Frame Off Restored Corvette 283/270 HP Dual Quad V8

To many, the 50s 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 hot 283 drivetrain in serious swagger and the kind of Americana that's become the stuff of legend. 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! So, if you want to be admired by your neighbors, respected by your car club and envied by the folks at the office, pick up the phone and pick up your new Corvette!

During its extensive restoration this awesome C1's sinuous body was completely stripped, layered in glossy Onyx Black basecoat and trimmed with optional Inca Silver door coves. The ground work for that stylish reboot was performed by Vette Dreams in West Babylon, New York. And work they did, as this roadster is the beneficiary of a new nose clip and minor floor tub repairs. Given their fiberglass construction, curved bodies and increasing age, first generation Vettes are difficult rebuilds that do not hide major repairs well. But, judging by the looks of this Chevy's slick fuselage, the folks at Vette Dreams are masters of their craft. And today, the car'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 bright headlights, small, chrome-trimmed parking lamps, a chrome tag bracket and convex bumpers that bend around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a subtle header emblem leads the eye to a sculpted hood, dated windshield glass and classy chrome trim that's capped by fresh black vinyl. Below that top, traditional door handles perfectly complement a correct mirror, chrome-trimmed fender vents and pristine cove accents. And at the back of the car, a second header emblem rides between recessed and chrome-trimmed tail lights, more convex bumpers and vertical trim spears that center stainless exhaust pipes in dramatic quarter panels.

Tilt this roadster's lightweight hood and you'll find a correct, 283 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that proudly displays a dual-quad/high performance/3-speed (EG) assembly stamp. Consistently chosen over Rochester's much-hyped Ramjet fuel injection as GM's ultimate hot rod option, this 270 horsepower small block features hardened valve seats, solid lifters and a famous Duntov camshaft. At the top of the mill, reliable Carter carburetors, which breathe through small, louvered air cleaners, funnel life into a correct Winters intake. At the sides of that intake, correct heads hang finned Corvette valve covers over correct, fully restored exhaust manifolds. Behind those manifolds, a modern MSD ignition system shoots fire through bright stainless sleeves. And in front of those sleeves, a gloss black radiator circulates coolant through reproduction hoses and modern screw clamps. In addition to its killer powerplant, this Corvette offers a thoroughly detailed engine bay that's complete with stainless fluid lines, an AC fuel bowl, a Delco-Remy generator and a reproduction Delco battery. And the car's first rate aesthetics, which mix smooth, Satin Black framing with a bright, Chevy Orange core, create great texture and excellent contrast.

Flip this Chevy upside down and you'll find a solid, road-ready X-frame that's bolted to clean, Satin Black floor tubs. Behind the hot motor, a correct 3-speed twists torque through an overhauled rear end and big, 3.70 gears. At the ends of the floors, a fully restored double A-arm and solid axle suspension has been completely returned to factory specifications. At the corners of the car, standard equipment 4-wheel drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is funneled by stainless, true-dual pipes, which run from the aforementioned manifolds to long, glasspack-style mufflers. Power flows to the pavement via standard 15-inch steelies, which spin fresh 205/75 Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers. And everything, from this Corvette's Chevy Orange oil pan to its primitive axle straps, is fully sorted and ready to log miles.

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior options were kept minimal. A simple Venetian Red interior provides everything necessary without sacrificing good looks. 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 color-keyed floor mats, still features clean red shading. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges, an upgraded Wonder Bar radio and a convex speaker look great inside Chevy's traditional 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 glowing red rim around a polished cross-flag horn button. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center perfectly placed armrests in pristine stainless trim. And behind the car's retracted top, a fully restored trunk shows virtually no signs of use.

The sale of this classy Chevy includes a vintage Owner's Manual and 32 pages of detailed restoration and service records that date back to 1993.

Exceptionally built and incredibly fun, this Corvette preserves the timeless swagger of 50s Americana. And, thanks to its dual-quad 283, the car is a blast to drive anytime, anywhere. I've said it once, and I'll say it again: there really isn't a better way to enjoy your Sunday afternoons. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to experience a stellar piece of Motor City history!