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1957 Chevrolet Corvette: The American Icon in model car

This model car of the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette captures the essence of the legendary American roadster in its two-tone white and red livery. Reproduced in 1:43 scale, this collectible perfectly embodies the golden age of the American automobile and is a must-have for any classic sports car enthusiast.

A true collector's item , this model car model is a testament to the excellence of 1950s automotive design and stands out as a centerpiece in the world of American model cars. Its authenticity and finish make it a sought-after model for collectors worldwide.

Characteristics of the model car

  • Model: Chevrolet Corvette
  • Brand: Chevrolet
  • Year: 1957
  • Scale: 1/43rd
  • Color: White and red
  • Protective case included: Yes

The 1957 Corvette: A Revolution in American Automotive

The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette marked a turning point in the history of this legendary sports car. Initially launched in 1953, the Corvette underwent its first major transformations in 1956-1957, a period when it definitively abandoned its experimental fiberglass bodywork in favor of a more assertive and sporty design.

This generation is distinguished by the introduction of the 283 cubic inch (4.6 liter) V8 engine , available in several power variants ranging from 220 to 283 horsepower. Technical innovations also include the option of fuel injection, a first for an American production car, allowing the mythical ratio of one horsepower per cubic inch to be achieved. The 1957 Corvette thus laid the foundations for what would become one of the most iconic sports cars in the world.

Commercial success was immediate: General Motors produced more than 6,300 units in 1957, a record for the time. This year marked the true commercial takeoff of the Corvette, which finally found its audience and legitimacy in the face of European competition.

Chevrolet: Innovation at the Heart of Automotive America

By 1957, Chevrolet had established itself as one of the most influential brands within General Motors and the American automotive industry. Founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, the bow-tie brand revolutionized the automotive market by offering affordable vehicles without compromising quality and performance.

During the 1950s, Chevrolet experienced a period of exceptional innovation under the leadership of the legendary Harley Earl , the father of modern automotive design. The division simultaneously developed popular family sedans like the Bel Air and avant-garde sports cars like the Corvette. This duality allowed Chevrolet to reach a very broad audience while maintaining a dynamic and innovative brand image.

Chevrolet's philosophy in 1957 is perfectly summed up in its slogan of the time: "The Hot One's Even Hotter." The brand focused on accessible performance and futuristic design, anticipating the desires of an America in full economic and cultural expansion. Chevrolet model cars from this era are a testament to this creative effervescence.

The anecdote of the Corvette that almost disappeared

Few people know that the Corvette was almost abandoned by General Motors in 1955. Disappointing sales in the early years (only 300 units sold in 1955) had convinced management to end the project. It was the providential intervention of Zora Arkus-Duntov , a Belgian-American engineer with a passion for racing, that saved the Corvette from oblivion.

Arkus-Duntov, nicknamed the "father of the Corvette," joined Chevrolet in 1953 with a clear vision: to transform this showcase car into a truly competitive racing machine . He convinced management that the Corvette had to prove its worth on the racetrack to legitimize its existence. In 1956, he personally entered a modified Corvette in the 12 Hours of Sebring, finishing a respectable 9th overall.

This track performance radically changed the perception of the Corvette. Suddenly, this car was no longer seen as a mere styling exercise , but as a genuine sports car capable of competing with the Jaguars, Ferraris and Porsches of the time. The 1957 version, directly inspired by the lessons of competition, benefited from this newfound credibility.

The irony of this story lies in the fact that the Corvette, today the ultimate symbol of American performance , owes its survival to a European-born engineer who believed in the car's potential when no one else did. This anecdote perfectly illustrates the pioneering spirit that characterized the American auto industry in the 1950s, a period when audacity and vision could literally change the course of automotive history.

Complete your collection of American model cars

This 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is a natural fit for classic American car model cars. It fits perfectly alongside other icons of the era, such as the Ford Thunderbird or 1950s Cadillacs . For collectors looking to build a themed collection, this model car also complements other convertibles and roadsters from the same period.

American car enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this piece in the broader context of foreign cars or vehicles from the 1950s . The 1/43 scale reproduction quality allows you to appreciate all the characteristic details of this founding generation of the Corvette legend.

This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices eager to discover the world of American sports cars. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the automotive history of the 1950s, a pivotal period when America redefined the codes of performance and automotive style. For racing and competition enthusiasts, this Corvette recalls the brand's heroic beginnings on American and European circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to understand the scales of miniatures?

Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.

Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.

What scales are available?

Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.

The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).

Does the model car come with protection?

Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.

How is my package protected during transport?

We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.

What is the delivery time?

In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.

The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?

It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

Rémi Bargibant Vérifié
A huge choice
A huge choice, fast delivery, and very well protected miniatures. Additionally, the seller is very friendly 👍
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Serious Company
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Perfect 👍
Excellent communication, precise tracking of the shipment, impeccable packaging. Very fast delivery.
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thierry delpech Vérifié
Good contact
Good contact, fast delivery, highly recommended!!
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I recommend with my eyes closed
I recommend with my eyes closed, very serious sellers, fast and very careful and protected shipping, perfect thank you again for everything
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Georges BRUGAT Vérifié
cordial seller
fast shipping, very good quality of the products, hyper protective packaging and excellent relations with the seller
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Papinou Vérifié
2CV enthusiast
I have already ordered several times the cars are well packed and conform to the description
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Reg Vérifié
Perfect
Speed, proactive regarding the choice of delivery point, care in packaging, value for money. I recommend.
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Christophe Fernandez Vérifié
Satisfied
I have placed several orders with him and I have never been disappointed, I recommend him.
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Celia Vérifié
Servicio rápido, cuidado excepcional y un toque muy humano
Hice el pedido el día 17 por la noche y el 18 ya estaba enviado. Teniendo en cuenta que hubo un fin de semana de por medio, la rapidez ha sido realmente admirable. Además, el seguimiento personalizado ha sido excelente: Bernard me ha escrito personalmente en cada fase del envío para mantenerme in...
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Emanuel Mosè Seccia Vérifié
Really great service
Really great service, very helpful, the product is well made and you can see the attention to detail even in the packaging, very satisfied
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BB Vérifié
I was looking for pink cars - my request fulfilled
I was looking for pink cars. Not finding any on the site, I made my request on the site one weekend and even on November 11. To my surprise, I received an immediate response. And new surprise, Bernard miniatures was able to supply me with the requested cars. Super fast delivery with extraordinary...
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