Description
The Corvette Stingray bearing a 220-horsepower rating is often associated with the mid-1950s 265-cubic-inch small-block V8, although the official “Stingray” name did not appear until 1963. In the 1956 model year, Chevrolet offered a dual four-barrel version of its newly introduced small-block that produced 220 horsepower. This configuration marked a significant performance step for the Corvette’s first generation, even if the car was not yet called a Sting Ray.
Underneath the 1956 Corvette’s sculpted fiberglass body, the 220-hp 265 V8 combined a higher-lift camshaft, dual Carter four-barrel carburetors, and a compression ratio of approximately 9.25:1. Paired with a three-speed manual transmission—later joined by an optional Powerglide automatic—this engine delivered strong mid-range torque and a noticeably sharper throttle response compared to the single-carb base model. The result was a 0–60 mph sprint in roughly 7.5 seconds, placing the Corvette within striking distance of many contemporary European roadsters.
Styling on the 1956 Corvette featured more refined curves than its 1955 predecessor. Functional side coves were introduced, replacing the earlier non-functional recesses; real roll-up windows appeared in place of removable side curtains; and the soft top remained manually operated but stowed more cleanly behind the seats. Chrome accents were toned down slightly, and the interior saw upgrades such as carpeting and optional leather-trimmed seats. Although the “Stingray” designation was still several years away, these design improvements hinted at the direction Chevrolet would take when it rebranded the car in 1963.
On the road, the 220-hp Corvette felt noticeably livelier than earlier models. The lightweight fiberglass body helped maximize the engine’s output, and the dual-quad induction made the car eager to rev. Steering effort remained heavy by modern standards, and the suspension—torsion bar up front and a transverse leaf spring out back—offered a firm but manageable ride. Braking was still handled by drum brakes at all four corners, but upgraded linings and better tire compounds gave drivers more confidence when slowing from higher speeds.
Though not officially a Stingray, the 1956 Corvette with its 220-horsepower small-block laid important groundwork for the model’s later identity. It proved that Chevrolet could balance reliability with significant performance in a lightweight package, setting the stage for the fuel-injected and higher-output engines that would define the C2 “Sting Ray” in 1963. Today, the 1956 Corvette 220-hp model is cherished by collectors as a landmark in Corvette evolution—a bridge between the car’s early experimentation and the true Stingray era that followed.