1957 Pilot Fuelie > legit?

[Alexander C.]

I just caught this on CL, can anyone confirm it? Anyone even heard of it or know about it? If it's legit, I'm kicking myself right now for not being able to sell my '56 before this sells! Who wants to buy my '56 this second lol

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/2243599149.html

"1957 CORVETTE FUEL INJECTED "PILOT" CAR
* One of two known to exist
* Documented by GM historian Kenneth Kayser author of
"The history of GM's ramjet fuel injection on the Chevrolet V-8 and it's racing pedigree"
* Believed to be the earliest surviving fuel injected Corvette in history!
* First time offered for public sale.
Includes most parts to complete restoration. Vin # matching chassis has been restored. The correctly numbered and dated short block assembly has been rebuilt.
Some of the included parts are.
* Complete soft top frame, fabric.
* Complete hardtop
* Complete steering assembly
* Many NOS GM trim pieces in original packaging
* Correct 539 cylinder heads
* Early Rochester fuel injection unit
* Correct dated Harrison radiator

And many other original and replacement parts too numerous to list, please call for details.
This is a rare opportunity to own a part of Corvette history. What is thought to be the earliest fuel injected Corvette ever. This car even predates the infamous "airbox" test mules of 1957. Being in it's unrestored state it will sell for a very fair reserve. This car needs to be brought back to it's former glory and can truly become the cornerstone of any collection or museum."

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1957 Pilot Fuelie > legit?

I talked to the seller (selling for owner) and his info sounds legit and claims he has documentation.
It is also mentioned in Kaysers FI book on pages 180, 181 and 206.
Could be an interesting restoration.
Engine casting number is I26 which I believe is Sept 2, 1956 which could fit the build date of Oct 5, 1956 as noted in Kayers book.
I hope someone gets and restores it but the good parts are going to be hard to find and expensive.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1957 Pilot Fuelie > legit?

Help...
2 years ago I saw 57 Corvette #10 at Kissimmee which is claimed to be the first fuel injected Corvette.
If this car for sale is #114, how can it be a "pilot line car" or am I missing the point?

[Alexander C.]

Re: 1957 Pilot Fuelie > legit?

Well I have to say, pilot or not, even a legit fuelie for that price is a good deal considering the details of the ad! I would have bought it this morning already! I know I pulled the trigger too quick on getting my '56 but hind sight is 20/20 right

[Alexander C.]

Re: 1957 Pilot Fuelie > legit?

Bump to see if anyone has more info...

[Alexander C.]

Re: 1957 Pilot Fuelie > legit?

On eBay now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140522266862

I'm REALLY interested in seeing how high the bids go. Not allot of detail on what parts he has or what is original or not. It also seems to need allot more work than I gathered from the craiglist ad pictures. The entire front right side of the body looks like it is bent right in front of the door. Still for the right price, I would do it.

[Loren L.]

Re: 1957 Pilot Fuelie > legit?

Could we ask "What is the documentation?" and get a reply? During this year and last year, #10 was being presented as the "First" fuel injected Corvette; Mr Kayser refers to his own Corvette (#16? or so) as a "pilot" '57 Corvette - What does anyone actually KNOW?
"Predating" the "airbox" cars means that this is somewhere in the first 3000 '57s built......