1957 Chevrolet Corvette C1 'Fuelie' Convertible

Please note the registration number shown in the catalogue ‘57 VET’ does not form part of the sale, with relevant paperwork currently being processed by the DVLA, a replacement registration number will be issued in due course.

The final year of the second body style of the Corvette, the 1957 model was largely unchanged visually from the 1956 model but received several power enhancements, as 1957 marked the year that the Corvette truly started laying its roots in performance and motor racing. 1957 marked the first year that the Corvette could be ordered with a V8 engine with the 283ci V8 available. Performance options such as the engine fresh air/tac package, heavy-duty racing suspension and 15" wheels were available, pushing the Corvette from the world of stylish design into power and performance.

Chevrolet pulled something amazing out of the hat for 1957 - fuel-injection. First run in 1956 at the Sebring race, the Rochester Ramjet injection was a reaction to Mercedes-Benz, which featured fuel-injection in their 1954 300SL. The innovation solved a fuel starvation problem caused by fuel sloshing to one side of the carburettor's float bowl during prolonged high-speed corners. Never a problem on the road but a concern when circuit racing. The fuel-injection system also enabled Chevrolet to boast of 1bhp per cubic inch of displacement with a 283cu.ins, 283bhp engine. At $484.20, this one option added over 15% of the price of an entire Corvette but, hey, it was motor racing and buyers found it irresistible with 1,040 ticking the box on the order form in 1957.

This sparkling 1957 convertible is one of those 1,040 fuel-injected Corvettes. This outstanding example, features Venetian Red over white two-tone paint, red vinyl upholstery, wide whitewall tires and full 'spinner' wheel covers. It has been fully restored to exacting standards with attention being lavished upon every 'nook and cranny'.  It's a matching numbers example with a known history from day one, having been registered to its first keeper in California in 1957, before moving to Nashville to its second owner who was believed to be Diana Ross’ impresario, and finally a move to the UK in 2017 to its present custodian, making this a three-owner 1957 Corvette! 

Works since its arrival here in the UK are detailed as a total engine rebuild including the injection system by CCM Vettes and Ernie Wright Engineering utilising all OEM parts to retain its authenticity, a complete brake overhaul and a new ‘rag’ top. It should be noted that the Corvette comes complete with a, now impossible to find, original and fully restored hardtop sourced through the Glass Works in America. As you would expect, all the electrical components and instruments have also been overhauled complementing the outstanding interior.

Only around ten miles been covered since completion and we do suggest that a period of running-in is strongly advised to achieve the very best from this outstanding first-generation Corvette. Please note that the registration number shown 57 VET does not form part of the sale but could be available by separate negotiation.

Early Corvettes have been considered 'cool' for a number of years now, but a red and white, 1957, three-owner C1 Fuelie in this condition is verging on Polar.