Frame Off Restored Corvette Roadster 283 Dual Quad V8

If you missed the stunning dual-quad C1 we sold last month, here's a chance to redeem yourself! Fully-sorted and ready to roll, this NCRS Second Flight roadster mixes a correct dual-quad V8 with a correct Powerglide transmission and a classy, curvaceous body. These cars are unique among even the Corvette family in terms of collector appeal and driving characteristics. And if you're looking to add a little spice to your weekend routine, they're the perfect way to take Sunday drives to a whole new level! Are you in the market for a solid classic that you can enjoy on sunny days and cruise to local shows? Then we have the car for you!

During its extensive restoration this awesome Vette's contoured fiberglass body was completely stripped, layered in a glossy Onyx Black basecoat and trimmed with clean Inca Silver door coves. Like all '57 Corvettes, it was originally assembled at GM's storied St. Louis manufacturing facility; and like most '57 Corvettes, its fit and finish presents much better now than it did 56 years ago. Given their fiberglass construction, curved bodies and increasing age, first generation Vettes are difficult restorations that do not hide major repairs well. Judging by the looks of this roadster's smooth fuselage, there's no evidence it has ever seen any catastrophic damage or botched fix jobs. And today, the car's solid condition is typical of what we all wish to find in a nice, road-ready classic.

Chevrolet's 1957 Corvette is essentially an improved version of the brand's hand-built '53 model; a car that not only set a design precedent for American cars, but also began a rich legacy that's now 60 years strong. At the front of this C1, an aggressive chrome grille rides between modern H4 headlights, small, chrome-trimmed parking lamps, a subtle header emblem and convex bumpers that bend around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a sculpted hood leads the eye to a classy wraparound windshield that's framed in bright chrome trim, capped with two black tops and flanked by a correct chrome mirror. Below that mirror, traditional chrome door handles perfectly complement chrome-trimmed fender vents and pristine stainless trim. And at the back of the car, a second Corvette emblem rides between recessed and chrome-trimmed tail lights, more convex bumpers and vertical trim spears that center bare stainless pipes in dramatic quarter panels.

Tilt this roadster's lightweight hood and you'll find an authentic, 283 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that proudly displays a dual quad/high performance/Powerglide (FG) assembly stamp. Consistently chosen over Rochester's much-hyped Ramjet fuel injection as GM's ultimate hot rod option, this stout small block is widely regarded as the starting point of Chevrolet's amazing performance legacy. The car's reliable Carter carburetors, which breathe through small, louvered air cleaners, funnel life into a correct Winter intake. At the sides of that intake, correct heads hang finned Corvette valve covers over correct, fully restored exhaust manifolds. Behind those manifolds, a high performance ignition system shoots fire through bright stainless sleeves. And in front of those sleeves, a gloss black radiator circulates coolant through reproduction GM hoses and authentic metal squeeze clamps. In addition to its killer powerplant, this Corvette offers a thoroughly detailed engine bay that's complete with stainless fuel lines, an AC fuel bowl, a tagged Delco Remy generator and a reproduction Delco battery. And the car's first rate aesthetics, which mix smooth, satin black framing with a bright, Chevy Orange core, create great texture and excellent contrast.

Flip this C1 upside down and you'll find a solid, road-ready X-frame that's bolted to clean, damage-free floor tubs. Behind the hot motor, a correct 2-speed Powerglide, which wears a telling 3719243 casting number, twists torque through a correct rear end and big 3.70 gears. At the ends of the floors, a fully restored double A-arm front and solid axle rear suspension has been completely returned to factory specifications. At the corners of the car, standard equipment four wheel drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is handled by big, true-dual pipes which run from a primitive, H-shaped crossover to long, glasspack-style mufflers. Power flows to the pavement via standard 15 inch steelies which spin fresh 205/75 American Classic whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers. And everything from this Corvette's leak-free fuel tank to its Chevy Orange oil pan is fully sorted and ready to log some miles.

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior options were kept minimal. A simple Venetian Red interior provides everything necessary without sacrificing good looks and, thanks to the car's high quality reboot, its textured seats still have years of life left in them. There's stain-free carpet which, thanks to color-keyed floor mats, still features clean red shading. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges, a direct fit stereo and a large, convex speaker look great inside Chevy's traditional dual-cowl dash. In the middle of the floor, a petite chrome shifter is as handsome as it is stylish. In front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a glowing red rim around a polished cross-flag horn button. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center perfectly placed armrests in pristine stainless trim. And behind the car's retracted top, a fully restored trunk shows virtually no signs of usage.

The sale of this classy Chevy includes a breakdown of its essential drivetrain numbers, a stack of restoration and maintenance receipts, and a packet of NCRS Second Flight judging sheets.

Exceptionally well-built and incredibly fun, this Corvette preserves the timeless swagger of 50s Americana. And, thanks to its dual-quad 283, the car is a blast to drive anytime and anywhere. I've said it once, and I'll say it again: there really isn't a better way to enjoy your Sunday afternoons. Don't miss your second opportunity to experience a stellar piece of motor city history!