1957 Corvette Specifications: A Brief Overview of Its Options, Production Numbers, Costs, etc.
A car’s specifications can be a great way to learn about its history. The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is no exception. As we look at the 1957 Corvette Specifications, we learn that this is the year that Fuel injection and 4-speed manual transmission were first introduced to Corvette. This information might not seem important at first glance, but when you know what options were available for this model, you will get a better idea about what made it so special. The production numbers for this model are also important because they tell us how many of these cars have been built over the years.
In 1953, when Chevrolet introduced its all-new two-seater Corvette at the Motorama show, the vehicle earned mixed reviews; critics admired its sleek styling, but the lackluster powertrain (Chevrolet 6-cylinder and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission) left something to be desired. Fortunately, Chevrolet heeded their customers’ complaints and saved the Corvette from potential cancelation. In 1955, the company upgraded the engine to an all-new V-8, and in 1956, styling was further refined. Moreover, engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was busy refining the Corvette to be competitive on the track. This work came to fruition in 1957 with an unchanging look and the new V-8, which was complemented by an optional 4-speed manual transmission, transforming the vehicle into a fierce race competitor. Chevrolet’s advertisement proudly proclaimed the 1957 Corvette “A new American classic,” and it was a claim well-earned.
As we look at the 1957 Corvette specifications, we remember that Corvette was now in its 5th year of first-generation Corvette’s production and has come a long way. The big news for 57 was the fuel-injected engines and the 4-speed manual transmission in the first year in the Corvette.
What did a 1957 Cost New?
The base Corvette sold for $3,176, which was only $56 more than the previous year. But to put this into perspective, the average yearly income was $4,494, and the average car at that time sold for $2,749.
Weight, Length, and Wheel Base of the 57 Vette
- Curb Weight: 2849 lbs.
- Vehicle Length: 168 in.
- Wheel Base: 102 in.
Optional Equipment
- 4-Speed Manual Transmission (You could get the 4-speed manual transmission option after April 9, 1957)
- AM
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Hard Top
- Heater
- Power Top
- Power Windows
- Seat Belts
- White Sidewall Tires
C1 1957 Corvette Specifications: RPO#, Description, Quantity and Cost
| RPO# | DESCRIPTION | QUANTITY | COST ($) |
| 2934 | Base Corvette Convertible | 6,339 | 3,176.32 |
| 101 | Heater | 5,373 | 118.40 |
| 102 | AM Radio, Signal Seeking | 3,365 | 199.10 |
| 107 | Parking Brake Alarm | 1,873 | 5.40 |
| 108 | Courtesy Lights | 2,489 | 8.65 |
| 109 | Windshield Washers | 2,555 | 11.85 |
| 276 | Wheels, 15×5.5 | 51 | 15.10 |
| 290 | 6.70×15 Whitewall Tires | 5,019 | 31.60 |
| 303 | 3-Speed Manual Transmission, Close Ratio | 2,886 | 0.00 |
| 313 | Powerglide Automatic Transmission | 1,393 | 188.30 |
| 419 | Auxillary Hardtop | 4,055 | 215.20 |
| 426 | Power Windows | 379 | 59.20 |
| 440 | Two-Tone Exterior Paint | 2,797 | 19.40 |
| 469A | 283ci, 245hp Engine (2×4 carburetor) | 2,045 | 150.65 |
| 469C | 283ci, 270hp Engine (2×4 carburetor) | 1,621 | 182.95 |
| 473 | Power Operated Folding Top | 1,336 | 139.90 |
| 579A | 283ci, 250hp Engine (fuel injection) | 182 | 484.20 |
| 579B | 283ci, 283hp Engine (fuel injection) | 713 | 484.20 |
| 579C | 283ci, 250hp Engine (fuel injection) | 102 | 484.20 |
| 579E | 283ci, 283hp Engine (fuel injection) | 43 | 726.30 |
| 677 | Positraction Rear Axle, 3.70:1 | 327 | 48.45 |
| 678 | Positraction Rear Axle, 4.11:1 | 1,772 | 48.45 |
| 679 | Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1 | n/a | 48.45 |
| 684 | Heavy Duty Racing Suspension | 51 | 780.10 |
| 685 | 4-Speed Manual Transmission | 664 | 188.30 |
1957 Corvette Exterior Color Options
In studying the 1957 Corvette Specifications, we learn that the interior and exterior colors were not coded to individual cars.
The colors that were offered were Onyx Black (the number one choice), Polo White, Venetian Red, Arctic Blue, Aztec Copper, Cascade Green, and Inca Silver. The six choices could also be paired with the two-tone paint option (#440 with a cost of $19.40 – 2,794 chose this). There was only one new color for 1957, the Inca Silver.
CODE EXTERIOR QUANTITY – Onyx Black 2,189 – Polo White 1,273 – Venetian Red 1,320 – Arctic Blue 487 – Aztec Copper 452 – Cascade Green 550 – Inca Silver 65
1957 Corvette Interior Color Choices
| CODE | COLOR |
| – | Beige Vinyl (1,315 Built) |
| – | Red Vinyl (5,021 Built) |
What are the 1957 Corvettes Selling for in 2023?
At the Mecum Indy 2023 auction, a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette convertible with the Dual-Quad 283/270 HP V-8 bid to $100,000 but did not sell.
This Venetian Red 1957 Chevrolet Corvette showcases the gorgeous body lines with contrasting Shoreline Beige coves, a style continued inside with a striking red interior. A powerful, optional 283 CI V-8 dual-quad engine produces 270 HP and is connected to a 3-speed manual transmission. After a frame-off restoration and judging by NCRS, this classic has earned its Top Flight Award and has since been kept in great condition with service receipts as documentation. It also includes a matching hard top, a white soft top, classic spinner hubcaps, wide whitewall tires, the NCRS Top Flight award and judging sheets, an owner’s manual, and restoration paperwork. This meticulously maintained solid-axle Corvette is the perfect car for any collector.
At the Mecum Indy 2023 auction, an immaculate Onyx Black/Silver coves1957 Corvette Convertible with the 283/283 HP V-8 engine, having just 15 miles on the odometer, bid to $90,000 but did not sell.
One of just 43 built with the RPO 579 283/283 HP Fuelie V-8 and BorgWarner T-10 4-speed manual transmission. This product contains a tubular throttle linkage rod and plate manufactured by the OEM and was only available for a year. It can be identified by its OEM manufacturer’s stamp.
This classic Corvette has had its fuel-injection unit rebuilt, new gas tank and lines, fuel pump, tune-up, brakes, battery, and tires installed at a total cost of $20,000. A unique asset, it comes with an ownership history dating back to 1997, comprehensive documentation in a three-ring binder, and a custom-fitted car cover.
This Polo White with Silver coves 1957 Corvette Fuelie Convertible with the 283-283 HP V-8 and 4-Speed sold for $89,100 at the Mecum Indy 2023 auction. Those with an interest in classic cars will be pleased to discover that this Corvette contains an engine with the right “EL” imprint on the engine pad. To guarantee its performance, it was restored in 2022 by an experienced fuel-injection specialist, Lyle Davidson.
Another 1957 Dual Quad 283/270 HP V-8, 3-Speed bid to $75,000 and didn’t sell. A Dual Quad 283 V-8 3-Speed sold for $68,200, and another 283/245 HP V-8, Automatic, sold for $62,150.
If you’re interested in acquiring a 1957 Corvette, look no further! Our Corvettes for Sale Classifieds may have just what you need. Don’t hesitate to browse our selection today.
Here is a short video of when General Motors unveiled the ’57 Corvette Super Sport at the 72nd New York Auto Show.
Here are some other articles you might enjoy:
C1 CORVETTE – THE HISTORY OF BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS
CORVETTE NEWS MAGAZINE HISTORY – FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1957
1957 SCCA CORVETTE FI HISTORIC RACECAR
1957 CORVETTE SUPER SPORT – THE FORGOTTEN SHOW CAR – FLIPBOOK
How The C1 Corvette Was Made: See The Car’s Evolution
1957 Corvette Super Sport – The Forgotten Show Car
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