1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270

Description

History was made on 17 March 1957, when two factory-backed Corvettes finished the 12 Hours of Sebring first and second in the GT Class. It was the first time Chevrolet’s sports car was victorious in an international event, and history will show how this was the turning point in the Corvette’s sales. The heart of that success was the new 283 cu-in small-block V8, which ranged from the base 220 horsepower model with a single four-barrel carburetor, all the way up to the Sebring-winning 283 hp option that utilized the new Rochester “Ram Jet” mechanical fuel injection system — a costly $484.60 option. But perhaps the most attractive choice was the powerful yet tractable 245 hp or 270 hp versions featuring dual Carter four-barrel carburetors without the temperament and great expense of the fuel-injected ’Vettes. Sports Car Illustrated magazine reported on the 270 hp version like this ’57 offered: “Injected and carb-fed Corvettes are closely comparable in performance, and both qualify as the fastest-accelerating genuine production cars SCI has ever tested. In fact, up to 80 they’re not so far from the data posted by the Mercedes 300 SLR coupe, which is generally regarded as the world’s fastest road car.” 

Highlights 

• Classic 1957 model of America’s sports car 

• Code EG 283 cu-in V8 with dual Carter carburetors producing 270 HP 

• Correct three-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission (four-speed not available until April 1957) 

• Finished in Cascade Green (712) with contrasting Shoreline Beige (709) “coves”  

• Beige bucket seat vinyl interior with matching convertible top 

• Rare radio delete option 

• The chassis number (E57S100682) decodes as: 

  • E – Corvette   

  • 57 – 1957 model year   

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, final assembly plant   

  • 100682 – Production serial number starting with 100001 (built November 1956)  

Features 

• Driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror   

• Steel 15-inch wheels with spinner hubcaps  

• Wide whitewall tires 

• Three-spoke steering wheel   

• 160 mph speedometer   

• Two-speed electric windshield wipers   

• Seat belts   

• Dashboard-mounted mirror    

• Manual roll-up windows   

• Electric clock    

• Dual exhaust outlets 

Known Imperfections 

• Clock inoperable  

• A few minor bubbles in paint  

Included 

• CarCapsule protective dome 

Ownership History  

The consignor states the 1957 Corvette was already repainted Cascade Green when purchased in 2020 and has since received minor repairs including the oil pan gasket and fuel pump.