There were few changes for the 1959 model year Corvette; perhaps GM figured people still needed time to absorb the 1958 styling.
The styling was toned down a notch as the faux louvres disappeared from the hood (above) and (below) the trunk "spears" were gone. Years later the change is considered to be the correct move as 1959 / 1960 Corvettes genrally get higher prices than the 1958 model.
Above: Brochure illustration shows the dashboard which was completely revised in 1958. 1959 additions included a storage bin below the passenger grab handle. A "Corvette" script was added to the anodized aluminum area behind the grab bar.
Right: There were minor revisions to the instrument panel in 1959. The glass in front of the gauges was convex, which reduced the glare problem with the flat glass of the previous year. All tachometers offered redline and safe limit indications.
The 1959 Corvette featured a "T" handle shifter with the close ratio four speed transmission. Pulling it up was required to select reverse, preventing accidental reverse engagement while shifting the forward gears. The four speed was a $188.30 option; base Corvettes were equipped with a three speed manual.
Interior, in person (above) and per the brochure (below). 1959 was the first year a black interior was available in the Corvette. The door panel was redesigned for more elbow room. Note the transverse (door panel to door panel) seat stitching. This is one of the ways to differentiate the 1959 and 1960 Corvettes; another is that 1960 Corvettes featured body colored wheels. The '60 vettes had front to back seat stitching.
1960 Corvette
1959 Corvette Options