The C1 Corvette suffered a faltering start to life, but the outlook brightened as sales climbed in 1956. A vehicle that had come close to extinction only twelve months earlier had begun to cement its place in North America’s new car market. This Corvette hails from that year and is a tidy driver that is set to find a new home. It has undergone an engine transplant, but the seller includes its original Dual-Quad setup if the buyer wishes to squeeze more power from the V8 under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this classic listed here on Craigslist in Spokane Valley, Washington. The seller set their price at $62,000 for a car that is a turnkey proposition.

The 1956 model year brought some of the most profound changes during the production cycle of Chevrolet’s C1 Corvette. The badge received a striking new body, and it wasn’t simply about providing a fresh look. Roll-up windows were a new feature that improved occupant comfort in adverse weather conditions. The seller has listed this classic on behalf of its current owner, who has been its custodian since 1974. It looks striking in two-tone Venetian Red and Beige, which was the most popular color combination in 1956. It was chosen by 431 buyers, although it still only represented a take-up rate of 12.4% of total sales for that model year. The car looks very acceptable for a driver-grade classic, with no major paint or fiberglass shortcomings. It features a new soft-top, with the current owner including a complete power top setup for the buyer to install. The color-matched hardtop will improve life for everyone on cold or wet days, while the trim and glass are in good order.

Apart from the new body, the most profound change made to the Corvette by Chevrolet for 1956 was the decision to make its sports car V8-only territory. The company dropped the venerable 235ci six, with every car leaving the factory equipped with a 265ci V8. This Corvette’s first owner ticked the box for the Dual-Quad version delivering 225hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed this motor with a three-speed manual transmission, bringing us to an interesting point. This motor was chosen by 3,080 buyers, and most decided to leave the shifting duties to the two-speed Powerglide. It was a close call, with 1,570 ticking the box beside the Powerglide, and 1,510 selecting the stick shift. The seller indicates that this car is no longer numbers-matching. Lifting the hood reveals a 283ci powerplant of 1960 vintage. However, the owner retained the Dual-Quad setup and air cleaners, including them in the sale. This classic runs and drives extremely well, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

The positive vibes continue inside this Corvette. The interior is trimmed in Red vinyl, which was the only choice available to buyers who selected the Venetian Red exterior. It is free from any visible significant shortcomings, and will cause the buyer no shame should they hit the road with the top down. I can’t spot wear on the upholstered surfaces, carpet, or the wheel. The dash looks clean, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. It isn’t highly equipped by modern standards, but it appears that the first owner splashed a not inconsiderable $198.90 on the factory AM radio.

The only thing that disappoints me about this 1956 Corvette is the fact that it has undergone an engine transplant at some point. It would be a better investment prospect if it had remained numbers-matching, but life has demonstrated to me that we can’t always have everything. However, it appears to be a high-end driver, and with the Dual-Quad setup reinstated, its performance would be pretty impressive. The seller’s price isn’t pocket change, but it is probably realistic in a market where values are climbing. Do you think it will find a new home, and are you tempted to make it yours?