The year was 1957
March 2, 2023The year was 1957
The year was 1957. Some of us were still a glimmer in our parent’s eye and the others of us weren’t old enough to drive yet, but we couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of our own car. In any case, it was the beginning of the greatest period in US automotive history; a time when the debut of new cars in the showrooms was one of the biggest events of the year.
Life was good and America was prosperous. World War II was twelve years in the past and the Korean War had been over for four years. President Eisenhower had signed the Interstate Highway System into law and freeways were under construction all over the country America was on the move. A time when people were discovering this great country, getting out on the highways to explore not only the beautiful geography, but to engage in new forms of recreation. Crossing the United States from Maine to Southern California and from the Pacific Northwest to Florida. Summertime was a time for discovery and adventure.
American cars were stylish, comfortable, powerful, and colorful, and, for most people, they were affordable. A new car carried an average price tag of under $2,400 and a good used car could be purchased for under $500 and gas was $.24 per gallon.
1957 was also the year Arkus-Duntov became Director of High-Performance Vehicles at Chevrolet. After helping to introduce the small-block V8 engine to the Corvette in 1955, providing the car with much-needed power. He also developed the famous Duntov high-lift camshaft and helped bring fuel injection to the Corvette in 1957.
The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation is giving you the opportunity to win a 2023 Corvette Z06! The Grand Prize Z06 is a Coupe offered in Elkhart Lake Blue and features the Z07 Performance Package with Carbon Flash Metallic ground effects and high wing spoiler. Inside is a 3LZ trim package outfitted with a Sky Cool Gray interior and GT2 seats, and the car rides on aluminum Spider design wheels in Satin Graphite with a Red Stripe. Your donation of $25 or more helps to raise awareness for Amyloidosis, the disease which claimed the life of Corvette enthusiast Chip Miller in 2004.
This Week’s Owners’ Corner
Send your story today!
Mike B.
I purchased my first Corvette when I retired 10 years ago. It was a black 1995 coupe with a black interior. It had a few blemishes and enough wrong with it that I could do a little wrenching on it to occupy my time. I did thoroughly enjoy it and took it to several Black Hills Corvette Classic Rallies in my home state of South Dakota. During the summer of Covid (2020) I found this beautify LeMans blue metallic 2007 convertible. Owning a convertible was on my bucket list and as I am not getting any younger I dropped the hammer and traded up. My wife loves the car too and we have taken it to several Black Hills Corvette Rallies since then. This picture was taken on the way to the last rally on a side trip through the Badlands National Park in western South Dakota.
Mike B.
2020 Convertible with 4k Miles
3LT Trim & Z51 Performance Package
Blade Silver Metallic with Sky Cool Gray Interior.
This awesome example came to us from a gentleman up in Northern California. He only managed to put a bit over 4k miles on it before we were able to pry it away from him!
Options include:
3LT Trim Package.
Magnetic Ride Control.
Z51 Performance Package.
Edge Red painted brake calipers.
Carbon Fiber interior trim Package.
Carbon Flash painted nacelles, roof and Convertible top.
Black painted 19″ front/ 20″ rear Trident aluminum wheels.
Priced for quick sale: $109,900!
1963 White SWC
Certified Orignial Engine and Trim Tag!
Ermine White w/Red interior, 327/340hp, 4-speed manual.
This absolutely pristine example has just undergone a complete nut and bolt frame-off restoration by an NCRS judge. It features a C.C.A.S. Certified engine under the hood and a C.C.A.S. Certified Trim tag also! it’s ready to be shown and garner all the awards.
Priced Less Than Mecum Kissimmee!
If you have a Red 1959, we have Cash!
Click Here or email me to talk about your 1959 for sale: Troy@CorvetteMike.Com!
CF1 Roadster
Kindigit Designs & Corvette Mike Collaboration
Avoid the 2+ year wait. We can deliver by Spring (Only one available)!
Kindigit Designs of Bitchin Rides and Corvette Mike have collaborated to bring you the Koolest of Bitchin Rides — a series dedicated to the ultimate resto-mods. The last of a true breed of combustion engines purpose-built by Lingenfelter, developing enough horsepower to rip the steel cords right off these Michelins.
This combination of a very limited, select edition of carbon fiber bodies mated to Roadster Shop chassis culminated into something very special. The first, from scratch, retro look 1953 Corvette Roadster with all the trick goodies of modern-day Sportage transportation with a flare to dare you not to stare.
This CF1 is already SOLD, though you can custom build
and reserve yours today! Talk to us, baby!!
Call 714-630-0700 or email: Troy@CorvetteMike.Com
1967 Black 435
&
Red 1959 Wanted!
If you have a 1967 Black L71 427/435
and/or
a Red/Red or Red/Black 1959, we have Cash!
Email me to talk about any cars you want to sell: Troy@CorvetteMike.Com!
Comic of the Week
Some random thoughts
I’ve always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives.
Every man has his follies – and often they are the most interesting thing he has got.
The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around.
the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Sunday April 23, 2023
Photo Credit: McFarlane Promotions
Sunday April 23rd, 2023
9AM-4PM – Ellen Browning Scripps Park
This year we highlight the C1 and C2 Corvettes.
C1 refers to 1953 thru 1962.
C2 refers 1963 to 1967.
If you have a show worthy stock example you need to compete in this years event. Click Here to register.
Returning to the shores of La Jolla, CA. the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, presented by LPL Financial celebrates its 17th year of automotive excellence Friday April 21st – Sunday April 23rd, 2023. Earning a reputation as one of the finest internationally renowned classic automobile showcases in the world, the La Jolla Concours continues to attract discerning car enthusiasts from around the globe for a weekend of prestigious events.
This is a rare opportunity to view over 150 spectacular classic automobiles displayed at the La Jolla Cove along the breathtaking Pacific Coast. Enjoy live music, indulge in the Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden. Multiple VIP experiences available! Attend the La Jolla Concours in true VIP style. VIP will be moved to an exciting new location along the Ocean for 2023. In addition to GA and VIP tickets, the La Jolla Concours is offering an Ultimate VIP ticket, Premium ticket, and Luxury Ocean Suite ticket. Visit lajollaconcours.com to curate your perfect Concours weekend.
The 17th Annual La Jolla Concours proceeds will go towards the La Jolla Historical Society, which preserves the rich history of La Jolla. In addition to the La Jolla Historical Society, the La Jolla Concours, over the years, has benefited several additional local community non-profit partners. For more information, to register your vehicle, or to purchase tickets to the featured weekend events, visit www.lajollaconcours.com.
