1956 Corvette
Zora Arkus-Duntov completely redesigned the Corvette for the 1956 model year. If he hadn't, there would very likely not have been another Corvette! Can you imagine a world without the Vette? Pretty dreary place.
A hardtop was now an option for the Corvette and the Mercedes 300SL strongly influenced the styling. A manual transmission was now standered, and the automatic was optional. Zora Arkus-Duntov redesigned the camshaft, and the V-8 went from 210 hp at 5,200 rpm to 225 at 5,800 rpm, with the 10.3:1 high compression heads to 240 hp. At Daytona, Duntov in a modified 240 hp V -8 engine Corvette averaged 150.583 mph and entered the record books. That year 3,467 corvettes were sold.
Although the same basic grille was kept, there were new front fenders with chrome rimmed headlights, external door handles, chrome outlined concave side body sculpturing (coves) and sloping taillight integrated rear fenders. The dash layout remained the same as in the past. Upholstery colors were limited to beige or red, but six exterior colors were available. Onyx Black, Polo White, Venetian Red, Cascade Green, Azte Copper and Arctic Blue.
Preformance increced on the Vette again. The top speed was now officially rated at 129, and 0-60 could be done in 7.7 seconds, and 0-100 in 19.9.
Later that year, while driving a hardtop Corvette at GM's Milford proving grounds, Zora lost control of the vehicle, smashed the car, and broke a vertebrae in his back. Also that year, Ed Cole replaced Thomas Keating as general manager of Chevrolet. Finally, Zora began building 4 race test cars, the XP64's.
Factory Price: $3120
Overall Length: 167"
Wheelbase: 102"
Weight: 2870 lbs.
Engine: 265 cid V-8
Compression: 9.25:1
Carburetor: Single 4 barrel
Dual 4 barrels (optional)
Horsepower: 210 @ 5000 rpm
225 @ ???? rpm (optional)
240 @ ???? rpm (optional)
Transmission: 3 speed manual
2 speed auto (optional)