June 2004 Featured Car

        In 1956 Chevrolet made vast improvements to the Corvette. The body was redesigned, the convertible top fit much better than in previous years, the windows were now made of real glass and actually rolled down. Heck you could even get power windows ($60.00) as an option. The base engine was the 265 cu.in. V8 producing 210 HP with a single 4 bbl carburetor. Optional was the same engine with different cam and dual quads producing 240HP. A 3 speed manual transmission was standard.  In its day the '56 Corvette was a rip-snorter and often ended up at the track. Hence they had a higher mortality rate than the earlier 6 cylinder Vettes. 3,467 units were produced for the 1956 model year. Exterior colors available were Onyx Black, Aztec Copper, Cascade Green, Arctic Blue, Venetian Red, and Polo White. Interior colors were either Red or Beige. Tops were available in white, black or beige depending on the body color. All 3 top colors were never a choice with any given color. Each body color had 2 top colors. An optional hardtop became available for this model year at a cost of $200.00. The Corvette with the base engine cost $2900. A heater was optional (115.00), so were items like a radio (185.00), automatic transmission (175.00), whitewall tires (30.00), windshield washer (11.00).

    Club member Harry Eggleston has the fortune to own one of these legends. Click on the pictures below and take a look at this beauty. This is the dual quad version, Venetian Red with red interior. Harry loves taking the car to shows and says one of his favorites is the Hyannis Chamber of Commerce's Father's Day show in June. Just so happens that our club is attending that day and we can't wait to see Harry's gem again. Ya gotta like this car. We sure do.

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