• Offered from The Carrera Collection
• One of just 166 examples finished in two-tone Aztec Copper and Beige
• Single-family ownership from 1979 to 2006
• Subject to a body-off restoration in the 1980s; recipient of an NCRS Top Flight Award in October 2005
• Accompanied by an operations manual, restoration photographs, spare wheel, and correct-type steering wheel

The Chevrolet Corvette’s first major styling revision arrived in 1956, three years after the model’s launch. The well-balanced design paid homage to the original incarnation, yet added a dash of modernity with new wings, chrome-rimmed headlights, integrated taillights, and the now iconic side coves. General Motors’ engineers also added a handful of creature comforts, including wind-up windows, an adjustable passenger seat, and external door handles—all welcome changes from the relatively spartan earlier model. Furthermore, customers could choose from a host of options and colours, with two-tone paint offered for the first time.

This striking two-tone Aztec Copper and Beige over Beige example was built in 1956 and benefited from all the new model year improvements, in addition to the all-new “RPO-419” option, which paired twin four-barrel carburettors with a cast aluminium manifold and 225 horsepower, 265 cubic-inch (4.3 litre) V-8 engine. It was also specified with a two-speed Powerglide automatic gearbox, electric windows, and a power-operated convertible roof.

Delivered new to California car, this Corvette was said to have had just three owners until 2006. The second owner acquired the car in the late-1970s before carrying out a full body-off restoration. In 1986, the car was entered into an NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) competition and scored 4,314 out of a total 4,500 points, highlighting the quality of its restoration. Later, while in the care of a relative, the C1 was the recipient of an NCRS Top Flight Award in October 2005. Leaving the family’s possession in 2006, the car changed hands via Pro-Team Corvette Sales and was sold to the fourth owner. He retained the car for two years before selling it to the current owner, who exported the Corvette to Switzerland in 2008 and added it to The Carrera Collection.

A charming and tastefully specified example of the first model-year facelifted Corvette, this C1 is still finished in its factory-correct colour scheme two-tone of Aztec Copper and Beige and sports a correct-type engine with twin four-barrel carburettors. The car is accompanied by a history file that features restoration photographs, previous titles and invoices, as well as an operations manual.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/cc23.