A rare 1958 Chevrolet Corvette has beaten its high estimate at a major classic car auction in Fort Lauderdale, US.
One of just 1,500 Corvettes built in 1958, the vehicle surpassed its $100,000 estimate with a $103,400 showing at the March 16-18 auction.
It is the pioneering features of '58 Corvettes that set them apart from their predecessors, and that make them so desirable among car collectors.
Notable changes to the car from the '57 included a longer front end, quad headlamps, a new steering wheel, passenger grab bar and, for the first time, factory-fitted seatbelts.
The car's dashboard also received an update, with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver, including a 160 mph speedometer.
 Featuring a 160 mph speedometer, and seatbelts… |
This particular model features a rare colour combination of white with silver coves, and red interior. It has been fully-restored and driven little since then, helping explain its estimate-beating price.
A 1933 Chrysler CL Phaeton was the top seller at the auction.
The vehicle, one of just 36 Phaetons ever sold by Chrysler as the troubles of the Great Depression took hold, made $341,000.
Featuring a straight-eight engine and "Floating Power" automatic vacuum clutch, the car marks the last year of Chrysler's classic styling for the CL; the Airflow was introduced in 1934.
A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible also performed well, selling for $198,000, while a 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible achieved $170,000.
Paul Fraser Collectibles brings you all the major classic car auction news, so make sure you check back here regularly as we approach other important sales.
