1956 Chevrolet Corvette

After a tentative beginning as a European-inspired boulevard cruiser, the Corvette concept was given a complete makeover for 1956 to establish it as a more thoroughly capable American sports car. A complete restyling introduced conventional headlights, rounded rear flanks with recessed taillights and the first appearance of the side coves that would become a signature Corvette styling feature. Exterior door handles, roll-upside windows and an adjustable passenger seat were welcome improvements, along with the first detachable auxiliary hard top that overcame the sealing problems of earlier models. The 265 CI V-8 introduced in 1955 gained power through an increase in compression from 8.1 to 9.25:1, and a second Carter 4-barrel carburetor was added to produce 225 HP. More power meant the need for improved handling, which Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov attained by altering the existing steering and suspension geometry so that the driver of some ability could get really high performance safely. A late production example purchased in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, this 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is one of 3,467 produced. Beautifully restyled for the first time, the 56 is at its classic best in this examples combination of Polo White paint, matching white hard top, silver coves and red vinyl interior. Riding on red-painted steel wheels fitted with full-size spinner wheel covers and wide whitewall tires, it is powered by the newly standard 265 CI V-8 with dual Carter 4-barrels on an aluminum intake manifold and finned aluminum valve covers, here mated to the standard 3-speed manual transmission. First-generation Corvette enthusiasts will appreciate this rare and appealing 1956 Corvettes combination of iconic styling, sporting performance and pleasing patina.