270 bhp, 283 cu. in. overhead-valve V-8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102"

• From the Karl Blade Collection

• Full mechanical and cosmetic restoration by NCRS judge

• Top Flight award winner

• High performance 270 bhp, 283 cu. in. V-8

Having made a big splash at GM’s 1953 Motorama, the Chevrolet Corvette was rushed to production by June 30th of that year. Arguably, however, the truly iconic Corvette arrived with the 1956 model. Restyled with a more flowing body, the car was given concave side coves finished in contrasting color. Roll-up side windows provided all-weather comfort and required exterior door handles. Engines were all V-8s, the 265-cubic inch unit from passenger cars making 210 bhp in standard trim and 240 with dual carburetors. Development of the Corvette continued under legendary engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, under whom the 283-cubic inch V-8 was adopted in 1957, making 283 bhp with optional fuel injection.

This beautiful car is one of 455 Panama Yellow 1958 Corvettes, with white coves and a white convertible top. It has the optional 270-bhp V-8 with Duntov cam and dual four-barrel carburetors, one of only 970 produced in 1958. Power is delivered to the 4.11:1 Positraction axle through the four-speed close-ratio transmission. The car is fully optioned with Wonder Bar radio, courtesy lights, emergency brake warning light and windshield washers.

It was meticulously restored by National Corvette Restorers Society judge Dennis Gabriel and received its Top Flight Award at the NCRS meet in Minneapolis on August 19, 2006, scoring 95.6 points. The judges’ scoring sheets are available. The car was acquired by the Karl Blade Collection in January 2008 and has received a complete mechanical servicing and expert tune-up by respected Corvette specialist Jeff Reade of Culver, California. This car’s Top Flight award speaks volumes about the quality of the restoration, as there is simply no honor that is more highly coveted by enthusiasts.