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LOT 172

1956 Chevrolet Corvette Chassis no. E56S003317 Engine no. 0546487F56GR

Estimate: US$80,000 - US$100,000
Lot 172

1956 Chevrolet Corvette

1956 Chevrolet Corvette
Chassis no. E56S003317
Engine no. 0546487F56GR


265ci OHV V8 Engine
Dual 4-Barrel Carter Carburetors
225bhp at 5,600rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Front with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored to a high standard
*Highly optioned with numerous power features
*Extensively documented and maintained
*Regional and National NCRS Top Flight Award winner


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Venetian Red over Red Corvette on offer here is one of the 100 of the 3,467 examples to roll off the production line in 1956.

Records on the prior history of the car stretch back to 1958 when Clarence Kennedy—believed to be the first owner—sold the droptop to Charles Goodwin of Plaistow, New Hampshire on July 21, 1958 for $2500 as documented by the bill of sale and 1958 New Hampshire Vehicle Permit on file. Mr. Goodwin still owned the car in 1968 based on another New Hampshire Vehicle Permit on file from that year. Eventually landing in the care of Corvette dealer Wayne Butler from Jaffrey, New Hampshire, it was acquired by the present owner in October of 1986.

The car is equipped with every option offered in 1956, save for RPO #449, the high lift cam. All items are understood to be correctly date coded, including the courtesy lights, parking brake alarm, windshield washer, radio, electric windows, white wall tires, two tone body paint, hydraulic folding top, 2x4 barrel carbs, 3-speed manual transmission, and hardtop.

In the ensuing 33 years of ownership, the car has been restored twice—with receipts on file demonstrating the extensive work carried out on both occasions. The first restoration, completed in the 1990s, was a body-on with a new paint job in lacquer. The second was a complete, body-off restoration and rebuild that was finished within the last 3 years. In the second restoration, the body was stripped and repainted in its original color with a clear coat applied. The car includes a new beige soft top, restored red hardtop, and a new red interior (seats, carpet and doors). All instruments are reported to be functional. Extensive mechanical work includes a rebuild of the carbs and engine, a new gas tank and some lines, all new exhaust system with oval mufflers, new brake lines, wheel cylinders and rebuilt master cylinder. Brake shoes and tires about 95%. Additionally, new wiring harnesses have been equipped throughout, the windshield wiper motor and radio have been rebuilt, all new dated glass has been fitted and the starter, generator, and hydraulic top mechanism have been given attention. All chrome and stainless excellent. All locks are keyed with the original keys. Even the frame sandblasted and painted. All in all, it is a beautiful, well optioned car.

Always garaged, sparingly driven and only occasionally shown since completed, it has received accolades in virtually every event it has attended. In has earned two National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) Top Flight awards, one regionally in Connecticut and another at a national meet in Lake Placid, New York. Complete with a heaping file of service and restoration receipts, various historical records, owner's manual, and numerous award ribbons and trophies, this stunning machine is a discerning choice for any collector.

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