Lot # | 8945 |
---|---|
Location | Columbus, OH 43228 |
Seller | Dealer |
71847 | |
283ci V8 | |
4-Speed Manual | |
Cascade Green | |
Beige | |
E57S105921 |
This is a very rare 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/283 “Fuelie” with a 4-speed manual transmission. The 1957 model year marked the first time GM introduced fuel injection to the Corvette, and it was also the debut of the 4-speed option for this iconic American sports car. The Ramjet Fuel Injection system, an efficient constant-flow system that replaced the carburetor, delivered fuel directly to the cylinders. This resulted in immediate throttle response, improved fuel economy, increased low-speed torque, smoother operation, easier starting, and overall enhanced engine performance. With these advancements, the 1957 Corvette brought a new level of driving pleasure to enthusiasts.
Adding to its appeal, the optional 4-speed Borg Warner T-10 manual transmission, which became available after April 1957, elevated the Corvette to new heights in the sports car world. The 283ci/283hp “Fuelie” Corvette also marked the first time an American car offered 1 horsepower for every cubic inch of engine displacement, giving GM significant bragging rights. Of the 6,339 Corvettes built in 1957, only 713 were equipped with the Ramjet fuel-injected 283ci/283hp engine (RPO 579B) at an additional cost of $484.20, and only 664 were ordered with the 4-speed manual transmission (RPO 685) for $188.30. These low production figures make this car extremely rare and highly sought after today.
The ’57 Fuelie presented here is finished in a driver-quality respray of Cascade Green with Shoreline Beige coves—a stunning color combination. It comes with both a white convertible soft top and a body-color removable hardtop. The soft top features a clear rear window and, aside from some light wrinkles from storage, looks nearly brand new. The Cascade Green hardtop is in good condition, with a beige waffle-textured headliner and chrome trim. The hardtop also includes a storage rack, a rare and valuable addition to this car.
The exterior of this Corvette is beautifully styled, with elegant curves and just the right amount of chrome accents to highlight its body. The front end features a “toothy” chrome grille flanked by gleaming bumperettes, with a “Chevrolet Corvette” cross-flags badge centered above. The hood showcases muscular bulges, while the faux intakes with chrome trim on both fenders add to its classic look. The wrap-around windshield is trimmed in sparkling chrome, and bright wiper arms enhance the overall appearance. The side profile reveals the striking contrast of the chrome-trimmed beige coves against the Cascade Green body, with “Fuel Injection” and cross-flags badges prominently displayed on both fenders.
The car rides on body-color 15″ steel wheels with spinner-style hubcaps wrapped in Coker Classic white-wall bias-ply tires—a perfect combination for this classic. The rear of the car is just as stylish, with taillights recessed in long chrome bezels and exhaust exiting through vertical bumperettes. The decklid is adorned with another “Fuel Injection” badge and a “Chevrolet Corvette” cross-flags badge, matching the one at the front.
Under the hood is where this Corvette truly shines. While many ’57 Fuelies are advertised as “numbers-matching,” it’s important to note that for this particular year, there is no identifying stamp, plate, or casting under the hood that correlates to the VIN number of the car. Instead, serial numbers, part numbers, and date codes provide clues about the originality of the drivetrain. The sequential production number of this car’s VIN is 105921, making it the 5,921st of 6,339 Corvettes produced in 1957. The engine block casting number is 3731548, correct for 1957. The Rochester fuel injection system part number is 7014960, specific to the 283ci/283hp engine and only used between July and October 1957. The Delco-Remy distributor and generator also have date stamps and serial numbers consistent with the production period.
The Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission in this car was offered as an option starting in mid-April 1957. This transmission has casting and assembly dates that align with the production period, further confirming the authenticity of this late-production 283ci/283hp fuel-injected Corvette with the correct 4-speed manual transmission. The engine bay is tidy and stock in appearance, with an orange block topped with finned aluminum “Corvette” valve covers, a chrome air cleaner, and cast exhaust manifolds.
Inside, you’ll find a well-maintained OEM-correct Shoreline Beige waffle interior that complements the exterior’s elegant style. The door panels feature textured beige vinyl with chrome accents and polished aluminum trim. The beige waffle-textured vinyl extends to the bucket seats, which are in excellent condition. The interior also includes bright sill plates, tan carpet, a small drop-down glovebox, and a chrome shift plate with an ashtray and shift pattern diagram. The 4-speed transmission is shifted via a chrome lever with a white ball.
The dash features working courtesy lights, a 140 mph speedometer, a parking brake warning light, and a range of gauges, including fuel, temperature, battery, and oil. The tachometer works but is slightly “bouncy.” The factory WonderBar AM radio powers up but does not produce sound. Other interior features include a beige 3-spoke steering wheel with a working horn button, a heater, a fan, an interior hood release, and a clean trunk with a fitted rubber mat, an OEM jack, and what appears to be the original Firestone spare tire on a factory wheel.
This 1957 Chevrolet 283/283 4-speed Fuelie Corvette is a remarkable piece of American automotive history, ideal for any car collection. Finding a real 283hp ’57 Fuelie with a factory 4-speed, both tops in good condition, and a stunning color combination is a rare opportunity. Don’t miss your chance to be the next caretaker of this genuine American icon!
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