Documented Frame Off Restored Corvette Roadster 283/283 HP FI V8 4 Speed

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!

Before we go any further, here's a detailed look at the car's official GM Canada documentation:

* VEHICLE: 1957 Chevrolet Corvette
* VIN: E57SXXXXXX
* TRIM: 470
* PAINT: 440 (Two-tone)
* SHIPPING ORDER NUMBER: 78582
* PRODUCTION PLANT: St. Louis, Missouri
* PRODUCTION DATE: April 26th, 1957
* SHIPPING DATE: April 26th, 1957
* MODEL NUMBER: 2934 (Convertible)
* ENGINE: 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8
* DEALER: 30612
* NUMBER OF CONVERTIBLES IMPORTED FOR SALE IN CANADA: 20

Owned for more than 25 years by the same family, this well-kept roadster is the beneficiary of an extensive restoration that was conducted during the summer of 2002. During that reboot, the car's sinuous body was completely stripped, thoroughly reconditioned and professionally detailed into a head-turning crowd pleaser. In 2010, its current owner wrote Mann's Corvette Shop a $16K check for fresh Onyx Black and Inca Silver two-stage. And today, roughly 650 miles later, this Chevy'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, like-new glass and classy stainless frames that are capped by your choice of a hard or soft top. Below those tops, traditional door handles perfectly complement a correct mirror, chrome-trimmed fender vents and pristine “Fuel Injection” scripts. And at the back of the car, a second header emblem and third “Fuel Injection” script reflect flashy tail lights, two more bumpers and vertical trim spears that center small exhaust pipes in dramatic quarter panels.

Tilt this roadster's lightweight hood and you'll find a 283 cubic inch V8 that hangs a familiar 3731548 casting number behind a correct “F4I6EL” build stamp. As the first 8-cylinder engine to equal its displacement with power, this 283 horse small block proved that Chevrolet was very serious about producing a world class sports car. At the top of the spry mill, a chrome air cleaner funnels wind in to a vintage Rochester injection system that's threaded on to clean stainless fuel lines. Below that date-correct juice box, a clean Winters intake perfectly complements finned Corvette valve covers. At the back of that intake, a traditional points distributor shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds via fresh Radio GM wires. And at the front of those manifolds, a beefy radiator circulates water through pliable hoses and old school squeeze clamps. Whoever performed the restoration on this Corvette did an excellent job of creating an attractive, reliable engine bay that's every bit as detailed as the rest of the car. Bright Chevy Orange paint covers the block from its straight oil pan all the way to its factory oil filler and, as always, looks great against GM's Satin Black bay. As expected, correct textures and decals are present and accounted for. And details like a Delco generator, a Delco master cylinder and a reproduction Delco battery ensure this Chevy runs every bit as good as it looks.

Flip this Vette upside down and you'll find a solid, road-ready X-frame that's bolted to clean, unpainted floor tubs. Behind the hot motor, a tough 4-speed transmission twists torque through a fully overhauled rear end. 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 6.70-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers. And, in case you're a stickler for authenticity, our sale includes the car's correct 3-speed transmission.

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior options were kept minimal. A simple Beige cockpit 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 heavy duty floor mats, still features clean shading. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges, a rare radio delete 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 color-keyed rim around a polished cross-flag horn button. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center perfectly placed armrests below optional power windows. 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 Operator's Manual, a receipt for the car's 2010 paint work, official GM Canada documentation and the aforementioned transmission.

Exceptionally built and incredibly fun, this Corvette preserves the timeless swagger of 50s Americana. And, thanks to its fuel injected 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!