1956 Corvette, Bloomington Gold, NCRS Top Flight
This is an ultra rare #1 condition 1956 Corvette both tops Roadster with the optional factory equipped RPO 449 special high-lift camshaft Duntov racing engine with 240 hp and all engine numbers correct and matching. This absolutely stunning recently completed and totally documented frame-off nut and bolt concourse restoration will satisfy the most discerning Corvette buyer. This historically significant optional RPO 449 240hp 1956 Corvette is certainly one of the rarest Corvettes ever produced and arguably one of the most beautiful iconic American classic muscle cars ever built. This is an opportunity to own one of the finest blue chip investments in the highly sought after ultra rare High Horsepower Corvettes super collector car market. This particular 56 Corvette is the first time being offered to the market since its frame-off restoration was completed in June of 2015. This car was awarded Bloomington Gold in 2015 and NCRS Top Flight in May of this year, scoring 98.4. If you are a serious corvette collector looking for the rarest of Corvettes especially high horsepower or racing equipped optional versions, this Corvette could become the defining crown jewel in your well sorted collection.
Let’s talk about the details;
In 1956 the top of the line Corvette motor was the dual quad 225 hp 265ci V-8. It was the only engine that GM shipped until June of 1956. One hundred and eleven buyers of the 225hp dual quad engine opted for the RPO 449 special high-lift camshaft, the fabled Duntov solid lifter cam, which boosted the engine power to an estimated 240hp and was the same engine used by Duntov to post a speed of 150.583 mph on the sand of Daytona during the speed-week 1956. The extremely rare RPO 449 cars are identified by their block numbers GU for the 240hp engine, which was available with the 3 speed manual transmission. Production figures for 1956 are among the lowest in the Corvette post 53 history with only 3,467 built. Of that, only 111 RPO 449 Corvettes were built, and you guessed it, only perhaps a handful remain with their original GU code 240hp Duntov factory original motor intact. Options include Power windows, Power top and 2x4 Carbs. The fully documented frame-off restoration was completed to correct NCRS top flight standards and absolutely no expense was spared. There is extensive photo documentation of the restoration process as well included in the sale.
The paint and body were finished correctly in Aztec Copper lacquer/white side coves as per the factory spec’s in 1956. GM only painted 166 Corvettes with the Aztec Copper/White cove paint scheme in 1956. The body is just a timeless work of art and looks just sensational from any angle. The details on the interior and exterior of this 56’ are just superb and will satisfy the most discerning Corvette collector/enthusiast. The interior is top flight quality and the soft top fit is flawless, painted copper wheels. The overall cosmetics of this 56 Corvette are the gold standards of what other Corvettes of this vintage should be compared to.
Let’s talk about the Mechanicals;
Every mechanical component of this 56 Corvette from front to back has been completely rebuilt with no expense spared. There are only 31 miles on the total rebuild. This Corvette is as good as it was when it left the factory new in 1956.
History
This special Corvette has been family owned since 1969 and has one documented owner prior to the present owner. The car was kept in storage starting in 1975 when it was brought out in 2012 and taken to Twin Oaks Classic Corvette for a complete frame off restoration. The restoration was complete in June of 2015.