The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 HP Convertible stands as a true monument to early American sports car performance. It hails from a pivotal year that cemented the Corvette’s place in automotive history. Chevrolet was making serious performance strides at the time. This particular Venetian Red roadster, chassis E57S103745, carries a pedigree of prestigious awards. You can see the dedication to originality in its every meticulously restored detail. This is a car that speaks to the heart of American hot-rodding.
The Golden Era of the Small-Block V-8
The year 1957 was a landmark for the Corvette. General Motors enlarged the small-block V-8 engine to 283 cubic inches. This engine was offered in several potent configurations. Zora Arkus-Duntov, a legendary engineer, was pushing the Corvette toward track dominance. Consequently, the public could buy a genuine, race-bred sports car.
The Dual-Quad 283/270 HP Engine
This specific 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible features the desirable 283 cubic inch, 270 horsepower V-8. It is not the rare fuel-injected ‘Fuelie’ version. Instead, this powerful engine relies on dual four-barrel carburetors. Many enthusiasts of the time actually preferred the dual-quad setup. It was less expensive and also simpler to tune than the complex fuel injection system. This engine included the famous Duntov competition camshaft. Furthermore, it used a specific set of 997 cylinder heads.
An Exclusive High-Performance Package
You will notice this convertible was purposefully stripped of certain comfort options. For instance, the original owner deleted the radio to save weight. The car also features a windshield washer delete and a heater delete. This suggests the original owner focused intently on pure performance. It was a common strategy for buyers intending to compete on track. The Positraction rear axle helped put the power down effectively.
Award-Winning Restoration and Provenance
This Corvette’s condition is beyond dispute. The car has achieved an impressive roster of accolades. It earned the coveted NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence award. This is one of the highest honors for an authentically restored Corvette. Furthermore, the car is Bloomington Gold Certified, affirming its originality. Four NCRS Top Flight awards further validate its factory-correct nature.
Performance and Power of the 1957 Corvette Dual-Quad
The matching numbers 283/270 HP V-8 engine is a performance powerhouse of the era. It delivers 285 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine is mated to a factory 3-speed manual transmission. Its dual-quad setup provided instant throttle response. This package represented the pinnacle of carbureted performance in 1957. The optional off-road exhaust system provides a thrilling soundtrack.
Details of a Factory-Correct Machine
The restoration focused heavily on factory-correct components. It includes the correct T-3 headlights and spiral shocks. The nine-fin valve covers are a correct period detail. Everything from the hoses to the hood alignment blocks is authentic. The extensive documentation includes restoration photos and awards. Even the original owner’s manual comes with the car.
The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 HP Convertible remains an enduring icon. This particular example is a testament to meticulous restoration standards. Its awards confirm its exceptional originality and quality. It provides an opportunity to own a significant piece of Chevrolet history.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The information provided is based on market trends and personal opinions and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Readers should always conduct their own research and consult with a professional advisor before making any decisions.
Source & Details: mecum.com
