Vehicle Description
Back in the 1950s, General Motors' market dominance revolved around
technology, performance and legendary niche offerings. One of the
company's industry-changing technologies was Rochester mechanical
fuel injection. Top models offered within GM's leading divisions,
'Fuelies' were exceedingly rare and, today, remain some of the most
coveted metal in the collector car market. A numbers-matching gem
that's benefitted from a detailed, ground-up restoration, this
Corvette is an exclusive, first-year Fuelie that's presented in
era-correct aesthetics. In fact, not only is it correctly restored,
numbers-matching classic, it's also a high horsepower, solid lifter
car. Looking for a top option version of Chevy's first top option
Vette? Here it is!
COMMONLY UNCOMMON
The object of a comprehensive, frame-off restoration, this
impressive roadster looks straight out of the Golden Age of
Americana! During its detailed reboot, the car's sinuous body was
carefully massaged into a head-turning crowd pleaser. When
perfected, those neck-straining curves were highlighted in a sweet
combination Onyx Black and Inca Silver 2-stage. And today, this
Chevy's solid condition is typical of what we all wish to find in a
nice, show-ready classic.
Chevrolet's 1957 Corvette is essentially an improved version of the
brand's hand-built '53 model; a halo that not only set a design
precedent for American cars, but also began a rich legacy that's
now eight generations strong. At the front of this C1, an
aggressive chrome grille rides between chrome-trimmed lamps, a
chrome tag bracket and convex bumpers that bend around peaked
fenders. Between those fenders, an ornate header emblem leads the
eye to a sculpted hood, like-new glass and classy stainless frames
that are capped by tight black vinyl. Below that top, traditional
door handles and a correct driver's mirror perfectly complement
chrome fender vents and stainless-trimmed coves that are branded
with stylish "Fuel Injection" scripts. And at the back of the car,
flashy taillights join two more bumpers to split a second header
emblem, a third "Fuel Injection" script and vertical trim spears
that center small exhaust pipes in dramatic quarter panels.
SMALL BLOCK OF THE FUTURE
Tilt this roadster's lightweight bonnet and you'll find 283 cubic
inches of freshly rebuilt small block that hangs a correct 3731548
casting number behind a correct "EL" build stamp. The first
8-cylinder to match displacement with horsepower, and equipped with
fuel injection a full two years before Mercedes vaunted 300SL
'gullwing', this intentionally understated engine proved that
Chevrolet was very serious about producing a world class sports
car. At the top of the magnafluxed mill, a chrome air cleaner
funnels wind in to a vintage Rochester injection system that's
fueled by clean stainless lines and a correct AC pump. Below that
date-correct juice box, a familiar aluminum intake feeds
magnafluxed heads, which tilt finned Corvette rocker covers over
correct solid lifters. At the back of that intake, chrome-capped
ignition shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds via
chrome-cased plug wires. At the front of those tubes, a beefy
radiator utilizes pliable GM hoses and old school squeeze clamps to
cycle water around a massive fan shroud. Details like a Delco
generator and a Delco master cylinder ensure this Chevy runs every
bit as good as it looks. And, as always, the Chevy Orange block
looks great perched between a Satin Black firewall and Satin Black
fenders.
SPEED AND SIMPLICITY
Flip this Vette upside down and you'll find a solid X-frame that's
bolted to solid floor tubs. Behind the hot motor, a tough Saginaw
3-speed levels a correct 3845122 casting number over a June (F)
24th (24), 1957 (7) casting date. At the ends of the floors, a
fully restored double A-arm and solid axle suspension features
era-correct steering. At the corners of the car, standard 4-wheel
drum brakes provide solid and confident stops. Exhaust is funneled
through aluminized, true-dual pipes, which center a wide crossover
in front of long, glasspack-style mufflers. And power meets the
pavement though Onyx Black steelies, which spin 205/75R15
whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers.
TOP-DOWN STYLE
In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior
options remain minimal. Thanks to the car's high quality reboot,
its textured seats still have years of life left in them. Front and
center, a stylish, dual-cowl dash hangs retro gauges above optional
factory heat and an old school Wonderbar radio. Slick California
carpet frames a petite chrome shifter. At the sides of the
passengers, scuff-free door panels front optional power windows.
And in front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a
color-keyed rim around a polished cross-flag horn button.
Well restored and incredibly fun, this Corvette is a world class
collector car that unabashedly champions the timeless swagger of
'50s Americana. And, thanks to a fuel injected, solid lifter
drivetrain, it's also a blast to drive! We've said it once, and
we'll say it again: the best way to enjoy your Sunday afternoons is
behind the wheel of a vintage roadster. Don't miss this exclusive
opportunity to experience a stellar piece of Motor City
history!
HIGHLIGHTS
Attractive Corvette Fuelie that's benefitted from a detailed,
ground-up restoration
One of only 1,040 Corvette Fuelies produced for the 1957 model
year
One of only 756 solid lifter Corvette Fuelies produced for the 1957
model year
Correct 283/283hp cubic inch Chevrolet V8 with correct Rochester
fuel injection
Correct Saginaw 3-speed manual transmission
Red interior with an optional Wonderbar radio
Onyx Black and Inca Silver paint
Optional factory heat
Optional power windows
Black vinyl top
Extensive ownership history
Letter from previous long-term owner confirming the car as a
factory Fuelie
Listed in Mike Hunt's VIN registry of factory '57 Fuelie
Corvettes
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world
