Werner Meier: A Legacy of Passion and Excellence
Born on February 5, 1951, Werner Meier’s lifelong dedication to Corvettes has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. His very first car was a new Corvette, sparking a love that would shape his life and career. Starting in his family’s garage, Werner honed his skills working on cars with friends, eventually founding Masterworks Automotive Services, renowned worldwide for its excellence in restoration.
Werner has restored over 100 Corvettes including cars built for legendary figures such as Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell. His meticulously restored Corvettes have been showcased at prestigious venues like the National Corvette Museum, the Gilmore Car Museum, the Lingenfelter Collection, and the GM Heritage Center. Werner’s contributions to the Corvette community earned him a well-deserved place in the Inaugural Bloomington Gold Corvette Hall of Fame and an induction into the Corvette Hall of Fame at the National Corvette Museum in 2013.
Committed to preserving the Corvette legacy and inspiring future generations, Werner’s involvement in car shows and activities with the Boy Scouts of America has encouraged many young enthusiasts to choose a Corvette as their first car. His devotion and passion for the Corvette lifestyle are truly inspirational.
The 1959 Corvette Convertible: A Testament to Performance and Style
Owned by: Werner Meier, Troy, MI
Original Engine and Body
This 1959 Corvette Convertible owned by Werner Meier stands as a stunning example of Chevrolet’s early efforts to prepare Corvettes for endurance racing at Sebring in 1956 and 1957. These racing endeavors led to significant advancements in chassis, drivetrain, and engine power, with improvements available from the factory from 1958 through 1962. These developments laid the foundation for the release of the Z-06 package in 1963.
Performance and Specifications
This Corvette on display at the Bloomington Gold Corvette show Gold Collection 2024 was ordered with an impressive array of options aimed at enhancing its performance:
- RPO 579D 290HP Fuel Injected Engine
- RPO 685 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- RPO 675 4.56:1 Posi-Traction Axle
- RPO 684 Heavy Duty Brakes and Suspension
The RPO 684 package included:
- 5.5-inch wide wheels
- Higher rate springs and shock absorbers
- Quick steering adapter
- High rate sway bar
- Metallic brake linings
- Finned brake drums
Additional Features
Beyond its performance capabilities, this Corvette was also equipped with several luxury and convenience options:
- A.M. Wonderbar radio
- Auxiliary hardtop
- Sun visor
- Heater
Historical Significance and Preservation
Little is known about this car’s early life, but it has survived with its original engine and an untouched body, suggesting that it likely saw limited use on the racing circuit. This preservation of original components makes it a rare and valuable example of early Corvette history.
The Evolution of Fuel Injection in Corvettes
In the early 1950s, fuel injection was the focus of significant research by the auto industry in the US and internationally. Ed Cole, who became the chief engineer of Chevrolet in 1952, championed the introduction of fuel injection for Chevrolet production cars. Engineer John Dolza, with support from Zora Arkus-Duntov, led much of the development of the Ramjet fuel injection system. By 1955, dynamometer-based tests of a 265 cid small-block engine running with fuel injection were already underway.
Between 1957 and 1965, the Ramjet was offered as the top performance option on the Corvette. When first introduced, it surpassed the threshold of one horsepower per cubic inch of engine displacement, a milestone heavily featured in Chevrolet’s marketing materials. The system was also available on Chevrolet and Pontiac passenger cars, each with slightly different configurations regarding the air cleaner and other components. For Chevrolet in 1957, Ramjet was designated as RPO-578 on passenger cars and RPO-579 on the Corvette.
Although offered on Corvettes until 1965, the Ramjet system was available on Chevy passenger cars from 1957 through 1959. The introduction of Ramjet fuel injection marked a significant advancement in automotive technology, setting a new standard for performance and efficiency.
Werner Meier’s 1959 Corvette Convertible, equipped with the 290HP fuel-injected engine, stands as a testament to this innovative era. The advancements made in fuel injection technology during the late 1950s played a crucial role in shaping the Corvette’s legacy, making models like Werner’s a valuable piece of automotive history.
Conclusion
Werner Meier’s 1959 Corvette Convertible showcases Chevrolet’s engineering prowess and the brand’s commitment to motorsports. With a life dedicated to the Corvette legacy and an impressive collection of restored classics, Werner Meier continues to inspire and influence the Corvette community. His devotion to the Corvette lifestyle and his remarkable contributions to the restoration and preservation of these iconic vehicles ensure that the spirit of the Corvette will endure for generations to come.
Subscribe to Vette Vues Magazine
Stay connected with the latest Corvette news, events, and stories by subscribing to Vette Vues Magazine. Our magazine offers in-depth articles, stunning photographs, and exclusive interviews with Corvette enthusiasts and experts. Don’t miss out on the best source for everything Corvette – subscribe today and join our passionate community of Corvette lovers! SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Here are some other articles you might enjoy:
Uncovering the Secrets of a Rare 1957 Corvette Fuel Injection Pilot Car
C1 Corvette (53-62) – THE HISTORY OF BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS
1959 Chevrolet Stingray Concept Car: This Beauty Is A Legend
Hot New 1959 Restomod Corvette Unveiled By Kevin Hart
C1 Corvette Overview: The Making of America’s Sports Car
