Chris' Object of Automotive Desire - 1/23

When the first in the line of legendary Corvette sports cars appeared in 1953, there was little to suggest the future glory of the name. Cleanly if delicately styled, with only an equally delicate six-cylinder engine to motivate it, the 1953 Corvette was more a cruiser than a bruiser; a car in which to relax, not race.

But thanks to a restyling and the magic of the small-block Chevrolet V-8, by the second generation, 1956-1957, the Corvette had hit its stride. In fact, I think the 1956-1957 Corvettes are the prettiest made during that first decade; more artistic than the bathtub-sided progenitor, and less weighed down with chrome bars and filigree as the similar but more chunky 1958-1962 models.

With its classic lines from the age of true styling individualism and V-8 power (including optional fuel injection, a rare find in 1957), the 1956-1957 Corvette and its racing derivations quickly began to dominate the sport car market and establish the marque as a true competitor to the world's finest machinery.

Nowadays, these cars are very rare and extraordinarily expensive - though I'm surprised at how inexpensive this New Braunfels car is - dual four-barrel convertible, no less.

http://www.dealsonwheels.com/search/detailbig.cfm/Autos__ID/000007-200601-000007