1956

Spurred on by competition and by initial success in racing circles, the Corvette fiberglass body underwent its first major styling change.

Overall, the soft, rounded lines of the 1953-55 models were somewhat squared off. The most marked style modification that became a Corvette trademark for the next several years featured a sculptured or scooped-out side "cove" trimmed in chrome, thereby permitting two-tone color combinations for the first time.

Up front, the rounded fenders were streamlined; the recessed headlights were moved forward to the more conventional spot at the front of the fenders and were trimmed with chrome. The hood sported a pair of "windsplits" and non-functional vent scoops atop each fender.

In the back, fenders were contoured to follow a sloping rear deck; the rocket-style fins were removed and the taillights recessed into lower, sleeker fenders above vertical chrome bumper guards. The rear license plate was relocated below the trunk opening and was set off by horizontal bumperettes. Staining from the exhaust was corrected by moving the pipes outboard from the fascia to exit through the vertical bumper guards.

Other modifications included external door handles and locks, roll-up windows, optional power windows and a hydraulically operated convertible roof. Also available for the first time as options were factory built auxiliary hardtops (in addition to white or beige soft tops) and seat belts in kit form from dealers.

Among other extras for the visually-revamped 'Vette were "knock-off" wheel covers, transistorized AM radios, adjustable passenger seats, a higher output 12-volt battery system and a new type of clutch for standard transmissions.

Under the hood, engine choices ranged from a basic 210 horsepower V8 to a 225hp with dual four-barrel carburetors. A "Special High-Lift Camshaft" option unofficially rated the engine at 240hp and it was recommended by the company "for racing purposes only."

Production numbers of the 1956 Corvette "convertible" (the three previous years' models were designated "roadsters") increased to 3,467. Sticker prices climbed to $3,120 for a basic model.

1956 proved to be a breakout year. Arkus-Duntov, driving a modified 240hp, V8-powered prototype during Speed Week trials, set a record of 150 miles per hour over Daytona's "Measured Mile." Later, during the 12-hour endurance races at Sebring, a Corvette in SCCA Class C/Modified finished first in class and ninth overall and a Class B/Production model finished sixth in class and fifteenth overall. Meanwhile, Dr. Dick Thompson's stock Corvette takes first place in a Sports Car Club of America race in Seattle, capturing first SCCA Class C/Production racing title for Corvette.