1956 Chevrolet Corvette for sale by owner - Sarasota, FL - craigslist (2024)

This award winning 1956 Corvette has competed in many shows and taken National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) ribbons. This roadster may be one of the rarest Corvette models produced in 1956. Chevrolet manufactured just over 3,400 Corvettes in '56 of which only 111 were optioned as 'GU code' performance models. The 'GU' code option included a 265ci motor fitted with a low-profile 2x4 intake manifold, dual Carter 4-barrel carbs and a Duntov inspired 'high lift' camshaft. Output was rated at 240hp – nearly one horsepower per cubic inch. A professional evaluation of casting numbers concluded that virtually all of the engine and drivetrain components of this car are correct for a '56 Corvette 'GU code' car. Engine is mated with a three-speed manual gearbox. Our beautiful Corvette was fully restored in 2006 and has been in the possession of the previous owner for 8 years and for the last 2 years was taken care of a collector in Florida.

The Polo White/ Grey insert finish is also very rare in the '56 model. The professional finish is excellent and is accented by factory wheels with elegant spinner hubcaps and 15” Allstate Guardsman bias ply tires. There are two tops furnished with the car – a removable hardtop and a manual folding soft-top. The exterior is beautifully contrasted by a fully restored red vinyl interior. The restoration left no stone unturned and the underside looks as good as the topside. A solid chassis is equipped with manual steering and huge 11” drum brakes. Very, very few of these Corvettes reach the marketplace.

This 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is in excellent condition, with very nice and shiny Polo White body paint and Metallic Silver Coves. There were 1,259 two-tone Corvettes order in 1956 and only 120 with the White and Silver combination. The Red interior is very nice, which was the primary interior color, 2,580 Corvettes, for 1956. Special Note: White Corvettes in 1956, with Red interiors received Red painted wheels. The Engine is a 265 with 2x4-Barrel Carburetors and the High-Lift Camshaft option, 'GU' Code (RPO 469 with RPO 449), with 240 horsepower. The engine block casting is #3720991, which is correct for 1956, and appears to be the original engine; however, the partial VIN was not placed on the Corvette engine until mid-1960. The intake casting #3739653 is correct for a 1957-1961 Corvette with 2x4 Barrels, but I would assume it was possible that it could have been used on a late 1956 Corvette. The Carter AFB carburetors are correct (2419S & 2362S) for the 265ci/240hp 1956 Corvette engine. The 3-Speed transmission and bellhousing are both correct for 1956 and appear to be original to this Corvette (No partial VIN was placed on the 1956 Transmissions). The exhaust manifolds, left & right, are both correct for the 1956, 265, 2x4-Barrel, Corvette engine. The Alternator, Distributor, Brake Master Cylinder and Rear Axle Housing are all correct for the 1956 Corvette. Only 3,467 Corvettes were produced in 1956, and only 111 with the 265, 2x4 setup 'GU' High-Lift Cam Engine. This is one of the 111.

Car is available for your viewing by appointment on location. Your inspection is welcomed and encouraged - you will be impressed!