This very early production model showed a willingness and ability to be driven fast and hard under almost all conditions and demonstrated an even greater potential for competitive use. In my opinion, the Corvette as it stands is fully as much a dual-purpose machine as the stock Jaguar, Triumph, or Austin-Healey.
Unfortunately, at this writing accurate information both on the Corvette itself and on their future plans is not available, and the air is rife with rumor. SCI's test car was chassis #1002, and was obtained from the Chevrolet Motor Division through the combined efforts of Shelly Spindel and Alvin Schwartz Chevrolet of Brooklyn, N.Y. Finished in two-tone turquoise with a matching hard top and a white convertible top, it was a real traffic-stopper, and was specifically destined to make a New York TV appearance. As such, it had the full range of options, including whitewalls, the hard top, power windows, radio, heater and windshield washer. To our joy it had the close-ratio stick shift, but less happily had the higher, 3.27:1 rear end ratio. It was, all in all, a lot of car and I regret that at this time Chevrolet was not ready to discuss prices. There is little question, though, that it is to be competitive with the Thunderbird.
Entry and exit over the wide sill on the passenger side is easy, for a sports car, but as the driver slides under the steering wheel he becomes aware of one of the car's few major faults. While it is handsome, and provided with more than enough finger ribbing, the wheel is too close to the driver and is non-adjustable. Ex-Jag drivers may find the position natural, but I personally felt that more arm room would be useful, particularly for competition. You also sit close enough to the door for the integral arm rest to be in the way.
The seats themselves are very handsome, and very deceptive. They look like a true bucket type, and the seat bottoms are comfortable enough, but the backs are bolt upright and provide no lateral support for the torso. Adjustment of rake and a more definite "bucket" would improve them greatly and would obviate a certain amount of fatigue that now occurs. Fore-and-aft adjustment is not extensive, there being just enough room for a six-footer. Leg room is excellent; the left foot can roam about under the suspended pedals, and the brake and throttle are well-placed for heel-and-toe downshifting.
Read more: http://ivicars.com/chevrolet/1956-chevrolet-corvette-review.html
Bài đăng
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét