1957 Chevrolet Corvette

Introducing Sensational New Fuel Injection

​Since GM's re-styling in 1956, the 1957 Corvette was largely unchanged, however performance was greatly improved. In 1957, GM took a giant step forward with the debut of the optional Ramjet Fuel Injection. Offered with the senior 283-HP engine, the Corvette line set the bar in American Automotive history advertising one horsepower for every cubic inch.

A maximum performance 283-HP at 6200-rpm engine was available with a close-ratio Synchro-Mesh transmission along with a Ramjet Fuel Injection system. It included 10.5 to 1 compression ratio, competition-type camshaft, and high-speed valve system with special valve springs, spring dampers, and mechanical valve lifters. The other three basic Corvette engines were the standard single four-barrel 220-HP V8, the two four-barrel 245-HP V8, and the Fuel Injected 250-HP V8.

​At the time, this was the most advanced performance feature ever offered on an American production engine. The Ramjet Fuel Injection, an efficient constant flow system that eliminated the carburetor, delivered fuel directly to the cylinders for instantaneous accelerator response, greater overall fuel economy, higher low-speed torque and smoothness, ease of starting and overall improvement of engine performance, was sensational. In one bold stroke the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette provided a new dimension of driving pleasure.

Specifications

Transmission
 Choice of special 3-speed close-ratio Synchro-Mesh (2.2:1 low and reverse, 1.31:1 second, 1:1 high) with high-capacity 10-inch semi-centrifugal coil spring clutch, or optional Powerglide special automatic transmission. Floor mounted gear or range selector.
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Chassis
Drive System- Hotchkiss drive, with unit-balanced tubular propeller shaft and universal joints.
Rear Axle- Semi-floating hypoid with single unit banjo housing. Axle ratios: with Powerglide, 3.55:1; with close-ratio Synchro-Mesh 3.70:1. Positraction axle with 3.70:1, 4.11:1, or 4.56:1 ratio optional with close-ratio Synchro-Mesh only.
Frame- Extra-rigid box girder frame reinforced with “X” member.
Suspension- Independent coil spring front suspension with ride stabilizer. Outrigger mounted semi-elliptic rear springs. Direct double-acting shock absorbers.
Steering- Full anti-friction steering gear with balanced steering linkage, 16:1 overall ratio. Turning diameter (curb to curb), 36.55 feet right, 36.93 feet left.

Exterior Features
Glass-fiber reinforced plastic body with sculpted side panels. High quality polished lacquer finish. Front hinged hood with inside latch release and automatic support. Large luggage locker with spare wheel well under floor, concealed top well behind seats. Dual exhaust ports. Chrome-bound windshield. Large screened cowl ventilator. Manually operated fabric top or lightweight easily removable plastic hardtop. Power-operating mechanism optional with fabric top.

Color Options
For 1957, the Corvette was available in six solid exterior colors or six two-tone combinations with matching color-keyed interior or contrasting top. Those options were:

• Polo White    |   Onyx Black   |   Aztec Copper   |   Cascade Green   |   Arctic Blue   |   Venetian Red*   |   Inca Silver

In March of 2022, this factory preserved Corvette arrived to the Museum of American Speed thanks to Joel and Lynette Janssen of Papillion, NE. The Museum is honored to display such a fine representation of late 1950s GM heritage.