The current owner of this 1957 Chevrolet Corvette performed a ground-up refurbishment that has left this classic looking as pretty as a picture. I don’t classify it as a restoration due to changes that were made during the build. However, some of the changes may have unlocked a performance improvement that many enthusiasts will welcome. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this turnkey classic listed here on Craigslist in Bremerton, Washington. The seller set their price at $65,000 for a vehicle that is described as a great show car.
It is fair to say that the Corvette had found its feet by 1957 after facing potential extinction only two years earlier. The badge achieved a new sales record in 1957, with 6,339 buyers taking one home. This Corvette makes a striking first impression, with the current owner commencing their comprehensive build with a car that had always been garage-kept. That meant that the frame had avoided rust issues, which is always welcome news. The White and Red two-tone combination isn’t one of the seven offered by Chevrolet during this model year, marking the first and most obvious change made. The Rally wheels represent the second, although there are more as we delve below the surface. The presentation is extremely tidy, with the paint appearing flawless in the supplied images, and the fiberglass free from cracks and other problems. The current owner recently added a new soft top, and many readers will undoubtedly hope that they chose White or Red to match the exterior. The windshield is clear, and the trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic.
The Corvette became V8-only territory from 1956, with the small-block’s capacity increased to 283ci for 1957. Buyers could choose from a broad range of motors, and it is unclear which this car’s original owner selected. That is now a moot point, because tipping the Corvette’s hood forward reveals a 350ci V8. It is bolted to a four-speed manual transmission, and while the owner doesn’t elaborate on the motor’s specifications, squeezing 300hp from the 350 is a pretty straightforward exercise. If that proves the case, it will surpass the best offered by Chevrolet during this model year by around 17hp. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition, with the seller using the word “fantastic” to describe the driving experience. Therefore, flying in and driving home is a realistic goal for the new owner.
Although the paint combination and drivetrain might not be original, the owner remained faithful when tackling the interior refurbishment. They chose Red and White as the dominant theme, once again matching the exterior. There are no visible aftermarket additions, with the car featuring what appears to be a factory pushbutton radio. The upholstered surfaces show no evidence of distress, and the carpet seems close to perfect. There are no paint issues, and no signs of wheel wear. This is another aspect of this classic that makes a positive impression, and will cause the buyer no shame when they hit the road with the top down.
This 1957 Chevrolet Corvette probably won’t appeal to purists. They will not accept the changes made by the current owner, but it is worth considering whether it would be possible to purchase a project candidate and complete the build to this standard for the asking price. I suspect that you might struggle to achieve that goal, although I have learned never to say “never” in the classic world. Would the changes cause you to give this Corvette a wide berth, or do you appreciate it as a high-end driver?
Nice car. Only changes l’d make are get the chassis down to original height, dump the wide wheels and wide whites ( for narrower ones), and hit the road. Got to be fun with that engine/transmission upgrade.
I’d change the wheels and tires and drive this everywhere and not worry about it as it’s not an NCRS trailer queen. I’d also find a hardtop for it as I love the looks of it and it makes the car a better year rounder.
Nice car. As others have said, I would do away with the wide whites, and even though I am a big fan of rally wheels, they just don’t work on this car. Since it isn’t supposed to be a faithful restoration, I think that American Torque Thrust wheels would compliment it nicely. This little beauty ought to make someone pretty darn happy.
Unfortunate paint choices.
love the C1 esp from ’58 – ’60 (binnacle & cove dash, still the Italianate rear).
This one is more than ‘fine’ tho w/the white on red. Agreed: color matched vert, and add the hrd top (white). W/o that, fake wheel & off tire sz and motor change (transmis?) I’m surprised @ the the list price.
Beautiful driver. Who cares what the original color was? All it really needs is a single wire alternator, HEI distributor, dual chamber master cylinder, different tires, and someone who truly enjoys driving. Maybe a hard top.
I actually like the paint choices. I agree with the wheel, tire and lowering comments. Great cars for track days, autocross and short trips. Not comfortable for long trips. (Suspension will beat you up.) That being said, I will take one of these over a Pantera for any extended drives. Both are fun cars. But only in short doses.
Very Nice
About the only shortcoming of the early Vettes is that they ride like a buck board, but they sure are pretty and cool doing it.
I actually like the way the Gen 1 Vettes ride. I don’t like the ‘sitting on a marshmallow while riding on a cloud’ style of ride. I have a ’70 Chevy 3/4 ton pickemup with original suspension & heavy duty rear springs ~ it rides just fine for me.
Try taking one of these on about a 200 mile trip on rural roads and you might change your mind. Heck, even my 2000 FRC can start to wear you down after 2 or 3 hundred miles,
Put on original rims and wheel covers, paint the cove in matching white and you have one of the best C1s for a driver.
This is the cleanest and timeless corvette body to have IMHO.
Yes oldrodder , a back breaker to ride in! My dad got rid of his in a few short months to get an incredibly smooth XK.
DRV, I agree with all accept the color change. I like the way that it is. My Dad drove his 1958 Vet everyday for 5 years. BUT, he only drove about 12 miles each way to the train station! He sold it the day I turned 16.