283 bhp, 283 cu. in. V-8 engine with Rochester mechanical fuel injection, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102"

- One of only about 700 with the high-performance 283 bhp/283 cu. in. V-8

- Desirable fuel injection; impeccable condition after four-year restoration

In 1953, Chevrolet took a chance and introduced an all-American, two-seater sports car to compete with British and European makers that had a rich tradition in this small but very prestigious market segment. The resulting fiberglass roadster, powered by a six-cylinder engine, made a surprisingly weak entrance onto the sports-car scene. The first generation Corvette was underpowered, underperforming and lagged behind in sales.

While the lackluster Corvettes of 1953-1954 were more suited to stylish cruising, a performance boost quickly followed thanks to Zora Arkus-Duntov, who skillfully guided the Corvette’s transformation into “America’s Sports Car.” The addition of the powerful, compact small-block V-8 engine in 1955 was a welcome first step in the process, while a major exterior restyling for 1956 provided a much-needed kick on the showroom floor.

Although the Corvette remained virtually identical in appearance to the prior model, the big news for 1957 came in the form of the enlarged 283-cubic inch small block V-8 engine, destined to become a performance icon. The highest specification benefited from a Rochester mechanical fuel-injection unit, a compression increase and a high-lift mechanical camshaft, good for 283 horsepower. As a result, the 1957 Corvette famously became the first American production car to develop one horsepower per cubic inch of displacement.

Just 1,040 Corvettes were equipped with the “fuelie” option for 1957, which added $450 to the Corvette’s base price of $3,465. They were capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, en route to top speeds approaching 130 mph – outstanding performance in the late 1950s. Even fewer, only 713, were equipped with the necessary equipment to produce the maximum 283 hp. These cars quickly became favorites of sports-car racers, who recognized that the fuel-injection system provided a precise, surge-free fuel supply to the engine during competition. A growing list of heavy-duty suspension and braking options was also available, and very soon, the Corvette began dominating SCCA events. Then, as now, the fuel-injected variants are considered by many to represent the ultimate Corvette performance option.

Equipped with the impressive 283 ci/283 hp, fuel-injected V-8 engine, this superb 1957 Corvette has benefited from a four-year, frame-off restoration completed in February of this year. With work done at Rods by Dutch in Fountain Hills, Arizona, we are told this car is presented to NCRS standards. The Aztec Copper paint is in perfect condition and looks exceptional against the Corvette’s beige side coves and matching beige vinyl interior. The 283-cubic inch engine, which is reportedly original to the car, is mated to a four-speed gearbox.

This 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is an exceptional example of America’s fastest and finest sports car of its time. After a four-year restoration, this rare “Fuelie” is in excellent condition and, as it has never been shown, offers its next owner a wonderful opportunity for proper Corvette show judging.