Restored Corvette Convertible Fuelie 283/283hp FI V8 3-speed Power Windows

Back in the 1950s, General Motors' market dominance revolved around technology, performance and legendary niche offerings. One of the company's industry-changing technologies was Rochester mechanical fuel injection. Top models offered within GM's leading divisions, 'Fuelies' were exceedingly rare and, today, remain some of the most coveted metal in the collector car market. A numbers-matching gem that's benefitted from a detailed, ground-up restoration, this Corvette is an exclusive, first-year Fuelie that's presented in era-correct aesthetics. In fact, not only is it correctly restored, numbers-matching classic, it's also a high horsepower, solid lifter car. Looking for a top option version of Chevy's first top option Vette? Here it is!

COMMONLY UNCOMMON

The object of a comprehensive, frame-off restoration, this impressive roadster looks straight out of the Golden Age of Americana! During its detailed reboot, the car's sinuous body was carefully massaged into a head-turning crowd pleaser. When perfected, those neck-straining curves were highlighted in a sweet combination Onyx Black and Inca Silver 2-stage. And today, this Chevy's solid condition is typical of what we all wish to find in a nice, show-ready classic.

Chevrolet's 1957 Corvette is essentially an improved version of the brand's hand-built '53 model; a halo that not only set a design precedent for American cars, but also began a rich legacy that's now eight generations strong. At the front of this C1, an aggressive chrome grille rides between chrome-trimmed lamps, a chrome tag bracket and convex bumpers that bend around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, an ornate header emblem leads the eye to a sculpted hood, like-new glass and classy stainless frames that are capped by tight black vinyl. Below that top, traditional door handles and a correct driver's mirror perfectly complement chrome fender vents and stainless-trimmed coves that are branded with stylish “Fuel Injection” scripts. And at the back of the car, flashy taillights join two more bumpers to split a second header emblem, a third “Fuel Injection” script and vertical trim spears that center small exhaust pipes in dramatic quarter panels.

SMALL BLOCK OF THE FUTURE

Tilt this roadster's lightweight bonnet and you'll find 283 cubic inches of freshly rebuilt small block that hangs a correct 3731548 casting number behind a correct “EL” build stamp. The first 8-cylinder to match displacement with horsepower, and equipped with fuel injection a full two years before Mercedes vaunted 300SL 'gullwing', this intentionally understated engine proved that Chevrolet was very serious about producing a world class sports car. At the top of the magnafluxed mill, a chrome air cleaner funnels wind in to a vintage Rochester injection system that's fueled by clean stainless lines and a correct AC pump. Below that date-correct juice box, a familiar aluminum intake feeds magnafluxed heads, which tilt finned Corvette rocker covers over correct solid lifters. At the back of that intake, chrome-capped ignition shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds via chrome-cased plug wires. At the front of those tubes, a beefy radiator utilizes pliable GM hoses and old school squeeze clamps to cycle water around a massive fan shroud. Details like a Delco generator and a Delco master cylinder ensure this Chevy runs every bit as good as it looks. And, as always, the Chevy Orange block looks great perched between a Satin Black firewall and Satin Black fenders.

SPEED AND SIMPLICITY

Flip this Vette upside down and you'll find a solid X-frame that's bolted to solid floor tubs. Behind the hot motor, a tough Saginaw 3-speed levels a correct 3845122 casting number over a June (F) 24th (24), 1957 (7) casting date. At the ends of the floors, a fully restored double A-arm and solid axle suspension features era-correct steering. At the corners of the car, standard 4-wheel drum brakes provide solid and confident stops. Exhaust is funneled through aluminized, true-dual pipes, which center a wide crossover in front of long, glasspack-style mufflers. And power meets the pavement though Onyx Black steelies, which spin 205/75R15 whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers.

TOP-DOWN STYLE

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior options remain minimal. Thanks to the car's high quality reboot, its textured seats still have years of life left in them. Front and center, a stylish, dual-cowl dash hangs retro gauges above optional factory heat and an old school Wonderbar radio. Slick California carpet frames a petite chrome shifter. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels front optional power windows. And in front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a color-keyed rim around a polished cross-flag horn button.

Well restored and incredibly fun, this Corvette is a world class collector car that unabashedly champions the timeless swagger of '50s Americana. And, thanks to a fuel injected, solid lifter drivetrain, it's also a blast to drive! We've said it once, and we'll say it again: the best way to enjoy your Sunday afternoons is behind the wheel of a vintage roadster. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to experience a stellar piece of Motor City history!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Attractive Corvette Fuelie that's benefitted from a detailed, ground-up restoration
* One of only 1,040 Corvette Fuelies produced for the 1957 model year
* One of only 756 solid lifter Corvette Fuelies produced for the 1957 model year
* Correct 283/283hp cubic inch Chevrolet V8 with correct Rochester fuel injection
* Correct Saginaw 3-speed manual transmission
* Red interior with an optional Wonderbar radio
* Onyx Black and Inca Silver paint
* Optional factory heat
* Optional power windows
* Black vinyl top
* Extensive ownership history
* Letter from previous long-term owner confirming the car as a factory Fuelie
* Listed in Mike Hunt's VIN registry of factory '57 Fuelie Corvettes
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world