2023 Corvette Nats highlight – Restored C1

The public Show ‘n’ Shine at this year’s Corvette Nationals attracted a BIG display of more than 200 Corvettes, from the oldest to the newest and stock survivors to restomod customs.

First-generation (1953-62) Corvettes are a rarity in Australia, though, which made the appearance of several examples at the Nationals something special.

Following its launch in 1953, the Corvette’s first major styling change came with the 1956 model year, when the headlights were moved forward and the stone shields removed, while the tail lights were tunnelled into the rear guard. Front and rear bumpers were redesigned and the exhaust outlets repositioned, while the boot lid lost its recessed number plate holder.

The most obvious design change, though, was the addition of concave coves on the flanks, which were trimmed in stainless steel and could be painted in a contrasting colour (either silver or beige) for extra cost. Today, many restored Corvettes from the era have this treatment, but back in 1956, only about a third of buyers selected it.

A less obvious change was the addition of exterior door handles for the first time, with proper wind-up windows introduced, too. A removable hardtop was also introduced, with this option said to have a take-up rate of almost 100 per cent, as it provided much better weather protection than the standard convertible hood and clip-in side curtains.

Under the restyled body, the ’56 Corvette standardised the 265ci (4.34-litre) V8 that had been introduced the year before and could be had in three levels of tune, matched to either a three-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission.

While this ’56 Corvette looks authentic (and is in most areas), the pale blue exterior is not a 1956 factory colour. The more obvious change is the right-hand drive conversion, which looks to be very well executed. A radio upgrade is also visible.

To see the JUST CARS report from the 2023 Corvette Nationals, click HERE.