1957 Chevrolet Corvette
As seen on Season Seven of FantomWorks
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The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the Corvette sports car produced by Chevrolet. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year, and produced through 1962. It is commonly referred to as the “solid-axle” generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray. The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled. Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car’s early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet would ultimately stay the course.
Visually the 1957 model was a near-twin to 1956. Engine displacement increased to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel injection became optional, and a 4-speed manual transmission was available after April 9, 1957. Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing”. Although the Corvette’s GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system, as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes’, the Corvette’s engine nevertheless produced about 290 bhp (220 kW). This was underrated by Chevrolet’s advertising agency for the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 small-block V8 “One HP per cubic inch” (1 hp (0.75 kW) per 1 cu in (16 cc)) slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in³. Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by Zora Arkus-Duntov who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special options. Fuel injection was in short supply and 1,040 Corvettes with this option were sold. Rare options: RPO 579E 283 hp engine with fresh air/tach package (43), RPO 684 heavy-duty racing suspension (51), RPO 276 15 by 5.5 in (380 by 140 mm) wheels (51), RPO 426 power windows (379), RPO 685 4-speed transmission (664).
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