Chevrolet engineering prepared the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette to introduce the new Rochester fuel injection at the December 1956 Nassau Speed Weeks and Governors Trophy race. Three 1957 Corvettes were ordered by Chevrolet engineering to ship to Warren, Michigan where the cars were fitted with Flint engine assembly, Rochester fuel injection, prototype airbox, 37 1/2 gallon center fuel tank, RPO 581 rear suspension with Houdaille shocks, roll bar, Sun tach, short steering column, finned drums, vented backing plates and quick steering adapter.
Once assembled the cars were shipped to Sebring for track testing by Dick Thompson. They were then shipped to the Bahamas. Nassau Speed Weeks was the last FIA sanctioned race event of the calendar year. The Nassau cars took first second and third in class; afterwards they were shipped to Daytona for additional tuning by Smokey Yunick, then entered in the February 1957 Daytona Speedweeks where Paul's Goldsmith set both the standing start and flying start speed records in Class 5 in this car. This car was entered in the first ever NASCAR sports car race driven by Paul Goldsmith to fourth overall and first in class.
Following Daytona the cars were sent to Sebring to be used as practice cars prior to the arrival of two new 1957 Corvettes. The car was retired and sold in May 1958. It had been in storage since 1967 sporting its original engineering engine, prototype fuel injection roll bar etc. The airbox and big brakes were removed for street use.
The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is a landmark model in the history of American sports cars. Its combination of innovative engineering, powerful performance, and stylish design make it an enduring icon of automotive excellence. The 1957 Corvette remains a highly cherished vehicle among classic car enthusiasts and collectors, embodying the spirit and legacy of the Corvette brand.
Overview
- Production Year: 1957
- Manufacturer: Chevrolet (General Motors)
- Model: Corvette
- Body Style: Convertible
Design and Specifications
- Engine Options:
- The 1957 Corvette offered multiple engine options, with the most notable being the 283 cubic inch (4.6-liter) V8 engine.
- The engine could be equipped with a single 4-barrel carburetor, dual 4-barrel carburetors, or fuel injection.
- The fuel-injected version was rated at up to 283 horsepower, achieving the significant milestone of one horsepower per cubic inch of displacement.
- Transmission:
- The car came with a choice of a 3-speed manual transmission or a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
- A 4-speed manual transmission was introduced mid-year as a new option, further enhancing the car's sporty appeal.
- Chassis and Suspension:
- The chassis was made of a steel ladder frame.
- The front suspension consisted of independent coil springs and wishbones.
- The rear suspension featured a solid axle with leaf springs.
- Brakes:
- The 1957 Corvette was equipped with drum brakes on all four wheels.
- These brakes provided adequate stopping power for the performance capabilities of the car.
Performance
- Top Speed: The top speed of the 1957 Corvette was around 132 mph (212 km/h), depending on the engine configuration.
- Acceleration: The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in approximately 6 seconds with the fuel-injected engine.
- Handling: The lightweight fiberglass body, combined with the well-tuned suspension, offered excellent handling and agility for the time.
Design Features
- Exterior:
- The 1957 Corvette retained the sleek, aerodynamic lines introduced in earlier models but featured several updates for a more aggressive and refined look.
- The car had a distinctive front grille, dual headlights, and chrome detailing.
- Optional features included a removable hardtop and contrasting color coves on the sides.
- Interior:
- The interior of the 1957 Corvette was designed for both comfort and functionality, featuring bucket seats and a stylish dashboard.
- The dashboard included a tachometer, speedometer, and auxiliary gauges, all positioned for easy visibility.
- The cabin was available in a variety of color combinations, allowing for a degree of customization.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Historical Significance:
- The 1957 Corvette is significant for introducing fuel injection, a first for a domestic American car, which set a new standard for performance and efficiency.
- It also marked the Corvette's transition from a stylish cruiser to a serious sports car capable of competing in racing events.
- Racing Success:
- The 1957 Corvette saw success in various racing circuits, including SCCA events and endurance races.
- Its performance capabilities made it a favorite among amateur and professional racers.
