Where the '57 Vette was a clean understated evolution of the original show car, the '58 reflected the entire line of GM cars that year, overstated in chrome detail and styling cues. We see this in the chrome trim that separated the new twin headlights and continued up the fender. The new twin style lines molded into the hood, framing the row of vents rising up the hood. The first and the third, the chrome strip and the vents, would be model specific to this, the last year of Harley Earl's stewardship of GM's design department, that he founded.
A major design feature is the new dash. Here the 'through the steering wheel' arch of the speedometer is visually joined by the repositioning of the tach. Previously a steering wheel mounted tach was a comp Vette only option. Here it's molded into the five circle dash design structure. Also new for '58 is the vertical control panel descending to the trans tunnel. Two counter point features are the luxury feature radio speaker at dash center and the spartan passenger grab handle replacing the glove box. The latter's shape balanced by the leather dash padding encircling the driver's instrument panel. The rough and ready patina of this Vette goes to illustrate the early life it led as a seriously, and successfully, raced car.
Digital Gallery
