Body Off Restored Corvette Roadster 283/270 HP Dual Quad V8 4 Speed 3.70 Axle

SUMMARY

* Body-off restoration
* Correct 283 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / Dual Carter carburetors
* 270 horsepower
* Sale includes a factory hardtop
* Era-correct Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission
* Signet Red paint / White vinyl top
* Red interior
* 3.70 gears

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If you're a Chevrolet aficionado, it doesn't get much better than owning a first generation Corvette. That's because, regardless of year, every C1 shares a connection to the car that started a now legendary brand. To this very day, 1953-62 Corvettes are highly desirable collectables that continue to be some of the most sought after cars on the planet. And this pristine roadster, the beneficiary of a fresh body-off restoration, is a perfect example of why. With a hot 283/4-speed drivetrain and stunning red on red aesthetics, it's an excellent example of Golden Age Americana. And, if you're looking for a unique classic that you can drive, show off and watch appreciate, it's the fully sorted head turner you've been patiently waiting for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Stripped all the way down to glass, this contoured roadster's curvaceous body was massaged back to life during a thorough, body-off restoration. Like most C1s, the car was originally assembled at GM's new-for-1954 St. Louis manufacturing facility. And, like most restored C1s, its fit and finish presents much better now than it did 57 years ago. In fact, judging by the looks of this Chevy's smooth fuselage, there's no evidence it has ever seen any kind of catastrophic damage. And today, layered in vivid Signet Red 2-stage, the car rolls as one spectacular classic that's superbly detailed.

1958 to 1962 was a banner era for the Corvette, as Chevrolet wanted to prove its new flagship could run with the best cars in the world while retaining classic style that would eventually bear an American icon. At the front of this polished and refinished drop-top, a toothy grille rides between chrome-trimmed headlights, a translucent header roundel and chrome-trimmed parking lamps. In front of that grille, chrome nose guards reflect intricate bumpers, which bend around chrome-trimmed fenders that are detailed with small cross-flags and finned cove inserts. Between those fenders, a '58-exclusive hood leads the eye to polished wipers, classy glass and a fresh White roof that's supplemented by a factory hardtop. At the back of that hood, traditional door handles float behind a stylish driver's mirror. And at the back of those doors, a flowing decklid hangs a second Corvette roundel and '58-exclusive trunk spears between chrome bumpers, small reflectors and flush, chrome-trimmed taillights.

ENGINE

Tilt this roadster's lightweight hood and you'll find a correct, 283 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that hangs a high performance (CU) assembly stamp in front of a familiar 3737739 casting number and September (J) 15th (15) 1957 (7) casting date. GM's ultimate carbureted option for the 1958 model year, and factory-rated at 270 horsepower, this tough small block features the proven square bore/solid lifter set-up that put Chevrolet muscle cars on the map. At the top of the mill, reliable Carter carburetors, which breathe through a thin, louvered air cleaner, funnel life in to a clean Winters intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang finned Corvette valve covers over fully restored exhaust manifolds. Behind those manifolds, a chrome-capped ignition system shoots fire through stainless sleeved plug wires. And in front of those wires, a beefy radiator circulates coolant through reproduction GM hoses and tight squeeze 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.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Flip this C1 upside down and you'll find a sturdy, road-ready X-frame that's bolted to bare, correctly over-sprayed floor tubs. Behind the motor, a '61 Borg Warner T10 4-speed twists torque through stout, 3.70 gears. At the ends of the floors, a fully restored double A-arm front and solid axle rear suspension has been completely returned to factory specifications. At the corners of the car, standard drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is managed by big, true-dual pipes, which run from a U-shaped crossover to factory replacement mufflers. Power meets the pavement through standard steelies, which spin fresh 6.70-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around traditional stainless covers. And everything, from this Corvette's manual steering rack to its leak-free fuel tank, is fully sorted and ready to log miles.

INTERIOR

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior outfitting remains minimal. High quality restoration pieces provide long-term durability without sacrificing good looks. The car's textured seats, which are equipped with simple lap belts, still have years of life left in them. There's stain-free carpet that still features a clean, fibrous sheen. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges, a Wonder Bar radio and a small chrome mirror look great decorating Chevrolet's famous dual-cowl dash. At 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 glossy 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 retracted top, a fully restored trunk shows virtually no signs of usage.

A highly desirable drop-top that wraps a fresh, body-off restoration around a hot V8 and tough 4-speed, this slick Corvette has a little something for everyone. And what's better: it's exactly the kind of classic that provides endless fun on the highway and celebrity status in the parking lot. Where else can you get such an excellent combination of style, performance and investment potential? Don't miss this opportunity to experience a stellar piece of American history!