A little slow out of the gate, with a Powerglide transmission, 150-horsepower six-cylinder engine, side curtains and bumpers bolted directly to the fiberglass body, the Chevrolet Corvette underwent an epiphany in 1956. Finally, it got a standard V-8 engine in the shape of the 225-horsepower, 265-cubic-inch small-block, 12-volt electrics, wind-up windows, and an optional hardtop. As a result, 3,467 Corvettes were sold in 1956—nearly as many as in the previous three years combined.

As 1957 dawned, the burst of energy that had rippled through every level of Chevrolet manufacturing caught the Corvette by storm and sales almost doubled to 6,339 for the year.

This impressive first-generation Corvette was carefully optioned for speed. It features the highly desirable, potent 270-horsepower 283-cubic-inch small-block V-8 topped with dual four-barrel carburetors and mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Additionally, it was ordered without a radio to save weight.

Subject to a frame-off restoration, it is finished handsomely in Venetian Red with Shoreline Beige coves. Its beige cloth soft top contrasts beautifully with the high-quality Al Knoch interior. It features correct wide-whitewall bias-ply tires fitted with red rims and spinner caps. Both the soft top and a matching factory removeable hardtop come with the car.

The car has enjoyed a history of long-term ownership and is being offered from a museum collection. The perfect choice for touring, club events, or spirited driving down country roads, this iconic first-generation Corvette is waiting to be enjoyed by its next owner.