The ’57 is considered by many enthusiasts to be the ultimate refinement of the early “straight-axle” Corvettes (1953–1962). By 1957, the Corvette had fully transformed from a stylish cruiser to a legitimate high-performance sports car. In 1957, fuel injection (Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection) was offered as an optional extra. Fitted to the 283 cu inch V8 (RPO 579E option), it was America’s first mass-produced fuel-injected engine, achieving the famous “one horsepower per cubic inch” figure.
It’s a special event when a ’57 fuelie goes up for auction, and, as always, the engine numbers and serial number on the injection system would be of great interest to anyone bidding. At the time of posting, those numbers were unclear but could easily be confirmed by contacting the auctioneer. Around 43 of the RPO 579E models were race-ready builds and are now among the rarest and most valuable Corvettes ever made. Among other things, those models featured the airbox option, which this does not. The other model option available with fuel injection was a more sedate 250 hp model.
The auction event is 2025 Spring Specialty Auto Auction taking place on May 10th in Greeley, Colorado. It’s not the only rare Corvette going up for auction in this sale; there’s also a 1958 C1, which, of course, features the classic dual headlights.
Both come from the private automobile collection assembled by Gene Lang, a well-known car enthusiast and collector, particularly respected for his passion for classic Corvettes, American muscle cars, and meticulously restored vehicles.
The 2025 Spring Specialty Auto Auction is set to feature over 90 lots of classic and collectible cars.
View lots: specialtyautoauction.com
Sale Date: 05/10/2025
.