tach cable should be unsheathed type. i.e. not covered with plastic
-Trunk obviously missing divider panel and mat and tools. (very pricey stuff)
-Trunk should be red fiberglass. (easy to spray though)
-Generator harness was once repaired. Looks marginal. If that small replaceable piece is marginal, I would be wary of the entire electrical system.
-Looks like the hood gutter on the driver side got damaged and repaired. Could be some work. 2 screws not typical in the gutter.
-Not sure why there's a harness along the driver side skirt. Wondering if for power to a electric radiator fan or like that. Could be a fix for a engine overheat issue? However, my own '59 does that in very hot climate at traffic lights etc, so a fan could be a good thing, except for judging.
-Wheels should be black, not body color in '59
-Seat bottom cushion foam too thick.
-Bezel on radio speaker. (no bezel on '59 so this would require new dashpad)
-Big knob in lower instrument cluster next to headlight switch and wiper knob. Maybe for fan or other lights, ?
-Radio knobs from Pass car type. Maybe radio isn't Corvette model.

There may be more but I've only had 1 coffee.

Rich

[Mark S.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

Many thanks Richard, very insightful, much appreciated.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

Many thanks Richard, very insightful, much appreciated.

Mark, This is a car you are looking at to purchase? I thought about it later and noticed it is not in your Profile page so I guess that is the case?

If so, I would recommend a good on-site inspection of the car to authenticate before deciding.

Rich

[Leif A.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

Mark, This is a car you are looking at to purchase? I thought about it later and noticed it is not in your Profile page so I guess that is the case?

If so, I would recommend a good on-site inspection of the car to authenticate before deciding.

Rich

Rich,
In the original post the OP states this..."Looking to sell the car and want to establish a fair price for a reasonably quick sale"

[Richard M.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

Rich,
In the original post the OP states this..."Looking to sell the car and want to establish a fair price for a reasonably quick sale"

Leif, I totally missed that. Thanks for telling me.

Sorry Mark. Please forgive me for not reading the entire post.

What might help get a market value price is to give Jim Gessner a call or write him a email jim@vettefinderjim.com. Jim follows the market all the time. Jim may also help you find a buyer as he has many contacts.

Also a ad in the Classifieds here is a good way for a quick broadcast.

Rich

[Sean S.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

Mark----
Obviously, any price guide is subjective, but one that I found to be helpful is CorvetteDNA.
You can load it free from the AppStore to your smartphone.
It allows you to rate condition and add applicable options to determine value.
Maybe it will help you establish some sort of base you can build from.
Sean

[Mark S.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

Many thanks Sean. I was not aware of the CorvetteDNA app, I will download. I also visited the Haggerty Insurance website and used their valuation tool. Not certain if Haggerty is a dependable site for market value? Have a great day.

[William F.]

Re: 1959 Numbers Matching Dual 270hp 4-sp, what is the fair market value for quick sa

Too much non originality. I'd keep looking.