1957 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster

This 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $75,000 - $85,000. It was offered without reserve. It is fitted with a V8 engine that displaces 283 cubic inches and is capable of producing 220 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

When the Corvette was first introduced, it made a rather weak entrance, with sales being sluggish. It was underpowered and under-performed in comparison to the MGs and Jaguars that had already won the hearts of the returning GIs. Things turned around for the Corvette when Zora Arkus-Duntov had a manual gearbox and V8 power installed and proved the potential of the vehicle on the race track.

1957 brought about another important addition, a fuel-injection system. It has taken a number of years, but the Corvette is without a doubt 'America's sports car.'

This particular example has been treated to a restoration that was completed in 2006. It has a white canvas convertible top and a Venetian Red fiberglass body. The interior is red vinyl upholstery and complements the exterior rather nicely. Included in the sale was the original hardtop.

Since this was offered without reserve, the high bid was to be the winning bid. Bidding fell short of the estimated value, which worked well for the buyer, who purchased this amazing automobile for $66,000 including the buyer's premium. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007