Vehicle Description
Early C1 Corvettes are wonderful cars and prices are rightfully
skyrocketing on great examples. However, if you just want to drive
AND show off, one with thoughtful upgrades that improve the
experience but don't change its character, then this 1956 Chevrolet
Corvette is a great choice.
All the full-blown resto-mods get a lot of attention, but somehow
sticking a modern chassis under a vintage body isn't the same. If
you wanted to drive something that felt like a C6 Corvette, why not
buy a C6 Corvette? Instead, if you want something that still looks,
smells, feels, and drives like a real, honest solid-axle Corvette,
this is the right car. It was recently restored to a very high
level, but isn't a trailer queen, showcasing the fantastic early
car styling with single headlights and contrasting side coves, plus
the vivid Roman Red paint that's really the only way to get your
early 'Vette. Finish quality is quite good, but in a nod to the
purists, it's not perfect which is just how real Corvette lovers
prefer their cars. The fiberglass is in great condition, the doors
close easily and show nice gaps, and the trim is fitted with care,
giving the car a very polished look. You'll note all the wonderful
design cues are intact, from the toothy grille to the side covers
to the little vents atop the fenders to the round taillights set
into their own little nooks out back. There are echoes of the first
cars in the delicate rear bumpers with the exhaust pipes poking
through and there's nobody who won't think this is an
awesome-looking car.
The red interior was thoroughly restored, starting with all new
materials on the floors, seats, and doors. The big three-spoke
steering wheel was obviously inspired by European sports cars and
you do have to adopt that close-in driving position when driving a
C1. Once you're settled behind the wheel, you'll find that the
seats are quite comfortable and it's surprisingly easy to feel at
home. You'll note that the speedometer is original, but the
secondary gauges, including the centrally-mounted tachometer, are
new Stewart-Warner pieces that have a vintage look but offer
improved accuracy. A 4-speed on the floor makes it more than
entertaining to drive and with a digital AM/FM radio in the center
of the dash, going on a long road trip is a pleasure. There's also
a nice-fitting convertible top that's like new as well as a neatly
finished trunk.
The engine is a 1957 283 cubic inch V8 which has the right look and
feel and has been fully rebuilt for use in this Corvette. All the
right details are there, from the louvered air cleaner to the
finned valve covers and Chevy Orange paint, so at a glance it looks
quite authentic. But look closer and you'll find a bunch of clever
upgrades: HEI ignition that lights it off instantly, an Edelbrock
carb and intake, an alternator in place of the original generator,
and a dual reservoir master cylinder for safety. Ram's horn exhaust
manifolds feed a reproduction dual exhaust system so it sounds very
much like a Corvette should and thanks to a rebuilt suspension,
brakes, and steering, it feels quite taut going down the road.
Obviously the underside is fresh and clean and it sits on correct
steel wheels with hubcaps and 205/75/15 wide whitewall radials.
With a few sensible upgrades, this Corvette's usability goes way up
without diluting all the things that make old cars great. Climb in
and find out why this one is special. Call now!