59 with power folding top

[casprop]

I am not new to classic cars but I am new to corvettes. I found a 1959 corvette in rough but not botched up condition. It has what appears to be a power folding top option. I looked at the production figures and saw that only 661 were made with this option. Can you give me some ideas as to what value this adds to the car ? Can you get parts ? Is it a headache or a benefeit? I am going to have to see the car again to get some numbers to see if it has the original engine and what engine.

Thank-you
Mark

 

[Erik S. Klein]

While options certainly add something to the value of a car - especially rare options - the basics are what count the most: originality and condition.

After that the engine options are usually the most important (especially when the choice between coupe and convertible isn't available) followed by the convenience and trim options. Paint colors, AC, extra tops, and power options are all nice to have, but on a rough or unoriginal car they aren't going to help as much.

So I'd say that your power top won't add too much to the cars value although it will be worth more than the base manual top. IMO that's a benefit, as is the cool factor of having a button to push.

I'm sure you can find some repro parts, but originals might be tricky.

Good luck!

 

[casprop]

Thank-you. I am going to look at the car again. I like to buy cars that are "all there, all original" so I can do the quality of restoration I like. My challange with this car is the learning curve to make certain it is "all there, all original"

Mark

 

[Tom Bryant]

Mark,

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.

As far as rebuilding services for the cylinders and hoses ect. these aren't any different than any other old car. There are services that advertise in Hemmings that can handle this. The switches are the same as other GM cars so it shouldn't be too big of a problem to get this top working like it should.

I don't see cars with the power top offered for sale too often so it's hard to give a hard and fast estimate of the added value of this option. Just off the cuff I'd guess that having 2 identical cars side by side with the same level and quality of restoration on both with the power top being the only difference I'd guess at 2-5K more for the power top option in proper working condition.

It would be a great companion option to a base motor car with power windows and Powerglide transmission.

Tom

 

[cbernhardt]

Mark:

My 59 came with a power top (in boxes) and I decided not to put it back on the car. The going rate for the power top pieces seems to be around $2000-$2500.

If you decide not to buy the '59 I might be interested. Let me know.

Charles

 

[JohnZ]

They're great when they're all together, electrically/hydraulically synchronized and working, but it costs a BUNDLE to get them in that condition. :eyerole