Vehicle Description
Stunning restoration in exceptional condition. Dual 4-barrel
FG-coded 265 cubic inch V8, automatic transmission. Fantastic color
combination. Highly detailed throughout. Runs and drives superbly.
One of the finest early Corvettes we've ever seen!The 1956
Corvettes were all-new and they were finally civilized enough for
the real world. Roll-up windows, a range of powerful V8 engines,
more passenger space, and arguably better looks were all features
of the new Corvette. A powerful 265 cubic inch V8 with dual
4-barrel carburetors was on the options list, making the Corvette a
legitimate threat on the street as well as on the track. But I
think the real reason every falls in love with this gorgeous 1956
Chevrolet Corvette is simply because it's just so danged pretty.
Nothing looks better than a black car, and the Onyx Black on this
Corvette is exceptionally well done, with a superior gloss and
laser-straight fiberglass underneath. Add in the silver side cove,
which was also new for '56, and you get a car that makes people
stop in their tracks when it rolls past. The restoration was
finished to show standards and while it has been driven a little
bit, there's just no evidence of it. The paint is brilliant and
shows no damage, dings, scratches, or other demerits. In fact, the
only complaint anyone might have at the highest levels is that it's
too nice?the factory sure wasn't building them this well in 1956.
The chrome and stainless trim was likewise restored to a very high
standard and all the emblems are crisply rendered. It's hard for us
to know where to park this car in the showroom simply because it
makes the other cars look a little wanting.The bright red interior
is the right choice with the Onyx Black bodywork. Yes, it's flashy
but isn't that why you bought a Corvette in the first place?
Extremely well finished, it is full of new stuff including seat
covers, carpets, door panels, and all the other soft parts. The
reproduction seat covers are particularly well done, with better
definition and detailing than most of the off-the-shelf stuff you
get today. The carpets have the correct low-nap weave, and the
steering wheel is a beautiful 3-spoke unit that's right in your
chest. The dashboard was just about the only part that was
carryover in 1956, but it looks awesome and all the gauges work,
including the clock. There's an optional AM radio with a speaker
right in front of the passenger, and this car carries the optional
PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission, making it easy for
anyone to drive. All the weather seals were replaced so it closes
up reasonably well, especially with a brand new black convertible
top that fits quite nicely. In back there's a good-sized trunk that
makes this Corvette great for weekend getaways, and there's a
matching spare tire and jack assembly stowed underneath.There's no
such thing as 'matching numbers' for a 1956 Corvette, but this car
carries a correctly dated FG block (casting number 3720991), which
is a 265 cubic inch V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors for an
automatic transmission. The Carter carbs on top are the right
pieces (2419S front and 2362S rear) and even the generator is a
proper 12-volt 1102043 unit. It was fully rebuilt to stock specs
and it runs beautifully. Even with the twin 4-barrels on top, it
starts easily, idles nicely, and makes this lightweight roadster a
handful if you dare to crack open all 8 barrels at once. Authentic
finned valve covers add to the performance look, and even little
details like the hose clamps, washer bag, wiring, and other
hardware are correct. The PowerGlide automatic offers crisp shifts
and combines with a properly rebuilt steering gearbox to make this
a very accessible Corvette?steering effort is so light that it
almost feels like power assist! We believe there are 3.55 gears in
back, which were standard with the FG engine, and it is indeed
punchy around town. The undercarriage is correctly detailed, right
down to the batch number on the side of the frame, and authentic
finishes were used throughout?yes, the raw fiberglass floors are
correct. Drum brakes are effective for the era and the reproduction
exhaust system has just the right tone?muscular but never annoying.
15-inch steel wheels wear spinner hubcaps and 6.70-15 Firestone
wide whitewalls for a period-perfect look.We sell a lot of
Corvettes, but we can probably count on one hand the number we've
had that are in this car's league. It has desirable options, a
fantastic color combination, and the restoration had to be insanely
expensive. Best of all, it drives superbly, so you know this isn't
just some trailer queen. A delightful early Corvette that's ready
to drive or show. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and
welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
