Vehicle Description
Seeing the 1957 model year lineup at GM showrooms must have been a
beautiful sight for buyers lucky enough to be in the market for a
new automobile! Visiting the Chevrolet dealer would have rewarded
you with the chance to see the iconic Corvette in its original
glory being the last, solid axle example produced with single front
headlights at the front end. This classic look of Corvette has
continued to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors
alike! Part of the model lineup was the new availability of
fuel-injected V8 engines, along with a newly optional 4-speed
manual transmission for the Corvette!
We are very excited to offer this beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Convertible finished in the desired Venetian Red with matching
coves over Red interior and White convertible top! This example
continues to be powered by its original 283ci V8 (EL code)
producing 283 horsepower through Rochester fuel injection system
now mated to a Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission
(original 3-speed transmission included with the sale)! Additional
equipment includes Wonderbar AM radio, heater/defrost, auxiliary
hardtop with correct stainless steel header trim and Plexiglas side
windows, interior courtesy lights, seat belts, front license plate
bracket, and aftermarket Sun Tachometer affixed to the steering
column. On the car in these images are 15x5.5" steel wheels
typically found on RPO 276 cars, wrapped in Firestone 6.75-15"
Deluxe Champion black sidewall tires! An original set of 15x5"
steel wheels fitted with an older set Firestone Deluxe Champion
wide whitewall tires and full polished wheel covers are included,
along with a set of chrome dog dish hubcaps for a chance to
personalize the presentation to your own tastes.
The story of this car as we know it dates to California where is
spent the better part of its early life in various well-known west
coast collections. It most recently sold as an older restoration to
established Corvette collector, Franklin Buck, of Pennsylvania in
2012 and was part of a small, curated collection of special
fuel-injected examples. It was always maintained professionally
including having the injection system rebuilt about 8 years ago,
along with the steering box overhaul and valve adjustment, to keep
operation as a confident driver. For this reason, it was a 6-time
participant at the annual Hershey Hill Climb event each Fall when
the weather was agreeable, AACA events, along with yearly visits to
Corvettes at Carlisle. The #58 bubble stickers on the car pay
tribute to Jerry Austin's Southern California 1957-1958 racing
successes in his fuel-injected 1957 Corvette at Pomona, Riverside,
Consolation Hourglass Field in San Diego, and infamous Paramount
Ranch Racetrack during its short tenure. That original 1957
Corvette #58 was later sold to racing legend Bob Bondurant in 1959
who won 18-20 races he attended making that original Corvette a bit
of a prodigy itself! Again, this is just a tribute to that car.
Upon arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum, it received new
drivetrain fluids including engine oil/filter, Redline MT90 inside
the transmission, and fresh gear oil in the rear axle. We installed
new rear lower shock bushings & bolt hardware, along with a new
fuel sending unit, Edelbrock ignition coil, and radiator cap. The
brakes front and rear were inspected, cleaned, and readjusted. It
truly runs and drives as it should, so it is ready to enjoy
immediately! The exhaust note is just splendid! Please feel free to
call with additional questions or to schedule an appointment to
view in person. We look forward to working with you!
