Onyx Black w/Red interior, 265/210hp, 200R4 4-spd. automatic transmission.

Corvette was first introduced to the press and public at the GM Motorama in January of ’53. The event was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC. The car was a sensation! And the powers that be quickly decided to put it into production later that year. What the ’53 Corvette buyer got, was America’s first sports car! At least America’s interpretation of a sports car. The beautiful fiberglass bodied two-seater featured a 230ci/150hp, straight 6cyl engine under the hood with three side draft carbs and backed by a 2-spd. Powerglide automatic transmission. Creature comforts were few. A radio and heater were the two mandatory options. Weather protection consisted of a somewhat difficult to put up soft top. As for “windows”, you got two manually installed side curtains, which were stowed in the trunk when not in use. This configuration was produced from ’53-’55. And as cool as the car looked, the general public weren’t buyin’! Enter one Zora Arkus-Duntov who knew the only way to save Corvette was to add more power under the hood!

And that power came in the form of a 265ci overhead valve small block V8 engine! This engine was actually introduced for the ’55 model run, but really didn’t come into its own until the ’56 Corvette was introduced, with the option for dual quad carbs and up to 240hp! Almost 100 more than the 6cylinder!

Along with the increase in hp came an all-new body that featured side coves with (optional) color contrast, roll up windows and additional options, including power windows, hard top and a power operated soft top! America’s sports car had finally arrived!

We’ve had some pretty special ’56’s come our way over the decades. But the example presented here just might be the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. This one is not your average frame-off restoration. It’s been restored to Concours D’Elegance standards. The Onyx Black paint looks like 2′ deep glass and the chrome shines like jewelry. The hood, doors and trunk are beautifully aligned. The interior is pristine and the 225hp V8 under the hood is super detailed and mated to a modern 200R4 4-spd. overdrive automatic transmission. Which makes it a fantastic cruiser! Underneath, the chassis is just a stunning as the topside!

Options include, the 225hp, dual qual V8, 4-spd. automatic transmission, power top, am radio converted to hidden am/fm and Blackwall bias ply tires.

This is a Corvette that you might want to consider parking in your living room instead of your garage! Only for the most discriminating, perfectionist, collector! It would make any pair of white gloves proud!