Vehicle Description
Chassis No. E57S102794
Engine No. FII6EL
Sometimes, the stars align, and in 1957, everything came together
in the Chevrolet Corvette. With the debut of the Rochester
"Ram-Jet" mechanical fuel injection system, the Corvette was
transformed from a promising sports car into a serious performance
machine. Rated at 283 horsepower from its 283 cu-in V8, it became
just the second American production engine to achieve the magical
one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch ratio. Designed by engineer John
Dolza and championed by Zora Arkus-Duntov, the system delivered
race-inspired performance for the street. Though visually similar
to the 1956 model, the '57 Corvette introduced vibrant new colors,
power accessories, and an unmistakable sense of purpose. Rare and
expensive, only 756 buyers opted for the top 283 horsepower
specification fuel-injected Corvette-accounting for just
8.9-percent of production that year. Performance had officially
arrived.
Built in March 1957, this is an exceptionally restored National
Corvette Restorers Society award winning example. A
photo-documented restoration of chassis number E57S102794 began in
the early 1990s. Benefiting from a full and comprehensive frame-off
restoration done to a very high level by a dedicated team, the
Corvette is dressed elegantly in Polo White with the optional Inca
Silver Side Coves over a Red-upholstered radio delete interior with
Red Daytona Weave carpeting. A 1957 Corvette color combination
production sheet records 318 were so finished that year. While the
frame and innovative fiberglass body were restored, its Rochester
fuel-injection was removed and rebuilt with nearly every component
of the car receiving the same care and attention.
As they say, the proof is in the pudding; beginning in 2006 and
again in 2009, the Fuelie recorded two NCRS Top Flight awards under
the ownership of Richard Kiehl. In fact, the history file contains
numerous invoices and receipts made out to Kiehl to further enhance
the car on his way to his second Top Flight award. In 2010, with
just 3,045 miles, a total accumulated since the completion of its
restoration, this rare fuel-injected Corvette joined the Southern
California-based collection of the current owner. With a penchant
for rare Corvettes and a specialty in post-war American classics,
this desirable example has seen a scant 71 miles added since and is
offered with its matching spare wheel and tire and jack. In advance
of consignment to Broad Arrow's Jet Center Auction, the car has
received a thorough inspection and fresh service and is noted by a
Broad Arrow car specialist to run well and still show fresh after
its nut and bolt body off restoration with its current condition
befitting that of a former multiple NCRS Top Flight award
winner.
