1956 Corvette GM Styling SR-2 Vin# E56SO02636 Evaluation
This Corvette was delivered new to the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, MI as Ordered by Mr. Harlow Curtice, GM president. The car was then extensively modified as a SR2 (A showcase vehicle for new technology). It is only one of three or four such vehicles and, from most accounts, the most original. It was the only SR2 designed to be street-driven.
FACTORY OPTIONS:
101 Heater
102 AM Radio, Signal Seeking
107 Parking Brake Alarm
108 Courtesy Lights
109 Windshield Washers
290 Whitewall Tires
426 Power Windows
473 Power-Operated Folding Top
GM MODIFICATIONS:
SR2 Bodywork
- Extended nose and futuristic "louvered" hood, a hint of 1958 production styling.
- Large chrome turn lamps below headlamps
- Anodized aluminum side coves with scoops
- Special "Shark Fin" trunk lid
- Chrome plated brass side trim
- Brushed stainless steel hardtop w/ blue leather headliner
- Back up lamps
- Special prototype hood with louvers and custom chrome support. This futuristic hood style shows up in 1958 production cars. This specific hood weighs about 100 lbs!
- Special under-door courtesy lamps.
- Stainless steel-trimmed doorjamb step plates
- Special hand-fabricated hood latches
- Custom mix Blue Metallic paint (Mr. Curtice's personal color)
- Special emblems
- Hand-fabricated fan shrouding and hood locks.
Mechanical Modifications:
- Special engine- 283 CI with Fuel Injection (only street 1956 so configured)
- Special transmission- T-10 Borg-Warner 4-Speed (only street 1956 so configured)
- Dayton knock off wire wheels
- 3:36 differential
Interior/Cosmetic Modifications:
- Custom leather seats (blue matched to the exterior)
- Custom leather/chrome door panels
- Special carpet/mats (Blue matched to paint)
- Stainless steel gauge/dash panel
- Day/night rearview mirror
- Seat Belts
- Special trunk trim and floor mats
- Fiberglass spare tire board
- Special SO (special order) tag 90101 6-5-56 screwed to right-hand cowl area
CONDITION:
This car has 48,024 miles showing on the odometer. The overall condition of the vehicle seems to confirm this reading as correct. The interior and trunk are in "not restored", good condition. All mechanical components seem to be original and in good working order. This car is an excellent "driver" and has been on several lengthy road trips, one to Carlisle, PA and one to The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.
OTHER:
This is an extremely rare, virtually hand-built, and a desirable Corvette. Given its configuration as a prototype and history (ownership by Curtice, then GM president as well as several other prominent Flint business people).
Richard & Carolyn Fortier
Fenton, MI
NCM Lifetime #82
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