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In 1957, Chevrolet enlarged their V8 engine to 283 in³ engine that was rated at 220 bhp. Several options were available to increase power output including the 'fuelie' that increased power to 250 or 283 bhp and GM boasted “one horsepower for every cubic inch”.

Mid way thought the production year Chevrolet offered a manual transmission for the first time on the Corvette and this option would continue in following years. It cost $188.30 and was a modified Borg-Warner unit.

For serious customers Chevrolet offered Rochester carburetor division's "Ramjet" fuel injection which was only ordered on 240 cars. The basic kit could produce 283 bhp or 250 bhp and cost $484.20.

With column-mounted tachometer, cold-air induction and heater delete the 579E racing version cost $726.30 Less than 50 were ordered this way and they were typically ordered with the Heavy Duty Racing Suspension that had new springs, front anti-roll bar, limited-slip differential, ceramic-metallic brake linings and a faster steering ratio. These two options together added $1500 to the base price of the car.

Colors for the 1957 model year included Onyx Black, Aztec Copper, Cascade Green, Arctic Blue, Venetian Red, Polo White, Inca Silver with beige or red interior. A matching Auxiliary Hardtop could be ordered for $215.20.

Often the 1957 Corvette raced alongside in SCCA races against the Jaguar XK120 and Mercedes 300SL. Active racer Andy Portofield said “You also had to drive very hard back then but the 1957 Corvette with fuel injection and the four speed transmission made us dominant from 1957 until the Cobra showed up in late 1962.”¹ Roger Penske also raced a 1957 Corvette in 1958 as his foray into the world of motor sport.

Sources & Further Reading

1.Friedman Dave. Corvette Racing Thunder. Gullstrand Motor Productions: 2003.

Chassis & Sales

1957 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel-Injected Roadster - sold for $104,500 This 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel-Injected Roadster is finished in white with silver coves and a red interior and features the extremely rare and desirable high-performance 283 bhp V8 engine that is equipped with Rochester fuel-injection. It currently comes equipped with a four-speed manual transmission for driving pleasure, however, the original three-speed used for NCRS judging still accompanies the car, as do all the restoration records and... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1957 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster - sold for $63,250 Finished in Onyx black with optional silver coves and a red interior, this 1957 Corvette Roadster was the recipient of a frame-off restoration by Corvette specialists Classic Restorations in Michigan during the mid-nineties. Covering only 816 miles since then, this example remains in excellent overall condition and features the highly desirable 270-hp dual quad, 283-cu. in. V8. Sporting the extremely rare four-speed manual transmission along w... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1957 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel-Injected Roadster - sold for $77,000 Fitted with the hot RPO 579 B/E 283 horsepower V8 engine with Rochester fuel injection, this 1957 Corvette was an original California black-plate car with a sound, rust-free chassis before receiving a complete, frame-off restoration at the hands of experienced Corvette experts. Finished in Venetian Red and complemented by a red vinyl interior, this very desirable example is also equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and a black conver... more
Gallery: 2009 Meadow Brook Concours

1957 Chevrolet Corvette - sold for $77,000 This striking, two-owner 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible was purchased new by the original owner from Parkland Chevrolet of Asheville, North Carolina, and it has remained in the same area ever since. In 2006, the estate of the original owner sold the Corvette to the current owner, who commissioned a high quality, body-off restoration to NCCA show-quality standards that was completed over the next two years. Finished in Red with Beige si... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1957 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel-Injected Roadster - did not sell for $135,000 Equipped with the impressive 283 ci/283 hp, fuel-injected V-8 engine, this superb 1957 Corvette has benefited from a four-year, frame-off restoration completed in February of this year. With work done at Rods by Dutch in Fountain Hills, Arizona, we are told this car is presented to NCRS standards. The Aztec Copper paint is in perfect condition and looks exceptional against the Corvette’s beige side coves and matching beige vinyl interior. The ... more
Gallery: 2011 St. John's Auction by RM

1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 283 HP - did not sell for $75,000 The original owner was in the US military, he was transferred to Norway and brought the Corvette with him 1960-2001. Powerglide transmission. 283 HP fuel injected engine. Positraction. Wonderbar radio. Soft top and hardtop.
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 283/270 HP - did not sell for $65,000 Here is the kind of 1957 Corvette C1 enthusiasts dream about: a performance-equipped 1957 California car sold new in San Diego with owner history, freshly restored to NCRS Top Flight specifications with all the correct numbers and date codes. Powered by the 469C 283/270 HP dual 4-bbl engine, it also incorporates a T-10 4-speed with all NOS gears and X-code 4.56 rear end (a 3.36 open is included at no extra cost). Its Arctic Blue paint and Beig... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

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