Pict 1 of 7:
Pict 2 of 7:
Pict 3 of 7:
Pict 4 of 7:
Pict 5 of 7:
Pict 6 of 7:
Pict 7 of 7:
Lot S538 – New Orleans, 2018 Auction
This is an ARCHIVE listing, this car ran at our New Orleans, 2018 Auction
Lot S538 – 1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE FI
- Year: 1957
- Make: CHEVROLET
- Model:CORVETTE FI
- Status: NO RESERVE
- Mileage: N/A
- Body:CONVERTIBLE
- VIN:
- Exterior: BLACK
- Interior: N/A
- Transmission: N/A
- Cylinder: N/A
There was no doubt Chevrolet was in the sports car business with the release of the 1956 model.
It featured a new body, a much better convertible top with power assist optional, real glass roll up windows (also with optional power assist), and an optional hardtop.
The 3-speed manual transmission was standard.
The Powerglide automatic was optional.
The six-cylinder engine was gone.
The V8 remained at 265 cubic inches but power ranged from 210 to 240 hp (160 to 180 kW).
The volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary standard and still less than 1954s 3,640, meaning this was the third lowest-volume model in Corvette history.[17] Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking (hybrid) car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956-57 option).[21][22] Rare options: RPO 449 special camshaft with the 240 hp engine (111), RPO 426 power windows (547).
Visually the 1957 model was a near-twin to 1956.
Engine displacement increased to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel injection became optional, and a 4-speed manual transmission was available after April 9, 1957.
Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing".
Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system, as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', the Corvette's engine nevertheless produced about 290 bhp (220 kW).
This was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 small-block V8 "One HP per cubic inch" (1 hp (0.75 kW) per 1 cu in (16 cc)) slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in�.
Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by Zora Arkus-Duntov who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special options.
Fuel injection was in short supply and 1,040 Corvettes with this option were sold.
It featured a new body, a much better convertible top with power assist optional, real glass roll up windows (also with optional power assist), and an optional hardtop.
The 3-speed manual transmission was standard.
The Powerglide automatic was optional.
The six-cylinder engine was gone.
The V8 remained at 265 cubic inches but power ranged from 210 to 240 hp (160 to 180 kW).
The volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary standard and still less than 1954s 3,640, meaning this was the third lowest-volume model in Corvette history.[17] Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking (hybrid) car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956-57 option).[21][22] Rare options: RPO 449 special camshaft with the 240 hp engine (111), RPO 426 power windows (547).
Visually the 1957 model was a near-twin to 1956.
Engine displacement increased to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel injection became optional, and a 4-speed manual transmission was available after April 9, 1957.
Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing".
Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system, as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', the Corvette's engine nevertheless produced about 290 bhp (220 kW).
This was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 small-block V8 "One HP per cubic inch" (1 hp (0.75 kW) per 1 cu in (16 cc)) slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in�.
Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by Zora Arkus-Duntov who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special options.
Fuel injection was in short supply and 1,040 Corvettes with this option were sold.
Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Vicari Auction Company does not verify, warrant or guarantee this information. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. Vicari Auction Company is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction.