Description
The Chevrolet Corvette Roadster with 240 horsepower represents another early step in the car’s transformation from a stylish experiment into a legitimate high-performance machine. This version, available in the 1956 and 1957 model years, used Chevrolet’s small-block V8 paired with twin four-barrel carburetors and a hotter camshaft to squeeze out more power from the same 265 cubic inch (4.3-liter) engine.
In 1956, the Corvette’s new design brought fresh attention. The body had cleaner lines, functional side vents, and improved weather protection thanks to real roll-up windows and a better soft top. The interior was more comfortable, and the car now felt more complete and refined. But performance was where things really started to shift. Buyers could choose from several engine tunes, and the 240 horsepower version stood near the top of the list.
This engine option featured dual Carter four-barrel carburetors, a solid-lifter cam, higher compression, and improved breathing. It delivered a more aggressive throttle response and a stronger mid-range pull, transforming the Corvette into something that could now hang with European roadsters on twisty roads and long straights. Mated to a 3-speed manual transmission (with a 4-speed becoming available in 1957), this setup offered a more engaging driving experience that appealed to enthusiasts and weekend racers alike.
By 1957, the same basic engine was offered again, but now bored out to 283 cubic inches (4.6 liters). The 240 horsepower version continued, but it was joined by even more powerful variants, including the legendary fuel-injected “283 hp 283” option. However, the dual-carb 240 hp engine remained a sweet spot—offering strong performance without the complexity or cost of fuel injection.
The Corvette Roadster with 240 hp was a car that could deliver real excitement without feeling temperamental. It idled with a slightly lumpy cam sound, pulled cleanly through the rev range, and sounded fantastic when pushed. It was also still light and responsive, thanks to its fiberglass body and compact chassis.
In the grand arc of Corvette history, the 240 hp roadster represents a confident stride forward. It showed that Chevrolet was serious about building a world-class sports car, one that could not only turn heads but also thrill the driver. Today, it stands as a reminder of the Corvette’s coming-of-age years—a time when power, style, and ambition all started coming together under that long, sweeping hood.