LOT 122
1957 Chevrolet Corvette Chassis no. E57S101876
Sold for US$56,000 inc. premium
Lot 122
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Chassis no. E57S101876
Chassis no. E57S101876
283ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4 barrel Carburetor
220bhp at 4,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Front with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Desirable Manual Transmission
*Well presented older restoration
*Classic Red/White colorway
THE CORVETTE
Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sportscar was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled fiberglass coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5cu in (3.8-liter) overhead-valve straight 6 and, unusually for a sportscar, there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time.
Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory, but with inferior performance. Sales were sluggish initially and the model came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical re-style for '56 consolidated the 'Vette's position in the market. A facelift for 1958 saw the Corvette gain a quartet of chrome-rimmed headlamps and a host of other more minor styling changes. Perhaps not surprisingly, alterations for '59 were few, though one welcome change was the deletion of the previous year's fake hood louvres.
By the end of the 1950s, Corvettes had begun to establish an enviable competition record for the marque. Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was a big fan of auto racing, and it was he that was responsible for unlocking the car's innate potential and developing it into a genuine race-winner. These racing successes repaid Chevrolet's investment with interest: Corvette sales improved significantly, ensuring the car's survival and enabling it to go on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sportscar. In 1957, 6,339 Corvettes were produced.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, matching red hardtop, red interior and white side scallops, this eye-catching Corvette is in lovely condition and a highly optioned example of the C1. The car received a restoration addressing both mechanical and cosmetic aspects some time ago but is said to have been used minimally since. The paint and brightwork present well, as does the engine bay which has been dressed with some additional chrome. The interior is also in very nice condition and features an upgraded radio with a custom amp in the trunk. This classic Roadster is ready for local shows or participation in vintage rallies. This sporting Corvette deserves serious consideration.
Single 4 barrel Carburetor
220bhp at 4,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Front with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Desirable Manual Transmission
*Well presented older restoration
*Classic Red/White colorway
THE CORVETTE
Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sportscar was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled fiberglass coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5cu in (3.8-liter) overhead-valve straight 6 and, unusually for a sportscar, there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time.
Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory, but with inferior performance. Sales were sluggish initially and the model came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical re-style for '56 consolidated the 'Vette's position in the market. A facelift for 1958 saw the Corvette gain a quartet of chrome-rimmed headlamps and a host of other more minor styling changes. Perhaps not surprisingly, alterations for '59 were few, though one welcome change was the deletion of the previous year's fake hood louvres.
By the end of the 1950s, Corvettes had begun to establish an enviable competition record for the marque. Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was a big fan of auto racing, and it was he that was responsible for unlocking the car's innate potential and developing it into a genuine race-winner. These racing successes repaid Chevrolet's investment with interest: Corvette sales improved significantly, ensuring the car's survival and enabling it to go on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sportscar. In 1957, 6,339 Corvettes were produced.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, matching red hardtop, red interior and white side scallops, this eye-catching Corvette is in lovely condition and a highly optioned example of the C1. The car received a restoration addressing both mechanical and cosmetic aspects some time ago but is said to have been used minimally since. The paint and brightwork present well, as does the engine bay which has been dressed with some additional chrome. The interior is also in very nice condition and features an upgraded radio with a custom amp in the trunk. This classic Roadster is ready for local shows or participation in vintage rallies. This sporting Corvette deserves serious consideration.
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