For Sale: 1956 Chevrolet Corvette in Saint Louis, Missouri

For the 1956 model year, Chevrolet's Corvette sports car underwent somewhat of a rebirth. Since the six-cylinder, fiberglass-bodied roadster was unveiled to the world in 1953, sales struggled to meet GM's lofty expectations. In 1955 the success of the Ford Thunderbird rattled GM's top brass who had the Corvette's head on a chopping block. Chevrolet produced a mere 700 Corvettes compared to a whopping 16,000 Thunderbirds. But thankfully, Corvette team leader Zora Arkus Duntov convinced the axe men to stand down and give America's sports car another chance. The first order of business was an extensive makeover courtesy of a totally new body, followed by enhanced engine options to boost performance. The fiberglass body was restyled with exposed headlamps, a bold new grille, and the signature body side "coves" that became a hallmark of Corvette design until 1963. Passenger comfort was greatly improved via roll-up side windows (the first on a Corvette), an optional removable hard top, and more comfortable adjustable seats. The six-cylinder engine was dropped for good, and Chevrolet's 265 cubic-inch V8 engine carried over from 1955. The base engine now produced a healthy 210bhp, with optional power and performance upgrades of 225bhp or 240bhp pushed by lead engineer Duntov who, as an experienced racing driver, pushed for the Corvette to become a true sports car.
Sales improved, and while the 3,467 Corvettes built in 1956 still represented a fraction of Thunderbird production, it was nevertheless a major leap forward compared to the 700 of the previous year. 1956 marked the Corvette's arrival as a 1950s icon, finally with the power and performance to match the stylish looks.
Attractively presented in black with black coves, with a black top over red upholstery, this 1956 Corvette is offered from the care of an extensive private collection, where it has been well maintained by the owner's in-house mechanical staff and enjoyed with gusto on rallies and tours. It is ideal for continued enjoyment in the same manner, while being attractively finished and detailed, and it benefits from select updates to improve performance and drivability.
The 1956 model year introduced all new styling, which is beautifully represented in this car's all-black finish. It wears the distinctive 'toothy' grille, quarter bumpers, and polished full spinner wheel covers, all in good order. Steel wheels are mounted with period-style bias-ply wide whitewall tires which give the proper stance and ride quality. The black paintwork is glossy and attractive overall, consistent with this car's appealing, honest driver-quality character. A new black pinpoint vinyl soft top was recently fitted, though it is noted that the rear of the frame does not fully seal against the decklid and will require adjustment.
The stylish cockpit is trimmed with authentic period-correct red upholstery and red vinyl loop carpet. The dash features a full array of factory instruments and an original style AM radio. Other touches include a factory three-spoke wheel, and a white 'cueball' shift knob. A bit of wear is noted in the driver's seat cushion, consistent with this car's use during recent ownership.
Under the hood sits a well-detailed 283 cubic-inch smallblock, which is a slightly later period replacement for the original 265, and is backed by a four-speed manual transmission - upgraded from the original type 3-speed. The engine is authentically dressed with finned aluminum valve covers, polished air cleaner, and polished ignition shielding. It is tidy and well detailed with primarily authentic hardware and plumbing.
While the C1 Corvette is somewhat less sophisticated than its later brethren, they are foundational to the enduring legacy of America's Sports Car, and are no less enjoyable to drive, particularly with the updates introduced for the 1956 model year. This honest and attractive 1956 roadster is well-presented, has been attentively maintained, and will undoubtedly have you reaching for the keys at every opportunity.


Offers welcome and trades considered