Meticulously Restored Black 1959 Fuelie Among 15 Corvettes Headed to Worldwide’s Enthusiast Auction

Apr 13, 2025

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Meticulously Restored Black 1959 Fuelie Among 15 Corvettes Headed to Worldwide's Enthusiast Auction

Worldwide Auctioneers is hosting their Enthusiast Auction later this month on April 25th and 26th at their sprawling facility in Auburn, Indiana. The 2-day schedule features over 100 years of automotive history thanks to a diverse docket ranging from early brass era cars all the way to modern day metal.

15 Corvettes encompassing each of Corvettes first 6 generations are currently consigned to the sale. On the early end, we see a striking Pennant Blue 1954 roadster while a 2007 track-used pace car provides the mating bookend of the docket. In between, you’ll find desirable models like a red 1964 365hp coupe, a Maroon 1965 425hp coupe, a blue 1968 L89 convertible, and a 7k mile, unrestored 1971 coupe among others.

Lot 416, a classic restored 1959 fuelie, is the car that really grabs our attention in Auburn. 1959 was the 2nd model for the refreshed C1 Corvette and its new quad head light setup in front complemented by stylish side coves. Styling was largely unchanged except for removal of the washboard hood and trunk “tusks” on the rear of the car. Total production was up slightly from 1958 to 9,670 units in 1959. Snow crest White was the most popular color with 3,354 units made while the 1,594 Tuxedo Black cars were the 2nd most popular.

A quartet of 283 cubic inch engines were available with RPO 579D at the top end of the spectrum. The fuel injected engine produced 290hp thanks in part to a high lift camshaft. The $484 option found its way into just 745 Corvettes that year.

Our black 1959 in Auburn is powered by that top-dog matching numbers lump and is the recipient of a meticulous 5-year restoration that made extensive use of original and NOS parts. According to this listing, it took 20 years to acquire all the parts needed for this level of restoration. The thorough restoration brought the car back to show condition as demonstrated in the listing’s many detailed photos. The car presents in as-new condition.

The triple black menace features a 4-speed manual transmission, black side coves, black soft top, black interior, and wide white wall tires with correct hubcaps. The listing states that it is believed to be 1 of only 22 factory black fuelies built in 1959.

The car spent time in Dennis Zentner’s collection and is ready for NCRS events as noted in the listing. Pouring over the photos, we have no reason to doubt that claim.

If you’re interested in this fantastic Corvette or any of the others available, make plans to attend Worldwide’s Enthusiast Auction. The 2-day event features nearly 300 vehicles and will take place Friday April 25th and Saturday April 26th. Sales begin at 11am on Friday and 10am on Saturday. Previews take place from 9am-6pm beginning Wednesday the 23rd.

Click here to register to bid. Online and telephone bidding options are also available to qualified pre-registered bidders. Spectator tickets start at just $15 per day, and a two-day pass is $25.

Source:
Worldwide Auctioneers

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