This is the famed championship winning 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Purple People Eater and wears the number '1' due to Jim Jeffords winning the SCCA National Championship in 1958 with the 1958 version of the Purple People Eater. Jeffords repeated this feat in 1959 in this Nickey Chevrolet prepared/owned 1959 Corvette. The car was put in storage for one year by Nickey and then sold to club racer Bob Spooner. Bob chased that Purple People Eater around most of the Midwest tracks in his #33 1959 Corvette, but never could beat it. If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em! Bob did very well with the car in 1961 and 1962. The car was shown at Corvettes at Carlisle and Bloomington Gold and later was selected as one of the Corvette race cars to be displayed at the grand opening of the National Corvette Museum and it resided in that display for approximately three years.
Overview
- Production Year: 1959
- Manufacturer: Chevrolet
- Model: Corvette C1
- Nickname: Purple People Eater
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Purple People Eater was powered by a modified Chevrolet small-block V8 engine.
- It typically featured a 283 cubic inch (4.6-liter) V8 engine, with various performance enhancements for racing.
- Transmission:
- Equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox.
- Performance Modifications:
- Tuned for racing, the Purple People Eater had upgraded suspension, brakes, and a high-performance exhaust system.
- The exact horsepower output varied depending on the specific modifications, but it was significantly higher than the stock Corvette of the era.
Racing History
- Origin: The car earned its nickname "Purple People Eater" due to its distinctive purple paint scheme and its dominating performances on the drag strips and tracks.
- Success: It gained fame for winning numerous drag races and setting records in its class during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Popularity: The Purple People Eater Corvette became a popular icon in the drag racing scene, known for its striking appearance and impressive speed.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The Corvette C1's iconic body was enhanced with custom purple paint, which contributed to its nickname.
- It retained the classic Corvette styling of the era, including the signature chrome accents, dual headlights, and sleek, aerodynamic lines.
- Interior:
- The interior was typically stripped down for racing purposes, featuring lightweight bucket seats, racing harnesses, and minimalistic instrumentation.
Legacy
- Cultural Impact: The Purple People Eater Corvette is remembered not only for its racing prowess but also for its cultural significance within the American hot rod and drag racing community.
- Collector's Item: Due to its unique history, racing achievements, and distinctive appearance, the Purple People Eater Corvette is highly sought after by collectors of classic American muscle cars and racing memorabilia.
You may purchase a print of the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Purple People Eater in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.