Chevrolet’s fiberglass car looked to be badly beaten, bloody, and on the ropes with only 700 units sold in 1955. Unwilling to toss in the towel, Chevrolet took their down-and-out fighter and whipped it into shape for 1956 with a stylish redesign, a fiery V8 motor, and a 3-speed manual transmission that made the ‘Vette the undisputed Champion of the American Sports Car. And this little Red Corvette, once part of the famed Corvette collector John Lindquist’s collection, embodies what made the ‘56 a massive success.
In 1956, the body underwent a transformation that introduced unique and timeless features like the iconic scalloped side covers, exposed headlamps, and a sportier rear end. This 1956 Chevrolet Corvette is a pristine example of what you would have received when you ordered a ‘Vette. Eloquently draped in Venetian red lacquer paint with the white side stripes, this car is unmistakable and demands attention. All the chrome has been polished and shines brightly. If you’re not up for a cruise with the top down, feel free to utilize the power-operated tan convertible that pops against the red paint. The steel wheels are painted red, with sparkling, correct wheel caps and the infamous white-wall tires. There’s no doubt that you’ll be the classiest person at every occasion when cruising this time capsule.
The C1 cockpit is by far the most enviable, with its incredible style and swagger that makes the driver feel as cool as James Dean. The red exterior bleeds into the interior with red all over and the perfect amount of chrome. First, Chevrolet moved the floor-mounted close-ratio chrome shifter closer to the driver for split-second gear banging, with a guide plate attached to the boot. White-trimmed dash leads the eyes through a chorus of chrome gauges, and a factory Wonderbar radio sits center stage. The half-rounded speedometer sits tightly in the dash, with an odometer reading 94,811 miles.
In 1956, Chevy did the right thing and gave the people what they desperately needed: more power! The six-cylinder was old news, and in went the new 265 V8. This Corvette sports the numbers-matching 265 with a pair of four-barrel carbs residing on top. An RPO 449 high-lift camshaft, or the “Duntov Cam”, lopes inside the 240 horsepower-rated powerhouse. A correct 24011 three-speed manual transmission was the hot ticket back then, and this lucky Corvette sports one.
This ‘Vette’s Z-frame was meticulously restored, as you can tell in the photos, and runs a stock setup. Independent coil springs reside up front while the original-style leaf spring system remains in place. Period-correct and restored drum brakes for safety and stopping are at each corner of this ol’ Chevy, and every square inch has been painted in the protective satin black.
What’s better than this incredibly correct restoration is the amount of preservation and documentation that is provided with the car. This particular Chevy was one of only 111 produced with the 24011 transmission. In fact, the seller has provided a list of documentation listed below:
Documented Numbers
VIN: E56S002201
Block identification serial number: 0620820F56GU
Block casting number: 3720991, casting date K255
Head casting numbers: 3731762 E76 13
Intake manifold casting number: 3731394 GM
Carburetor tag numbers: 2362S, 2413S
Generator number: 1102043 6C22
Bellhousing number: 1181
Transmission casting number: 8845122 G15
Rear end casting numbers: D106, 3707306 GM14
So when you’re getting ready to hit the road and soak up the sun, remember that you don’t own just any Corvette; you own the year that refused to die. Without the ‘56, there may have never been the Corvette that we love and cherish in automotive history. So rejoice as you row the gears and praise the valiant warrior that is the ‘56 Corvette by getting out there and driving the hell out of it.
