Vehicle Description
After a tentative beginning as a European-inspired boulevard
cruiser, the Corvette concept was given a complete makeover for
1956 to establish it as a more thoroughly capable American sports
car. A complete restyling introduced conventional headlights,
rounded rear flanks with recessed taillights and the first
appearance of the side coves that would become a signature Corvette
styling feature. Exterior door handles, roll-upside windows and an
adjustable passenger seat were welcome improvements, along with the
first detachable auxiliary hard top that overcame the sealing
problems of earlier models. The 265 CI V-8 introduced in 1955
gained power through an increase in compression from 8.1 to 9.25:1,
and a second Carter 4-barrel carburetor was added to produce 225
HP. More power meant the need for improved handling, which Chief
Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov attained by altering the existing
steering and suspension geometry so that the driver of some ability
could get really high performance safely. A late production example
purchased in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, this 1956 Chevrolet Corvette
Convertible is one of 3,467 produced. Beautifully restyled for the
first time, the 56 is at its classic best in this examples
combination of Polo White paint, matching white hard top, silver
coves and red vinyl interior. Riding on red-painted steel wheels
fitted with full-size spinner wheel covers and wide whitewall
tires, it is powered by the newly standard 265 CI V-8 with dual
Carter 4-barrels on an aluminum intake manifold and finned aluminum
valve covers, here mated to the standard 3-speed manual
transmission. First-generation Corvette enthusiasts will appreciate
this rare and appealing 1956 Corvettes combination of iconic
styling, sporting performance and pleasing patina.
