Lot details

Year: 1956
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvette C1
Registration: USA 703
Chassis No: E56S 002303
Odometer: 00185

The Chevrolet Corvette marked a turning point in the history of America's first true sportscar. Introduced just three years after the Corvette's debut in 1953, the '56 model was the first major redesign and signalled Chevrolet's determination to transform the Corvette from a niche experiment into a serious competitor on the performance car market. Visually, the 1956 Corvette received a new body design that gave it a more aggressive and refined look compared to the earlier models. Gone were the simple rounded lines of the first-generation cars, replaced with sculpted side coves, cleaner fender lines, and an overall sleeker profile. Buyers could even choose contrasting paint for the side coves, adding to the sporty flair. Another big improvement was the availability of roll-up windows and an optional removable hardtop, features that made the Corvette more practical and appealing to everyday drivers. Under the bonnet, performance finally began to live up to the Corvette's image. Chevrolet dropped the inline-six engine entirely, equipping all '56 Corvettes with a 265-cubic-inch small-block V8. Depending on the configuration, horsepower ranged from 210 to 240, thanks to options like dual four-barrel carburettors. This shift solidified the Corvette's reputation as a genuine performance machine rather than just a stylish cruiser. A new three-speed manual transmission was standard, while a two-speed Powerglide automatic was optional. The 1956 model also benefited from improved handling. Engineers reworked the steering and suspension, making the car more responsive on winding roads. These refinements, combined with its bold new styling and upgraded performance, helped the Corvette win over critics who had doubted its future.

This Corvette was restored in the U.S. in 1985 and has been used very little since, covering only circa 185 miles in that time. The vendor imported the car from Florida last year and whilst he enjoys owning the car, it is not being used and he feels it best to pass it on to someone that will get greater enjoyment from it. Finished in bronze with a cream interior, this super stylish piece of American motoring history is supplied with a V5 registration document, and the index number of USA 703 is included with the car. Today, the 1956 Chevrolet Corvette is considered a classic icon. It represents the moment when the Corvette began its transformation into a true American sportscar legend, a role it continues to hold nearly seven decades later. Consigned by Stewart Banks