How do you tell the difference between a 59 & 60 from 20'?

[studiog]

I can't think of any other years that I have more trouble telling apart than the 59's & 60's (from a distance...) Any comments?
:confused

 

[JohnZ]

From 20 feet, I dunno - maybe John McGraw knows of any 20-foot nuances - he's the '59-'60 expert. There are a number of underhood and chassis differences, the gauge needles are rounded on the '59 and tapered/pointed on the '60, the seat pattern is different, and the aluminum trim plate above the package tray has a red and blue bar above and below the "Corvette" lettering that wasn't there in '59.

 

[studiog]

Thanks guys for the replies. You have given me plenty of ammunition to tell the difference between the two years. If you add up all the little subtle differences I guess it isn't too hard after all. Thanks again.
Gary S.

 

[John Mcgraw]

John Hinkley is right. There are almost no clues that will help from 20 feet away! The wheels are painted black on 59 and body color on 60 cars, the hood latches are different, and the obvious interior differences like seat pattern and dash insert. The 59 used a different radiator shroud and a different hood, but this can only be seen from under the hood. All 59 cars had the VIN on the door pillar and only the very early 60 cars had it there before it was moved to the column. Early 59 cars used staggered patern valvecovers and no 59 had the VIN derivative stamped on the block. Front sway bar was thicker on a 60 and was a different shape than eariler cars. 59 cars used the small 022 master cylinder.
Regards, John McGraw

 

[SebringBill]

From 20 feet - no way! Just like a 56 (non-early) and a 57 non-FI from 20 feet.

 

[studiog]

From 20 feet - no way! Just like a 56 (non-early) and a 57 non-FI from 20 feet.

Awesome picture! Awesome car! Wish I were there. Definitely not a '59 or '60 though. Tail lights, dash, side coves and single headlights all say pre '58.