Wow what a beauty. What engine is in this? I'm guessing a 5.7 V8?
A lump of real American iron (and polyester!) in the workshop. A very nice Chevrolet Corvette C1 from 1956. Restored in the past and in the shop for '... and now something completely different': the owner has asked for a shortened steering column. The original one protrudes quite far into the cockpit and it's no problem to shorten it about 10 - 12 cm; the steering wheel will go further back, towards the dash and the steering position will change from 'sit-up and beg' to 'a nearly ergonomic' position.
But first things first: the carbs. The owner didn't complain about a lack of power, but we found out that only one carb is functioning for about 50% (one barrel). 75% of the potential isn't used! We're currently waiting for carb internals.
Then the GPR/polyester body. The shut lines and the way the doors close is near perfect. Something only achieved by -let's say- TVR, another user of acres and acres of polyester, on their most recent products. And when you consider the age of the car: 1956, it's hard to come up with a list of British cars of that birthyear that equals the Chevrolet’s built quality.
And... it's nice to have something else on the ramps than a Jaguar!
Menno
Last edited by thieuster; 18th October 2019 at 14:15.
Wow what a beauty. What engine is in this? I'm guessing a 5.7 V8?
That brings back memories. My late little brother once owned a Corvette C1, but the later '59 twin headlight variant.
His was powered by a 350 CI (5.7L), dressed up to look like an earlier 327 CI.
Car is now owned by celebrity chef James Martin.
Last edited by Seiko7A38; 18th October 2019 at 15:39. Reason: Trying to fix Damned Menace photo link !
That cowl (top) over the ignition is removed on 'our' car for service purposes. It's on a tool chest trolley next to the car. A cowl like that is a really neat way of covering up a bunch of HT wires (8 cyl + 1 one feed wire)
M.
Indeed that looks very nice!
That is pretty much top of my “I’ll get one one day” classic cars list.
I’ve always loved them. So retro cool, and that interior and dash...
So clever my foot fell off.
Forgot to mention: value for these cars is between 60K and 100K asking price. There was a certified appraiser in the workshop for a car-valuation for a Jag owner (agreed value for insurance) and his idea about the value for this Corvette is around 80 - 85K. Apparently, there are more sought-after models that this one.
M
Lovely car, however I must admit to preferring the 64 C2 with the split rear screen. Jan and dean special.
There was a funiture store near Amstelveen that used to have a C1 in the shop window. Very cool.
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
There's a Hand Car Wash on Ventura Blvd., in Studio City, LA ....
Last edited by Seiko7A38; 18th October 2019 at 20:03.
Love those old Corvettes, original and best looking models IMO.
Cheers,
Neil.