Stunning restoration in exceptional condition. Dual 4-barrel FG-coded 265 cubic inch V8, automatic transmission. Fantastic color combination. Highly detailed throughout. Runs and drives superbly. One of the finest early Corvettes weve ever seen!
The 1956 Corvettes were all-new and they were finally civilized enough for the real world. Roll-up windows, a range of powerful V8 engines, more passenger space, and arguably better looks were all features of the new Corvette. A powerful 265 cubic inch V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors was on the options list, making the Corvette a legitimate threat on the street as well as on the track. But I think the real reason every falls in love with this gorgeous 1956 Chevrolet Corvette is simply because its just so danged pretty. Nothing looks better than a black car, and the Onyx Black on this Corvette is exceptionally well done, with a superior gloss and laser-straight fiberglass underneath. Add in the silver side cove, which was also new for 56, and you get a car that makes people stop in their tracks when it rolls past. The restoration was finished to show standards and while it has been driven a little bit, theres just no evidence of it. The paint is brilliant and shows no damage, dings, scratches, or other demerits. In fact, the only complaint anyone might have at the highest levels is that its too nice-the factory sure wasnt building them this well in 1956. The chrome and stainless trim was likewise restored to a very high standard and all the emblems are crisply rendered. Its hard for us to know where to park this car in the showroom simply because it makes the other cars look a little wanting.
The bright red interior is the right choice with the Onyx Black bodywork. Yes, its flashy but isnt that why you bought a Corvette in the first place? Extremely well finished, it is full of new stuff including seat covers, carpets, door panels, and all the other soft parts. The reproduction seat covers are particularly well done, with better definition and detailing than most of the off-the-shelf stuff you get today. The carpets have the correct low-nap weave, and the steering wheel is a beautiful 3-spoke unit thats right in your chest. The dashboard was just about the only part that was carryover in 1956, but it looks awesome and all the gauges work, including the clock. Theres an optional AM radio with a speaker right in front of the passenger, and this car carries the optional PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission, making it easy for anyone to drive. All the weather seals were replaced so it closes up reasonably well, especially with a brand new black convertible top that fits quite nicely. In back theres a good-sized trunk that makes this Corvette great for weekend getaways, and theres a matching spare tire and jack assembly stowed underneath.
Theres no such thing as "matching numbers" for a 1956 Corvette, but this car carries a correctly dated FG block (casting number 3720991), which is a 265 cubic inch V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors for an automatic transmission. The Carter carbs on top are the right pieces (2419S front and 2362S rear) and even the generator is a proper 12-volt 1102043 unit. It was fully rebuilt to stock specs and it runs beautifully. Even with the twin 4-barrels on top, it starts easily, idles nicely, and makes this lightweight roadster a handful if you dare to crack open all 8 barrels at once. Authentic finned valve covers add to the performance look, and even little details like the hose clamps, washer bag, wiring, and other hardware are correct. The PowerGlide automatic offers crisp shifts and combines with a properly rebuilt steering gearbox to make this a very accessible Corvette-steering effort is so light that it almost feels like power assist! We believe there are 3.55 gears in back, which were standard with the FG engine, and it is indeed punchy around town. The undercarriage is correctly detailed, right down to the batch number on the side of the frame, and authentic finishes were used throughout-yes, the raw fiberglass floors are correct. Drum brakes are effective for the era and the reproduction exhaust system has just the right tone-muscular but never annoying. 15-inch steel wheels wear spinner hubcaps and 6.70-15 Firestone wide whitewalls for a period-perfect look.
We sell a lot of Corvettes, but we can probably count on one hand the number weve had that are in this cars league. It has desirable options, a fantastic color combination, and the restoration had to be insanely expensive. Best of all, it drives superbly, so you know this isnt just some trailer queen. A delightful early Corvette thats ready to drive or show. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
