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Harley Earl, as head of GM's Styling Section, was an avid fan of sporting cars. He recognized that GIs returning after serving overseas in the years following World War II were bringing home MGs, Jaguars, and Alfa Romeos. In 1951, Nash Motors began selling an expensive two-seat sports car, the Nash-Healey, that was made in partnership with the Italian designer Pininfarina and British auto engineer Donald Healey, but there were few moderate-priced models. Earl convinced GM that they needed to build an all-American two-seat sports car, and with his Special Projects crew began working on the new car in late 1951. The last time Chevrolet offered a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible/roadster body style was in 1938 with the Chevrolet Master.
The first generation Corvette or "C1" was introduced late in the 1953 model year, and produced through 1962.This generation is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Stingray. The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled. Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car's early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet decided to make necessary improvements.
Visually the 1957 model was unchanged from the '56. The V8 was increased to 283 cu in, and fuel-injection became a very expensive option. A 4-speed manual transmission became available after April 9, 1957. GM's Rochester subsidiary's used a constant flow system, producing a listed 290 hp (216 kW) at 6200 rpm and 290 lb⋅ft of torque at 4400 rpm. Debate continues to swirl whether this was underrated by Chevrolet (to allow for lower insurance premiums, or give the car an advantage in certain forms of racing) rather than overrated, as was common practice at the time (to juice sales). Either way, it was advertised as producing "One HP per cubic inch", allowing it to claim it one of the first mass-produced engines to do so.
Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by its designer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special performance options, such as an engine fresh air/tach package, heavy-duty racing suspension, and 15 by 5.5 in (380 by 140 mm) wheels.
Sales volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary standard and less than 1954's 3,640, making it the third lowest in Corvette history. Fuel-injected models were in short supply, yet 1,040 were sold.
This beautiful and ultra-detailed AMT Model Kit in 1:16 scale faithfully replicates an American classic.
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Features
- Includes parts to build your choice of the 270 hp dual 4-barrell carb or 238 hp fuel injected version complete with wiring and fuel lines
- Stock wheel covers with Goodyear tires or custom spoke wheels
- Opening doors, separate chrome emblems, choice of convertible or hard top with optional side exhausts
- Self-adhesive carpeting, detailed instrument panel, steerable front wheels
- Over 200 parts with full color decals
- Includes operating headlights and taillights
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