1957 Chevrolet Corvette C1 'Fuelie'

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 an answer to Mercedes-Benz, which featured fuel-injection in the 1954 300SL. The innovation solved a fuel starvation problem caused by sloshing while cornering with carbureted engines under race conditions. The fuel-injection system, displayed in a cutaway drawing to the left, also enabled Chevrolet to boast of 1 hp per cubic inch of displacement with a 283 cu. inch, 283 hp engine.

To keep this development in perspective, consider this; almost all of the high-priced, supposedly advanced competition, including Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini, did not go with fuel injection until the 1970s or later in their road cars. At $484.20, this one option added over 15% of the price of an entire Corvette. Buyers found it irresistible, however, with 1,040 ticking the box on the order form in '57.

Not up for debate is the way the market treats fuel injected Corvettes of the era. Corvette enthusiasts would acknowldge that in terms of desirablity, there is a premium for a "Fuelie" (as they are often called), compared to their more mundane carbureted cousins.

This fuel injected 1957 C1 is an exceptionally rare beast. According to the C1 registry, chassis number E57S102614 was sold new on March 1st 1957 and was built in St. Louis, Missouri. Factory options included the ultimate top-specification 283ci/283hp V8 with Rochester fuel-injection, heater, whitewall tyres, two-tone Polo White paint and even an elusive hard-top (supplied with this example in original condition).

It boasts a manual 3-speed gearbox for smooth boulevard cruising and curvaceous red leather interior. This older restoration has mellowed nicely over the years and hails from, where else, but the very 'dry' state of Las Vegas, Nevada. The current owner purchased the car recently and it has formed a centre piece in his extensive collection. Maintenance has been carried out by renowned marque experts Claremont Corvette and the car is being prepped for an MoT at the time of cataloguing.

This is the most collectable Chevrolet Corvette Silverstone Auctions has ever offered for public sale.