1957 Airbox Corvette

[Jim W.]

I saw recently on the HD channel a series about a 'special' 1957 'Airbox" corvette. I have not been able to see the show on this car. But I was wondering if anyone here could give me some information on this special built Corvette ?

[Ciro A.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Jim,

I don't think its a series, it is just a quick informational piece. I thought the same as you, that perhaps a show would be dedicated to the story, but after seeing it numerous times I don't think a full length show is in the future. You'll notice their is a similar piece about a Yellow racing Duesenberg as well.

[Patrick T.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Here is one that was at our local Chapter Meet a few weeks ago.

[Jim W.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Jim,

I don't think its a series, it is just a quick informational piece. I thought the same as you, that perhaps a show would be dedicated to the story, but after seeing it numerous times I don't think a full length show is in the future. You'll notice their is a similar piece about a Yellow racing Duesenberg as well.

I was unable to see the one time show, and I can't find it on the HD website. I'm always very interested in these one off 'special' Corvettes. Hopefully they'll rerune it for us again soon. thanks for the pictures, I've copied them to my Corvette photo album. Great Stuff !

[Steven B.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Jim, 43 were built and intended for competition. Many Corvette books and peroidicals have covered them. The option number is 579E (some refer to it as 579D).

Steve

[Loren L.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

I think what you may talking about is the restored Bob Mouat car - longtime SCCA racer. Restoration was by Legendary Motor Cars of Canada; perhaps a google of that name will point you in the correct direction.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Loren -- can you identify this car ? Bloomington 1981.

[Chris S.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

sweet looking cars indeed!

[Loren L.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Loren -- can you identify this car ? Bloomington 1981.

Wayne:
No I can't. Was at St Louis for the Nationals but not at Bloomington in '81. Are you sure about '81? I ask only because I would have thought that such-a-car-equipment would have attracted a large degree of attention.....I'll check my mags and see if anyone mentions it. A check wtih Dick Robinson, Jimmy Blakely, et al might also be in order.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Loren -- can you identify this car ? Bloomington 1981.

Is that the Bill Rhodes car? He finished the restoration during that era

[Tom P.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Loren -- can you identify this car ? Bloomington 1981.

Looks like the Bill Rhoades car. It was done back in the 80s and Vette Vues had an extensive article on it.
Bill sold it and I have no clue where it is now, but I was told several years ago that it was, or had been, vintage raced, although, I have no idea how extensively.
Here is the Bark Henry car (3963) which is now owned and restored to its race days configuration by John Neas.











It was also on display for several months in the NCM last year.

[John N.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Is that the Bill Rhodes car? He finished the restoration during that era

Dick
Yes it is. The first time I saw the car was at Cypress Gardens. I believe it was 1984. It was a feature car for Vette Vues. A Steve Prewett (sp) vintage raced the car at Monterey etc, in the late 80's and early 90's.
Regards

[Joseph T.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Wayne:
No I can't. Was at St Louis for the Nationals but not at Bloomington in '81. Are you sure about '81? I ask only because I would have thought that such-a-car-equipment would have attracted a large degree of attention.....I'll check my mags and see if anyone mentions it. A check wtih Dick Robinson, Jimmy Blakely, et al might also be in order.

Bill Rhodes car featured on the cover of Vette Vues around 1983 with a multi page article inside.

Not sure who owns it today. Talked to Bill some years back and he relayed his experience in the restoration and showing of the car at Bloomington.

Joe

[Dick W.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Bill Rhodes car featured on the cover of Vette Vues around 1983 with a multi page article inside.

Not sure who owns it today. Talked to Bill some years back and he relayed his experience in the restoration and showing of the car at Bloomington.

Joe

Someone told me he had moved on to those funny little cars with prancing ponies on the emblems Also heard he owns/owned some cars with that funny pentastar on the fenders, the ones with the very large valve covers

He is still a NCRS member, #53.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1957 Airbox Corvette

Bill Rhodes car featured on the cover of Vette Vues around 1983 with a multi page article inside.

Not sure who owns it today. Talked to Bill some years back and he relayed his experience in the restoration and showing of the car at Bloomington.

Joe

I took a picture of Bill's car at Road Atlanta SVRA races in the 80's and later Zora signed the pic. for me. We talked about the '57 Sebring effort, the SS, SR's and these "production" cars. I wish I had the conversation on tape.

Steve