1956 production start

[Edward M.]

I just ran across a web site for Corvettes that states that 1956 Corvette production began on November 5th, 1955.

What is OUR best estimate on when 1956 Corvette production began?

[Gary C.]

Re: 1956 production start

Ed, two pilot cars were assembled in Nov '55 and production started in Jan '56. This info is reaffirmed by Ken Kayser in his FI book. To quote Ken; "first production '56 Corvettes came off the St.Louis assembly line on Saturday January 14th, 1956". Possibly the sight's referring to the two pilot cars? Did the site have any more info on '56 production dates? Gary....

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 production start

No further info was available. Thanks.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 production start

If memory serves (and that is always questionable), the two four engine became RPO 469, and the single four engine became the base motor, due to a Chevrolet bulletin dated April 1st, 1956.

Is that the correct date? One could then assume that any 56 Corvette build after that date "could" have been a single four car.

[John N.]

Re: 1956 production start

If memory serves (and that is always questionable), the two four engine became RPO 469, and the single four engine became the base motor, due to a Chevrolet bulletin dated April 1st, 1956.

Is that the correct date? One could then assume that any 56 Corvette build after that date "could" have been a single four car.

Ed hopefully this will not muddy the waters as your April 1 may be a good date. Per some Mike Hunt research I have. The earliest found FK car#2718, GV#3217, GU or 240HP #2720. Your snail mail is on the way.
Regards

[John N.]

Re: 1956 production start

Ed, two pilot cars were assembled in Nov '55 and production started in Jan '56. This info is reaffirmed by Ken Kayser in his FI book. To quote Ken; "first production '56 Corvettes came off the St.Louis assembly line on Saturday January 14th, 1956". Possibly the sight's referring to the two pilot cars? Did the site have any more info on '56 production dates? Gary....

Gary
From a history point only. In late Nov 55 engineering ordered two 56 bodies from St Louis which in Michigan were put on 55 frames as engineering # 6903 & #6905 and were driven at Daytona by Betty Skelton and John Fitch. At Sebring they became car#s 5&6.
Regards

[William L.]

Re: 1956 production start

From my Ed Tesky file, a very early 56 or may even be a prototype?

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 production start

Ed hopefully this will not muddy the waters as your April 1 may be a good date. Per some Mike Hunt research I have. The earliest found FK car#2718, GV#3217, GU or 240HP #2720. Your snail mail is on the way.
Regards

Thanks John, great info.

[John N.]

Re: 1956 production start

From my Ed Tesky file, a very early 56 or may even be a prototype?

William
One of the earliest prototypes had no scoops on top of fenders was on a 55 frame and became the Duntov car with fin at Daytona Beech and then the #1 car at Sebring.
Regards

[William L.]

Re: 1956 production start

William
One of the earliest prototypes had no scoops on top of fenders was on a 55 frame and became the Duntov car with fin at Daytona Beech and then the #1 car at Sebring.
Regards

Notice the painted headlight rings?

[Cecil L.]

Re: 1956 production start

And there doesn't appear to be any header bar showing on the hardtop.

[John N.]

Re: 1956 production start

Notice the painted headlight rings?

William
Yes, also typical of early production car. I still have one that came off Dave Dawdys car which was damaged when it rolled off a trailer. Great original paint.
Regards

[Roy B.]

Re: 1956 production start