Poll: Which Corvette? (6/26/2026)

The ‘56 was the big change from the first three model years and I’ve always loved its style. What I love even more is excess that most people complain about of the 58’s (over) styling. To me the (washboard) hood louvers and chrome trunk spears are things of beauty. Kinda makes the pretty ‘56 look timid. By the way John, I love the (Charcoal?) color on that ‘58.

@kevins 

+1!

They are both beautiful and classic Corvettes ! I would be delighted to drive either one and have seen both years at our town 4th of July parade and/or local cruise nights.

1956. I prefer the single headlights and cleaner details.

An age-old quarrel among Corvette-a-philes. I'm with Ed on this and prefer the '56. The '53 through '55 cars were historic and the '55 much improved, engine-wise. But the '56 was the first nail biting restyling exercise and it turned out beautiful. At the time, I hated the 1958 mass jump to quad lights. And at first hated the change to the Vette with the twin chrome trunk spears and washboard hood louver treatment. But since they vanished in 1959 as over-the-top eccentricities, it became a much loved one-year car and increased in collector value much like the later one year '63 Split Window Coupe.

The '58 here is a fuelie; not available in a '56 but in '57 the Corvette got its first fuel injected engine and that more directly competed with the '58. But still, '56 to '58, I'd prefer the earlier car for simplicity and knockout good looks.

Excellent comparo today John - thank you!

Posted by: @perrone1

↑

An age-old quarrel among Corvette-a-philes. I'm with Ed on this and prefer the '56. The '53 through '55 cars were historic and the '55 much improved, engine-wise. But the '56 was the first nail biting restyling exercise and it turned out beautiful. At the time, I hated the 1958 mass jump to quad lights. And at first hated the change to the Vette with the twin chrome trunk spears and washboard hood louver treatment. But since they vanished in 1959 as over-the-top eccentricities, it became a much loved one-year car and increased in collector value much like the later one year '63 Split Window Coupe.

The '58 here is a fuelie; not available in a '56 but in '57 the Corvette got its first fuel injected engine and that more directly competed with the '58. But still, '56 to '58, I'd prefer the earlier car for simplicity and knockout good looks.

Excellent comparo today John - thank you!

I'm totally with @kevins here. I was immediately drawn to the Charcoal with red interior, and I love the quads and strips.

The only Corvette I ever loved is the '62 and I liked the'61.  You can keep all the rest.

'56 - '58 make no difference to me.  No interest in either choice.

@perrone1 

Tony plus 1. Great analysis Tony.

If it's a C 1 I love it. I'm a big fan of the four speed gear boxes which didn't appear until 1957 in a Corvette so that gives the 58 the edge. I've owned my 61 for 54 years now and I can count on one hand how many people know what year it is when I take it to a cruise in... most ask if it's a 57. C 1s are great cars and fun to drive and easy to repair for their simplicity.

Ed nailed it for me.💯

I love them both but feel that the single headlight suits this era best.

@perrone1 Hey Tony, first of all, you know I’ve always respected your integrity, leadership, and vast knowledge of our shared hobby. Whenever I have a question, you always come through with a thoughtful, helpful reply. I also highly value our long distance friendship, and when it comes to your well thought out argument for your preference of the ‘56 Corvette over the gorgeous, stunning, over the top ‘58, something my my Mother used to often say comes to mind; “Every person is entitled to their opinion about a matter, even if they are wrong!” 
PS You know I’m just messing with you!

@kevins, well said. Thanks, @perrone1, for all you bring to these pages!