Frame Off Restored Corvette Roadster 283/283 HP Rochester FI V8 4 Speed

1957 Chevrolet Corvette Description

SUMMARY

Ground-up restoration completed in 2015
Correct 283 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / Correct Rochester fuel injection
Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission
Cascade Green and Shoreline Beige paint
Beige power-operated top
White and beige interior / Correct Wonder Bar radio
Posi-traction rear axle
15-inch painted steel wheels with correct stainless covers

To many, the 1950s are the pinnacle of American automotive design. Too much chrome just wasn't enough, and user friendliness was exchanged for a healthy combination of flash, flamboyance and showmanship. Just take a look at this sweet Corvette roadster, a car that wraps a fuel injected 283/4-speed drivetrain in legendary looks and serious old school swagger. With its ample parts supply, ease of ownership and classic, all-American appeal, THIS is the top dog cruiser that every golden era gearhead wants to park in their garage. And now, thanks to your like-minded friends at RK Motors Charlotte, you can drive one home in better-than-new condition! Want to be admired by your neighbors, respected by your car club and envied by the folks at your office? Pick up the phone and pick up your new Corvette!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The object of a comprehensive, frame-off restoration that was completed in late 2015, this impressive roadster looks straight out of the golden age of Americana. During that reboot, the car's sinuous body was completely stripped, thoroughly reconditioned and professionally massaged into a head-turning crowd pleaser. When perfected, those neck straining aesthetics were highlighted in a sweet combination Shoreline Beige and Cascade Green 2-stage. And today, mere break-in miles later, this Chevy's solid condition is typical of what we all wish to find in a nice, road-ready classic.

Chevrolet's 1957 Corvette is essentially an improved version of the brand's hand-built '53 model; a halo that not only set a design precedent for American cars, but also began a rich legacy that's now seven generations strong. At the front of this C1, an aggressive chrome grille rides between chrome-trimmed parking lamps, a chrome tag bracket, correct T3 headlights and convex bumpers that bend around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, an ornate header emblem leads the eye to a sculpted hood, like-new glass and classy stainless frames that are capped by beige, power-operated vinyl. Below that top, traditional door handles and a correct driver's mirror perfectly complement chrome fender vents and stainless-trimmed coves that are branded with pristine "Fuel Injection" scripts. And at the back of the car, a second header emblem and third "Fuel Injection" script reflect flashy tail lights, two more bumpers and vertical trim spears that center small exhaust pipes in dramatic quarter panels.

ENGINE

Tilt this roadster's lightweight bonnet and you'll find 283 cubic inches of Chevrolet V8 that hangs a correct 3731548 casting number behind a correct "EL" build stamp. The first 8-cylinder engine to match displacement with horsepower, and equipped with fuel injection a full 2 years before Mercedes vaunted 300SL 'gullwing', this intentionally understated small block proved that Chevrolet was very serious about producing a world class sports car. At the top of the spry mill, a chrome air cleaner funnels wind in to a vintage Rochester injection system that's fueled by clean stainless lines and a correct AC pump. Below that date-correct juice box, a familiar aluminum intake perfectly complements finned Corvette valve covers. At the back of that intake, a chrome-capped Delco-Remy distributor shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds via chrome-cased plug wires. At the front of those manifolds, a beefy radiator utilizes pliable GM hoses and old school squeeze clamps to cycle water around a massive fan shroud. Details like a Delco generator, a Delco master cylinder and a reproduction Delco battery ensure this Chevy runs every bit as good as it looks. And, as always, the Chevy Orange block looks great perched between a Satin Black firewall and Satin Black fenders.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Flip this Vette upside down and you'll find a solid, Satin Black X-frame that's bolted to fresh, Satin Black floors. Behind the hot motor, a tough Borg Warner T10 4-speed twists torque through a rebuilt, posi-traction differential. At the ends of the floors, a fully restored double A-arm and solid axle suspension features fresh AC Delco shocks. At the corners of the car, standard 4-wheel drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is funneled through aluminized, true-dual pipes, which center a wide crossover in front of long, glasspack-style mufflers. And power meets the pavement though Cascade Green steelies, which spin 6.70-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers.

INTERIOR

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior options remain minimal. Thanks to the car's high quality reboot, its textured seats still have years of life left in them. There's slick California carpet that, thanks to heavy duty floor mats, features clean shading. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges and an old school Wonder Bar radio look great inside a 2-tone, dual-cowl dash. In the middle of the floor, a petite chrome shifter is as handsome as it is stylish. In front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a color-keyed rim around a polished cross-flag horn button. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center sculpted armrests in classy stainless trim. And behind the car's retracted top, a fully restored trunk shows virtually no signs of use.

Well restored and incredibly fun, this Corvette is a world class collector car that unabashedly champions the timeless swagger of '50s Americana. And, thanks to a fuel injected 283/4-speed drivetrain, it's also a blast to drive! We've said it once, and we'll say it again: the best way to enjoy your Sunday afternoons is behind the wheel of a vintage roadster. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to experience a stellar piece of Motor City history!