Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

[Thomas B.]

Gentlemen,

I purchased a 100% frame off 1959 Corvette at Barrett/Jacksons Las Vegas, NV. sale last year. The car was notebly the best C-I in the sale, and currently has less than 150 miles on it since it's complete restoration mid-year 1009.

My question is that the car has a era correct 283c.i./270h.p. completely rebuilt engine using correct G.M.parts. The engine block is a 1960.

The car has never been shown, but I plan to begin the certification process on this car in the near future, and wondered what I would be up against on the engine issue? Would I be automatically be discounted on points with a 1960 engine block in a 1959 Corvette, although rebuilt to perfection.

Please advise

[James O.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

I think you will get nicked pretty good if the casting date codes don't match up but if the rest of the car excells you could make up a lot of ground. An inexpensive and interesting thing to do would be to get a NCRS judging manual, the judges reference guide and a set of judging sheets for your 1959. Then at your leisure you can go through the various items to see how the car stacks up. Or you could just jump in and have it judged and you will learn even more from the judges. They are pretty helpful and will educate you but you might be more comfortable going in with the knowledge of what they are looking for.

[Don H.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

Welcome to NCRS. I see you are in Texas, they have a great Chapter with contacts listed on this site. Have it judged at a Chapter event. It will be the cheapest ($) and most comprehensive evaluation you can get. Don H.

[Bill M.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

The car has never been shown, but I plan to begin the certification process on this car in the near future, and wondered what I would be up against on the engine issue? Would I be automatically be discounted on points with a 1960 engine block in a 1959 Corvette, although rebuilt to perfection.

You will lose 175 points for the 1960 date (if it is a Flint 3756519 block). To score Top Flight, you can lose no more than 270.

[Loren L.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

B-J Scottsdale has a policy that any Corvette claiming NCRS awards must go through an NCRS review and validation - as I understand it, if the NCRS claim is NOT validated by NCRS, the claim cannot be made at the sale - at least in writing; I have no idea if such is done at other B-J events, but it might be a starting point.

[Jack H.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

B-J Scottsdale has a policy that any Corvette claiming NCRS awards must go through an NCRS review and validation - as I understand it, if the NCRS claim is NOT validated by NCRS, the claim cannot be made at the sale - at least in writing; I have no idea if such is done at other B-J events, but it might be a starting point.

So many of the cars I have seen sell have an award, either NCRS or Bloomington, that predate the sale so much that I feel the award is not that helpful. Many things could have changed since the award date and the sale. Still need to do your own due diligence and inspections. BJ, Mecum and all the other auction houses are there to sell and make money, it is buyer beware.

[Thomas B.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

Loren,

Thanks for the comments on my 1959 Corvette. The car restoration was completed just weeks prior to the B-J sale in Las Vegas. There was no representation of any NCRS certifications.

I am just beginning the process now and was wondering what I was up against relating to the engine block ( although completely rebuilt ) being a 1960 versus the car being a 1959. How would the judges view this, as the car is now better than new, and the fit and finish is perfect.

Thanks
Tom

[Thomas B.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

Thank you for your comments and ideas. I appreciate your help.

Tom

[Steven B.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

Tom, you really need to go to the judging manual for reference and a knowledgeable member who can take a look at the car. Over restoration should be a points deduction. What is your assembly date and the engine date? Not likely but is your engine date before car assembly date? Good advice on getting the manuals and going through the score sheets.

Where do you live in TX?

Steve

[Thomas B.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

Thanks Bill for your comments. Heres what I have,

The builder says that the engine is right for the car. 58 thru 60 Corvettes used the same 283 c.i. V8 The casting date being the only difference. The one in my car was cast in 1960

1959 Corvettes did not stamp Vin numbers on the engine pad, only the date assembled, and a two digit letter suffix to indentify horsepower and engine I.D. Mine is 1207C11 He states that mine are both correct for the car.

This being the case do you still beleive that I will take a major hit on points scored?

Please advise.
Tom


uote=Bill Mashinter (1350);514799]You will lose 175 points for the 1960 date (if it is a Flint 3756519 block). To score Top Flight, you can lose no more than 270.[/quote]

[Peter V.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

Tom,

Your pad # 1207C11 is probably 1207CU. The would translate to a December 7 engine assembly date for a 270 HP car. The casting date should precede the assembly date by a few days to a few weeks. If the casting date (located on the back of the block on the passenger side) indicates a 1960 cast, there will be a substantial deduction. Tho original engine would have to have been cast from the fall of 1958 to the spring of 1959. Your VIN# is the key to knowing when the car was "born".

You have a "period correct" car if it's a 519 block, but might be a tough try for a Top Flight designation.

As mentioned by others, go over the car with an experienced '59 member and a copy of the JG.

[Bill M.]

Re: Barrett/Jackson 1959 Corvette

[quote=Thomas Bennett (51597);514884]Thanks Bill for your comments. Heres what I have,

The builder says that the engine is right for the car. 58 thru 60 Corvettes used the same 283 c.i. V8 The casting date being the only difference. The one in my car was cast in 1960

1959 Corvettes did not stamp Vin numbers on the engine pad, only the date assembled, and a two digit letter suffix to indentify horsepower and engine I.D. Mine is 1207C11 He states that mine are both correct for the car.

This being the case do you still beleive that I will take a major hit on points scored?

Please advise.
Tom

Hi Tom:

The NCRS guideline is that the block must be cast up to 6 months before the car was assembled, so you will lose at least 175 points for a 1960-dated block. (If you post the cast date it will help determine if it will be 175...could be more.)

You can still get a Top Flight award if you don't lose more than 95 more points.

Bill