Body changes in '58 created a "love it or leave it" attitude among Corvette enthusiasts. You either loved it or hated it. Also, the interior was more logically laid out for some while others thought its appearance was cluttered. Corvette had its strongest engine yet at 290 HP and was the first sports car to break the 3000 lb barrier due to added safety features.

In 1958 GM began using Acrylic lacquer paint other than the Inca Silver of '57. It was the first year with four headlamps and factory installed seatbelts. As early as 1956, some dealers were installing seatbelts, but they weren't available for order. There were minor changes in the front and rear bumper assemblies and this was the last year for the tachometer to keep track of engine revolutions. 1957 was the last full year for the tach, as only a few '58s had the counter. 1958 was the year of the one and only "Retractable Hardtop" Corvette concept car. This car is still in existence in the collection of a private owner.

In July, Bill Mitchell built the XP-700 which was a highly modified Corvette with a long oval nose and twin bubble plastic roof. The rear end of this experimental car made it into the production of the '61 Corvette.

In December, Harley Earl retired from GM and Bill Mitchell became the Chief Stylist. He quickly began work on the Q-Corvette. The Q had a rear mounted trans-axle and fully independent suspension. Another test car, the Corvette SS reached 183 mph at the hands of Duntov at GM's proving grounds in Phoenix, AZ.

DID YOU KNOW?: For the first time since its introduction, the '58 Corvette came with factory-installed seat belts.