The 1957 model year was a significant one for the Chevrolet Corvette. Not only did it represent a record-breaking sales year, but it was the first where the legendary 283ci V8 found its way under the hood. This ’57 is a tidy driver ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. The buyer could retain the ‘Vette as a survivor-grade classic, although lifting its presentation to a higher level would not be difficult. It is listed here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding sits at $36,900 in a No Reserve auction.
Chevrolet offered buyers a choice of seven single-tone paint shades for 1957. However, 2,794 buyers elected to spend an additional $19.40 beyond the sticker price for a two-tone combination. Once again, there were seven options, with 319 selecting Cascade Green with Beige coves, as we see on our feature car. It is unclear whether it has undergone any form of restoration, but it presents well for a driver-grade classic. The paint shines nicely, with no significant flaws or defects. The buyer may elect to treat the exterior to a cosmetic refresh, but its overall appearance doesn’t make that path essential. The fiberglass shows no evidence of stress cracks or other issues, while the color-matched hardtop is also excellent. The chrome continues the driver-quality theme of presenting at an acceptable level. The glass looks good, and the attraction of this car is that the buyer can enjoy it immediately while contemplating whether they might employ strategies to lift its appearance to the next level. Fresh paint would undoubtedly have a significant impact, but if an in-person inspection reveals the paint as original, leaving it untouched may increase its desirability as a genuine survivor.
If a buyer selected Cascade Green paint, their Corvette’s interior featured Beige upholstery and trim. If you didn’t like that shade, you were out of luck! One of the disadvantages is that older pale trim can develop dirty marks and a “yellow” appearance. This Corvette has avoided the yellow, but the seat upholstery looks dirty. It has no appreciable wear and no physical damage, making it worthwhile to consult a professional to see if they could successfully clean the upholstered surfaces to return them close to a factory-fresh state. The carpet and dash look good, although there is an aftermarket retro stereo that some purists won’t like. Once again, this is an aspect of this classic that is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, but lifting it to a higher level may be possible without breaking the bank.
Chevrolet introduced a V8 engine option to the Corvette range in 1955 but enlarged its capacity from 265ci to 283ci in 1957. It was also the first year buyers could select a four-speed manual transmission, although this car rolled off the line with the tried-and-tested two-speed Powerglide. If the Powerglide promises an effortless driving experience, the power steering reinforces that impression. It isn’t clear whether this classic is numbers-matching or which version of the 283 we’re looking at. It features an upgraded carburetor, an Accel ignition coil, and aftermarket headers. Those changes should unleash additional power, which is worthwhile considering the negative impact the Powerglide has on performance. The seller indicates the ‘Vette had been sitting for years, but it is now roadworthy and ready to hit the road. It runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
After disappointing sales results during the first three years of production, the Chevrolet Corvette came close to joining the long list of failed automotive experiments with a badge consigned to the pages of history. However, the company’s decision to introduce a V8 under the hood transformed the car, increasing its desirability among potential buyers. The 1957 model year marked a significant turning point, with 6,339 buyers handing over their cash to own one. Today, the C1 Corvette is highly prized, and spotless examples command eye-watering prices. This one isn’t pristine but would suit someone seeking the stress-free experience of owning a driver-grade vehicle. It has attracted twenty-seven bids, and it will be fascinating to see if we have any readers who may consider being more than interested observers by dropping a bid or two on this classic. If you do, I’m sure that we all wish you good fortune in your quest.
I’ll be watching. So far the cost is reasonable.
The brake upgrade is interesting… Also, I’m
not against mild alterations.
Good catch, not too many would notice the change to the dual master. Smart change.
I can live with the practicality of the fuel filter but those yello ignition wires gotta go.
Nice year, nice looking the modes are not a issue if the price is in line.
What’s with the front wheel on the driver side either the toe in or camber is way off. Also noticed the 2 extra tail pipes that the muffler shop didn’t want to route where they belong. IMO closer look at this flipper is warranted
No front Bumper?
How did you miss the huge bumpers?
It’s there buddy, just as it came from the factory, those two little chrome pieces on the front of the lower fender.
Was working at a union 76 station 1969, I was 16.
A guy came driving this exact car. Offered to sell it to me for $500. I told him sold went to get the cash from my savings account, the old man nixed the whole idea. Said I’d be dead by the weekend.
I cried a little. But moved on. Good memories!!
This dealer in Miami gets these Vettes one after another.
Factory color ?
Really ???
Looks more appropriate for a similar vintage Ford product.
Sure does look like Tropical Turquoise, a factory color often seen on ’57 Chevys, to me. Perhaps it is a different name for the same color.
Front left wheel is toe out or badly cambered and the tailpipes were put in by an amateur who failed to route them properly through the rear pods.
Also wondering what else is wrong underneath.
Nice Corvette, the 4 speed was available towards the end of ’57 production . No mention of any soft top and a very vague description about which gauges are functional , almost a mystery as to what it has for a motor . First thing I’d do is check my insurance policy for fire loss and then replace the rubber fuel hose with a metal one. It wouldn’t be a bad deal if the price stays reasonable and it passes an in person inspection.
56-57, were the best looking of all corvettes. Those smooth lines, those classic wheel openings. No quad headlights, excess chrome, bumps and lumps. They got it right.
Don’t understand why the writer wouldn’t mention that 57 was the first year for the mechanical Rochester Fuel Injection, one horsepower per cubic inch, even though this would never have received one with the PG. Looks like plenty to do to make it right.
The car should have a generator that the tach runs off the back. So we can safely assume the tach is off line.
goldylocks vette – not too early to have the odd rear end, still the Italianate, not too late to have “the duck’s a$$”. I like the double cove dash (pass’n driver’s side) and the nice binickle on some (not the ’57 fo shoah). This one checks a majority of the boxes (late C1s are only ones to have all yrs) even w/the paint scheme (just wouldnt own this color combo mysellf) looks great (era correct). I’d put the Blue flame in there w/3 YHs (no matter the yr late C1).
chrlsful…I have no idea what you said. However, for $40k it would be a fun bar hopper car while getting it sorted out.
The market determines what is reasonable, other than the occasional BJ auction feeding frenzy, many cars have valuations that are falling, others going the opposite way, these days require careful research with inflation feed price points.
Looks like aftermarket body, no heater, no hood rear locks & no holes for them, aftermarket hood hinges & other indicators…
53-57 were, imo, the best looking Corvettes, then the 68-72’s