This 1956 Chevrolet Corvette is powered by a 265ci V8 and is reported to be one of 111 equipped with a factory high-lift camshaft. A seven-year refurbishment in the 2000s included refinishing the car in Onyx Black, reupholstering the red interior, and refurbishing mechanical components. Equipment includes a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.70:1 rear axle, dual four-barrel carburetors, a body-color hardtop a black soft top, and 15″ steel wheels with knock-off spinner covers. The car received the NCRS-Duntov Mark of Excellence Award, NCRS Performance Verification Award, and Bloomington Gold Certification in 2010, as well as multiple NCRS Top Flight awards. This C1 Corvette was acquired by the current owner on BaT in November 2021, and it is now offered on dealer consignment with the removed three-speed manual transmission and rear differential, awards documentation, service manuals, and a clean California title.
The car was refinished in Onyx Black with matching coves and features a body-color removable hardtop, a wrap-around windshield, exterior door handles, a black soft top, chrome bumpers and trim, and dual exhaust outlets that exit through the rear bumper uprights. Rear quarter damage was reportedly repaired under previous ownership.
The 15″ steel wheels wear covers with faux knock-off spinners and are wrapped in reproduction Firestone Deluxe Champion tires. The car came equipped from the factory with an independent front suspension and semi-elliptical rear leaf springs. Braking is handled by drums at each corner.
The cabin features twin bucket seats reupholstered in red vinyl along with a color-coordinated dash, carpets, and door panels. Equipment includes a floor-mounted shifter, a clock, a heater and defroster, and a dash-mounted rearview mirror.
The three-spoke steering wheel frames a 140-mph speedometer, and center-mounted instrumentation consists of a tachometer, an ammeter, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 86k miles, though total mileage is unknown. The parking brake light is said to only work intermittently.
The 265ci V8 features dual four-barrel carburetors and reportedly produced 240 horsepower when equipped with the special high-lift camshaft.
A photo of the engine-block stamping is shown above, and the suffix ‘GU’ corresponds with a high-lift camshaft engine.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The removed three-speed transmission and rear differential are included in the sale.
The car received the NCRS-Duntov Mark of Excellence Award, NCRS Performance Verification Award, and Bloomington Gold Certification in 2010, and multiple NCRS Top Flight awards and additional awards are pictured in the gallery below.