Corvette carries an unmistakable Roadster style during its first generation. In 1956, Corvette's third year in production, the sports car saw its first styling shift. This wasn't the drastic overhaul that came with the C2. Some changes -- like the modified windshield and larger hood emblem -- were subtle. Others were significant and would influence Corvette's style for generations to come. Look for these 10 distinguishing features to pick a 1956 out from a crowd of C1 Corvettes (and the best clue to tell a 1956 apart from a 1957).


 

 

Side Coves

The introduction of the side cove may be the most significant change for 1956. The curved indentation swooping behind the front wheel has stayed with the Corvette in one form or another through many of its generations. In 2014, the new Stingray paid tribute to the original side cove with a modern, angular interpretation of the concept.

Paint

With the side coves also came the option for two-tone paint, which cost buyers an extra $19.40. This gave the Corvette a striking appearance, especially with combinations like a Venetian Red body contrasting against white coves.

On the more subtle side, Polo White is the only color that carries over from the previous year, though the new Venetian Red, Artic Blue and Onyx Black had similar tones to the 1955 paint options. For both 1956 and 1957, these three colors were joined by the less popular Cascade Green and Aztec Copper.

Headlights

For the first three years, Corvette headlights were recessed behind the grill, framed by sloping chrome trim and mesh covers.

The wire grills drop away in 1956 and the headlights move forward and upright. This single-light look continues for only two years; in 1958 Corvette doubles this for a four-headlight design.  

Taillights

On the back of the car, changes on the taillights went the opposite direction, with the design sinking the lights into the rear fender. The rocket-style taillights gone, the rear fenders could now gracefully slope downward. The newly recessed taillights are offset with a deep chrome trim piece, a style that stayed until 1958.

Exterior Door Handles

The sleek side profile of the early Corvettes showcase only a thin chrome trim on the lower half, with no button or lever to open the doors. Door handles made their debut in 1956 and changed very little for the rest of the generation.

Hood Vents

The 1956, Corvette grew two small scoops on both sides of the hood near the windshield. A chrome mesh finished the inside of the scoop, though these openings didn’t function as working vents. As with many design elements, this feature was only on the 1956 and 1957 Corvette.

Window Cranks

For 1956, roll up glass windows replace the leaky side curtains. At shows, most owners keep their windows rolled down for a more streamlined appearance, so look for window cranks on the lower front corner of the door panels. A select few Corvettes also have power windows, with a small silver switch on the door panel (though this wasn't very popular; only 547 Corvettes this year came with this upgrade).

Rearview Mirror

Few other changes are made inside for 1956, but one of the easiest to spot is the rearview mirror, centered on the deck above the radio. To tell a 1956 Corvette from a 1957, which has a similar mirror, look for the adjustment. In 1956, a small thumbscrew on the back adjusted the mirror. The following year this was replaced with a jam nut, which required a special tool to move the mirror.

Top Options

Though most keep the top down when driving their C1 Corvette, when you are able to spy the top, a few changes mark the 1956. Like the rest of the first generation Corvettes, all 3,467 of the Roadsters built for 1956 were convertibles. But for the first time a liftoff hardtop was available. For drivers wanting to stay with a ragtop, optional power tops were also new for the year. These lowered the top down with the touch of a button (after manually folding it partway down), though the button's location under the dash is difficult to spot.

Engine and Transmission Clues

Fuel injection doesn’t power Corvettes until 1957, when a select few added the option. Though you won't be able to tell this addition if the hood is closed, most Fuelies proudly boast a special "Fuel Injection" emblem in the side cove and on the trunk lid.

A 4-speed transmission was also new for 1957, adding option to the 3-speed manual or Hydra-matic 2-speed automatic. A closer look at the shift pattern on the floor may reveal which gearbox is paired with the engine. But it's important to note that this isn't conclusive evidence of the year, as many 1956 Corvette owners later swapped to a 4-speed manual.

 

** A special thanks to Mike Thelin at The Chevy Store for his time and assistance.