Chevrolet firmly established the Corvette’s performance credentials in 1957, giving it the power to match the improved handling and refined styling, the latter judged by many as the most aesthetically pleasing of the early Corvettes. The Corvette engine was bumped from 265 cubic inches to 283, with a corresponding increase in baseline power from 195 HP to a full 220 HP. Buyers could choose from a virtual smorgasbord of engine choices, including the dual carbureted version powering this show-stopping 1957 Corvette convertible.
Listed as Regular Production Option 469A, the car’s 283 CI small-block V-8 combined an aggressive hydraulic camshaft with dual inline Carter four-barrel carburetors to generate 245 HP at 5,000 RPM and a full 300 lb-ft of torque at just 3,800 RPM. Only the Rochester fuel-injected 283/250 HP version delivered more torque, and at an extra cost of over $330 over the 469A engine. Both power units were particularly well suited for use with the Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission chosen by fewer than 1,400 buyers.
This 1957 Corvette has been enthusiast-owned for most of its life. It was the subject of a five-year frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration completed in 2011. The quality, authenticity, and workmanship are of a very high quality and most components are correctly date-coded. Driven just 900 miles since its completion, it combines gorgeous Onyx Black paint with Silver coves, a Black soft top and Beige interior. Wide Whitewalls, full-size spinner wheel covers and the Wonderbar signal-seeking radio were almost universally popular extras. This impressive award winner is documented with NCRS award certificates and judging sheets, extensive restoration photos and receipts.
Source: www.mecum.com