20k-Mile 1957 Chevrolet C1 Corvette Fuelie
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1957
- Make: Chevrolet
- Model: Corvette
- VIN: E57S102242
- Mileage: 20,839
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Venetian Red
- Seller: BillMC
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: New Hyde Park, NY 11040
- Lot #: V-0012033
It is our pleasure to offer this highly original 1957 Chevrolet Corvette finished in Venetian Red. Among the rarest and most highly collectible vintage American sports cars of all time, this C1 Corvette is one of only 713 examples ordered with a 283HP fuel-injected V8 engine for the 1957 model year. Some of the fastest production cars of the era, many of the ’57 “Fuelies” went on to be used as race cars with notable accolades including a class win at the 12 Hours of Sebring and an SCCA B-Production national championship. Ordered with an optional power soft top, two-tone paint, and a 3-speed manual gearbox, this C1 Corvette was sold new from Manhattan Chevrolet dealer Don Allen to a United States Merchant Marine. With the original owner spending most of his time at sea, this Corvette was rarely driven before it was passed to his girlfriend in the early 1960s. Shortly thereafter it was purchased by its next owner in New York who had normally driven the car only once a year to the local Kiwanis Club annual antique car show several blocks from his house. In 1999, it was acquired by the current owner and kept tucked away as the centerpiece in a world-class American car collection ever since. Perhaps the most well preserved 1957 Fuelie in existence, this Corvette remains in outstanding original condition and is now being offered for auction by its owner out of New York with just over 20,800 miles showing on the odometer.
The factory Venetian Red and Ivory two-tone paint has been kept entirely original with beautiful natural patina along with the brightwork, glass, and trim pieces. The painted hardtop has reportedly never been removed and wears its original headliner. This Corvette is one of only 1,336 cars to have been optioned with a power-operated soft top in 1957 at an additional cost of $139.90. The complex convertible mechanism on these cars is known to leak, and the fluid that seeped from this example appears to have scarred the paint on the trunk floor, although it did not reach the spare tire. The factory 15" wheels remain encased in their original “gum dipped” Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires that were mounted when the car rolled off the assembly line in February of 1957. The original spare tire also remains in the trunk, unused, with ink stampings on the tread and a shipping label reading “CHEV ST. LOUIS, DIV OF GMC, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.”
As with the rest of the car, the red vinyl interior remains very well preserved while retaining its original carpeting, upholstery, steering wheel, and door panels. The only modification to the entire car is the addition of three extra dash gauges for oil temperature, manifold vacuum, and generator voltage. These gauges were reportedly installed by the original owner and the current caretaker found it appropriate to leave them in place. The car’s factory options include a power-operated soft top, a removable hardtop, two-tone paint, courtesy lights, whitewall tires, a heater, a parking-brake alarm, and an AM Wonder Bar radio.
Under the hood lies the original 283ci V8 fuel-injected engine which generates up to 283 HP. A 3-speed manual transmission sends power to the wheels through a low-gear rear axle. The option of a 4-speed gearbox only became available in April of 1957, four months after the car was ordered. Beneath the car, the undercarriage appears unmolested while showing light rust patina as well as factory frame stencil and inspection markings. The current owner fully appreciates the significance and rarity of this Corvette and has taken the utmost care in preserving it as close to its original condition as possible.
This sale will be accompanied by a transferrable New York registration and a collection of original documentation and literature including the original operations manual, radio instructions, service guide, and General Motors owner service policy. Also included is the certificate and ribbon for the Second Flight Award bestowed by the National Corvette Restorers Society in October of 1999. One of the rarest Corvettes in existence, this 1957 Fuelie, presented in an exceptionally well-preserved state, would make the crown jewel of most any American car collection. Do not let this incredibly special opportunity pass you by.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $153,000
- Auction End: Aug 12, 2021 08:17:56PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 34
Comments (47)
Well shoot. I’m gonna regret missing this. Congratulations to buyer and seller
Sold for $153,000
Folks this car is going to a new home, very excited for the new owner.
Bid in the amount of $153,000
Bid in the amount of $152,000
Bid in the amount of $151,000
amazing find!
Bid in the amount of $150,000
Bid in the amount of $149,000
Bid in the amount of $148,000
Bid in the amount of $144,000
Bid in the amount of $142,000
Bid in the amount of $139,000
Bid in the amount of $137,000
Bid in the amount of $135,000
Bid in the amount of $133,000
Bid in the amount of $131,000
Bid in the amount of $130,000
Bid in the amount of $127,000
Bid in the amount of $126,000
Bid in the amount of $125,000
Bid in the amount of $123,000
Bid in the amount of $122,500
Bid in the amount of $122,000
Bid in the amount of $121,000
Bid in the amount of $118,000
Bid in the amount of $116,000
Bid in the amount of $115,000
Bid in the amount of $112,500
Bid in the amount of $111,000
Bid in the amount of $107,000
Bid in the amount of $105,000
Good afternoon, as the auction winds down I’d like to thank all those that have expressed an interest in this special Corvette.
A question was asked as to why the car received a “second flight” award many years ago.
At the time there wasn’t a class for “survivor” cars.
This car retains its original patina and shows beautifully. The only items replaced were the shock absorbers and the gas tank (which I still have).
We’ll know “solid axle” experts have seen this car and are “blown away” by its condition and originality. See the added article Alan Blay wrote for an upcoming issue of a Solid Axle magazine.
Bid in the amount of $97,000
Bid in the amount of $95,000
Bid in the amount of $85,250
Bid in the amount of $85,000
Additional content has been added to the listing gallery.
@RADExotics You’re forgiven!!
“Little Red Corvette…”
sorry, had to. NICE car!
Bid in the amount of $80,057
Bid in the amount of $1,250
Wow....Wow....Wow!!!!
Gorgeous car!
@jcbfff The once or twice I’ve shown the car no one ever saw a car this original. I never had any interest in chasing awards or trophies so none of that mattered to me.
As far as roadworthiness, the car runs and drives perfectly.
The Fuel Injection unit has been rebuilt.
I’ve only put 4 miles on the car in all the years I’ve owned it.
The car rides on its original tires so they would have to be replaced.
This is a car for the collector who knows how special an original car is.
BillMC, great C1, I have a 23k mile 64 vert completely original as well. I have to ask if you know why it only received second flight? What is the current mechanical status of the car, I didn't see any service records, and though it runs, does it need to be "recommissioned" to be road worthy and safe?
Thanks for looking at this very special and significant Corvette.
I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Good luck!!