1957 Corvette Specifications: Details you need to know!

1957 Corvette Specifications: A Brief Overview of Its Options, Production Numbers, Costs, etc.

1957 C1 Chevrolet Corvette Specifications
1957 C1 Chevrolet Corvette Specifications

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.

Check out the beautiful Corvette bags and coolers designed with the Enthusiast in mind Featuring your favorite Vette's logo of various years. C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8.

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#DESCRIPTIONQUANTITYCOST ($)
2934Base Corvette Convertible6,3393,176.32
101Heater5,373118.40
102AM Radio, Signal Seeking3,365199.10
107Parking Brake Alarm1,8735.40
108Courtesy Lights2,4898.65
109Windshield Washers2,55511.85
276Wheels, 15×5.55115.10
2906.70×15 Whitewall Tires5,01931.60
3033-Speed Manual Transmission, Close Ratio2,8860.00
313Powerglide Automatic Transmission1,393188.30
419Auxillary Hardtop4,055215.20
426Power Windows37959.20
440Two-Tone Exterior Paint2,79719.40
469A283ci, 245hp Engine (2×4 carburetor)2,045150.65
469C283ci, 270hp Engine (2×4 carburetor)1,621182.95
473Power Operated Folding Top1,336139.90
579A283ci, 250hp Engine (fuel injection)182484.20
579B283ci, 283hp Engine (fuel injection)713484.20
579C283ci, 250hp Engine (fuel injection)102484.20
579E283ci, 283hp Engine (fuel injection)43726.30
677Positraction Rear Axle, 3.70:132748.45
678Positraction Rear Axle, 4.11:11,77248.45
679Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1n/a48.45
684Heavy Duty Racing Suspension51780.10
6854-Speed Manual Transmission664188.30

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.

CODEEXTERIORQUANTITY
Onyx Black2,189
Polo White1,273
Venetian Red1,320
Arctic Blue487
Aztec Copper452
Cascade Green550
Inca Silver65

1957 Corvette Interior Color Choices

CODECOLOR
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.

1957 Corvette Convertible Dual quad 283270 HP V 8 engine
1957 Corvette Convertible Dual quad 283270 HP V 8 engine
1957 Venetian Red with Red Interior Corvette Convertible Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1957 Venetian Red with Red Interior Corvette Convertible Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Photo Credit Mecum Auction

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.

1957 Black Corvette Convertible Fuel Injected 283 283 HP V 8 Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1957 Black Corvette Convertible Fuel Injected 283 283 HP V 8 Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1957 Corvette Onyx Black paint with a matching auxiliary hard top silver side coves and a sharp red interior
1957 Corvette Onyx Black paint with a matching auxiliary hard top silver side coves and a sharp red interior Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1957 Corvette Onyx Black paint with a matching auxiliary hard top silver side coves and a sharp red interior
1957 Corvette Onyx Black paint with a matching auxiliary hard top silver side coves and a sharp red interior Photo Credit Mecum Auction

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.

Polo White with Silver coves 1957 Corvette Fuelie Convertible Photo Credit Mecum Auction
Polo White with Silver coves 1957 Corvette Fuelie Convertible Photo Credit Mecum Auction

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:

1957 CORVETTE MAGAZINE ADS

1957 CORVETTE BROCHURE

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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