There’s something special about first generation Corvettes.  Maybe it’s the timeless styling.  Maybe it’s the detail work in the chrome and stainless trim.  Part of it certainly is the V8 power under the hood, but most of all it’s a simple, fun car built at a time when styling exercises became production vehicles on a whim, and accounting took a back seat to fantasy.  Take this beautiful car here:  Arctic Blue over beige, wide whites, a dual quad 283 and a three speed manual for a drivetrain--its standout condition on top, bottom and inside makes a great car even better, and we have this one fully sorted out.

Outside, you’ll look over gorgeous bodywork covered in liquid blue paint.  After seeing row upon row of red and white Corvettes at shows a subdued, European color like this is refreshing.  The new and crisp beige top looks amazing with the blue paint, the Firestone 6.70x15 Deluxe Champion wide whitewalls and bright full wheel covers.  T3 headlight bulbs grace the fenders, flanking the mint chrome grille.  New marker light lenses and bezels up front and the taillights out back are new, and the bumpers look like they were plated yesterday.  Panel gaps are considerably better than the factory.

Under the hood you’ll find a correct 1956 265hp 283 cubic inch V8, correctly finished in red with the correct aluminum valve covers.  We can’t call this a “numbers matching” car as Chevrolet didn’t put serial numbers on the drivetrain for another couple years, but the date code is correct.  The proper 3731394 dual quad intake manifold holds the correct Carter WCFB carburetors, numbers 2419 and 2362.  The proper generator with tach drive is on the side, new GM hoses and belts are on the front, and all new metal lines run to the brakes and fuel systems.  A modern Delco battery is in place for sure starts, a fresh tune up is on the motor and the finishes down to the correctly plated throttle linkage are accurate.

Underneath you’ll see not only the quality but the freshness of the restoration.  From the stainless exhaust to the proper floorpan finish to the blasted and painted frame.  Parts which should be bare steel parts are protected from rust with quality paint, black parts are the correct sheen and zinc plated parts are where they need to be.  New brake components (including parking brake lines) are new and proper.  Inspection markings are done to NCRS guidelines, and really dress up the chassis.  Stenciling on the frame, driveshaft and more transport you back to the St. Louis assembly line.  New steering and suspension pieces are in place--this is a very nice driving car as well as being beautiful.

Sit inside, surrounded by new upholstery, fresh paint on the dash and all new or concours-restored pieces.  Hold onto the beautiful ivory wheel, scan the attractive and fully functional gauges for information and caress the stitched dash and gorgeous door panels.  There are a number of options in here, although they seem primitive by today’s standards:  The AM radio, courtesy lights, a heater and the parking brake warning light on this car were all extra cost items.  New chrome pieces from the window cranks up are new; the woven floor coverings are new.  Again, the car’s freshly restored condition is immediately apparent.

It was the 1956 model year which saved Corvette from being a short run, limited appeal, underpowered and not very practical car:  Instead it vaulted the nameplate onto its path to superstardom.  Looking down the sides of this car it’s easy to see why, and one stint behind the wheel is all you’ll need to feel why.

There’s something special about first generation Corvettes.  Maybe it’s the timeless styling.  Maybe it’s the detail work in the chrome and stainless trim.  Part of it certainly is the V8 power under the hood, but most of all it’s a simple, fun car built at a time when styling exercises became production vehicles on a whim, and accounting took a back seat to fantasy.  Take this beautiful car here:  Arctic Blue over beige, wide whites, a dual quad 283 and a three speed manual for a drivetrain--its standout condition on top, bottom and inside makes a great car even better, and we have this one fully sorted out.

Outside, you’ll look over gorgeous bodywork covered in liquid blue paint.  After seeing row upon row of red and white Corvettes at shows a subdued, European color like this is refreshing.  The new and crisp beige top looks amazing with the blue paint, the Firestone 6.70x15 Deluxe Champion wide whitewalls and bright full wheel covers.  T3 headlight bulbs grace the fenders, flanking the mint chrome grille.  New marker light lenses and bezels up front and the taillights out back are new, and the bumpers look like they were plated yesterday.  Panel gaps are considerably better than the factory.

Under the hood you’ll find a correct 1956 265hp 283 cubic inch V8, correctly finished in red with the correct aluminum valve covers.  We can’t call this a “numbers matching” car as Chevrolet didn’t put serial numbers on the drivetrain for another couple years, but the date code is correct.  The proper 3731394 dual quad intake manifold holds the correct Carter WCFB carburetors, numbers 2419 and 2362.  The proper generator with tach drive is on the side, new GM hoses and belts are on the front, and all new metal lines run to the brakes and fuel systems.  A modern Delco battery is in place for sure starts, a fresh tune up is on the motor and the finishes down to the correctly plated throttle linkage are accurate.

Underneath you’ll see not only the quality but the freshness of the restoration.  From the stainless exhaust to the proper floorpan finish to the blasted and painted frame.  Parts which should be bare steel parts are protected from rust with quality paint, black parts are the correct sheen and zinc plated parts are where they need to be.  New brake components (including parking brake lines) are new and proper.  Inspection markings are done to NCRS guidelines, and really dress up the chassis.  Stenciling on the frame, driveshaft and more transport you back to the St. Louis assembly line.  New steering and suspension pieces are in place--this is a very nice driving car as well as being beautiful.

Sit inside, surrounded by new upholstery, fresh paint on the dash and all new or concours-restored pieces.  Hold onto the beautiful ivory wheel, scan the attractive and fully functional gauges for information and caress the stitched dash and gorgeous door panels.  There are a number of options in here, although they seem primitive by today’s standards:  The AM radio, courtesy lights, a heater and the parking brake warning light on this car were all extra cost items.  New chrome pieces from the window cranks up are new; the woven floor coverings are new.  Again, the car’s freshly restored condition is immediately apparent.

It was the 1956 model year which saved Corvette from being a short run, limited appeal, underpowered and not very practical car:  Instead it vaulted the nameplate onto its path to superstardom.  Looking down the sides of this car it’s easy to see why, and one stint behind the wheel is all you’ll need to feel why.