The Chevrolet Corvette’s first major styling revision arrived in 1956, three years after the model’s launch. The well-balanced design paid homage to the original incarnation, yet added a dash of modernity with new fenders, chrome-rimmed headlights, integrated taillights, and the now iconic side coves. General Motors’ engineers also added a handful of creature comforts, including wind-up windows, an adjustable passenger seat, and external door handles—all welcome changes from the relatively spartan outfitting of the model’s earliest incarnation.

Furthermore, customers could choose from a host of new options and colors, with two-tone paint offered for the first time. The Corvette also got a standard V-8 engine in the shape of the 225-horsepower, 265-cubic-inch small-block, as well as 12-volt electrics, and an optional factory 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 features the highly desirable, potent 270-horsepower 283 cubic-inch V-8 engine topped with dual four-barrel Rochester carburetors and mated to a four-speed manual transmission. This optional high-performance powertrain offers the ideal C1 driving experience, especially when complemented by the Hurst shifter, three-spoke steering wheel, and radio-free configuration also present on this example.

Benefitting from a previous frame-off restoration under prior ownership, this Corvette wears the handsome, attention-grabbing color combination of Venetian Red with Shoreline Beige side coves and comes with a matching Venetian Red auxiliary hardtop. The beige cloth soft-top contrasts beautifully against the high-quality Al Knoch interior and Venetian Red dashboard. A set of period-style wide-whitewall bias-ply tires wrap around color-matched steel wheels capped with chrome covers.

Immediately prior to entering the consignor’s ownership, this Corvette enjoyed many years of residence within a private museum. As a 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.