Chassis No. E56S003341

Engine No. 0546507 F56GR

Road & Track magazine was duly impressed: "100 mph in 2nd!" Continuous improvement brought Chevrolet's Corvette a new look and increased performance. A three-speed manual transmission was finally available and now standard equipment. The base 265 cu-in V8 engine received a 30-horsepower increase, and an optional twin-carburetor version with cast aluminum intake manifold boosted that to 225 horsepower. Many of these improvements could be attributed to newly hired chief engineer, Zora Arkus Duntov, and his extensive European racing experience and engineering prowess. AM radio with rear mounted antenna, windshield washers, Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires, and full "spinner" wheel covers, complete the striking new look.

This 1956 Corvette was purchased by the late Leonard Nagel in 1985, who's collection Motor Trend reported in 2003 "... includes a Vette from each model year up to 1967." This 1956 Corvette is finished in Arctic Blue, without the optional contrasting coves introduced that year, over a Beige interior and Beige convertible top, along with the optional matching Arctic Blue removable hardtop. The "GR" code 225 horsepower V8 is also correct for a three-speed manual-equipped Corvette. Not satisfied with average, Mr. Nagel did much of the restoration work on his Corvettes himself to the highest standard, and his restoration skills and thorough documentation resulted in Bloomington Gold certification, judged to be 95 to 100 percent "Typical Factory Production." That accolade was followed by three Top Flight awards from the National Corvette Restorers Society based on a similar "as manufactured" standard, two from regional shows, one from the National Convention, and then passing the stringent NCRS Performance Verification test with no points deducted. Receiving these awards within the required two-year span resulted in achieving the Duntov Mark of Excellence Award from the same organization (one of just 1,166 Corvettes having earned this honor). Showing 112 miles since restoration, and preserved by the consignor since 2012, this exceptional 1956 Corvette represents the first landmark vehicles to feature the mark of Zora Duntov.

A MINIMUM PRICE GUARANTEE: Consignor has been guaranteed a minimum price for this lot, or a collection including this Iot, by Broad Arrow. Broad Arrow may benefit financially or incur a loss depending on whether the lot is sold and the final hammer price.