For Sale: 1957 Chevrolet Corvette in Saint Louis, Missouri

The Chevrolet Corvette underwent its first major makeover for the 1956 model year as America's Sports Car faced the chopping block due to lagging sales and stiff competition. The all-new fiberglass body adopted iconic styling features that carried the car through the end of the first generation in 1962. It was more comfortable, more practical, and had far greater performance thanks to a range of newly revised V8 engines. The public responded by buying nearly five times as many Corvettes in '56 as they did in '55, even though total sales were still a fraction of what Ford's Thunderbird accomplished.
The success of the '56 meant that the Corvette got a stay of execution, proving lead engineer Zora Arkus Duntov right that Chevrolet had a winner on its hands. The momentum from 1956 carried over into 1957, and while the body styling remained essentially the same, the car gained more luxury options, a vibrant new color palette, and a range of serious high-performance 283ci 'smallblock' engine options. The base carbureted engine started at 220 horsepower, while at the top of the line were two engines equipped with the new Rochester 'Ram Jet' fuel injection system, rated at either 250 horsepower or, with solid lifters and high compression, 283 bhp - hitting the magic one horsepower per cubic-inch mark. A four-speed close-ratio manual gearbox was also added to the option sheet. The Corvette team had found the magic formula and sales continued to rise, topping 5,000 units for the first time ever in 1957, setting the stage for the huge growth to come.
Presented in a particularly attractive color scheme of Venetian Red with contrasting off-white coves, this superb Corvette is offered out of an extensive collection of significant sports cars. Of the 1,040 fuel-injected Corvettes built in 1957, just 713 came in this ultimate street specification, equipped with the 283-horsepower solid-lifter EL-code 'Fuelie' 283 backed by a 4-speed manual transmission.
Exceptionally well-presented, the car was reportedly treated to a comprehensive body-off restoration in previous ownership, and it continues to look very sharp, displaying excellent paint, chrome and detailing. Completing the fabulous fifties aesthetic are the desirable matching removable hard top, along with full-sized spinner wheel covers on body-color wheels, and period-correct whitewall tires.
The interior is trimmed in complementing red upholstery and carpets, also restored to a high standard using authentic materials and fittings. The dash and steering column are correctly finished in cream, the correct three-spoke steering wheel is fitted, and there's a full array of factory gauges and switchgear. Other nice touches include a factory heater and a modern stereo cleverly disguised as a period-style Wonderbar.
Under the hood, the attention to detail continues. The legendary 283 cubic-inch V8 is stamped with an EL suffix engine code, denoting this as the ultimate high-performance 283-horsepower solid-lifter unit. It retains authentic fittings including the Rochester fuel injection system, finned aluminum valve covers, and period correct clamps, fittings, and hardware.
The 1957 Corvette is an undisputed style icon of the fifties, and when equipped with the potent 283/283 V8 and 4-speed, it is also a serious performer. This car, with a fantastic, well-detailed restoration would be a welcome addition to virtually any collection, as well as a most enjoyable and head-turning entry into a wide array of exclusive driving events.


Offers welcome and trades considered.