Photos: Barrett-Jackson

It’s once in a life time when it comes to owning anything that is the first of anything, groundbreaking or iconic. The classic auto auction outfit, Barrett-Jackson, capitalizes on the collectors and car enthusiasts clambering to own historically-relevant pieces of automotive art.

On January 23-31, Barrett-Jackson‘s Scottsdale, Arizona event, Corvette history will be made with three of the most elusive ‘Vettes in the world rolling across the auction block at the same time. The trio of C1s are all VIN’d as the first production numbers for their years ranging from ’55-’57, with the vehicle identification numbers ending in 001.

First up is the ’55 Corvette roadster that is breathtaking Polo White with stunning red interior and white accents. This was the first car ever with a small-block Chevy V8. It was powered by a 265ci engine with a Powerglide automatic. Another first for this year was the 12v charging system. This amazing “barn find” was discovered in Lexington, North Carolina in 1970 for the astonishing price of  $500. As one would assume with such a rare vehicle, a frame off and complete nut and bolt restoration began with no hesitation, resulting in an outstanding 99.3 on the NCRS Top Flight scoring system in 2008.

Next in the lineup is this stunning ’56 ‘Vette roadster featuring a Venetian Red paint job accented by Polo White coves and a white interior. This was the first power convertible roof ever equipped on a  Corvette. Like the ’55 it’s equipped with a 265ci V8, but unlike the ’55, comes attached to a 3-speed manual. Increasing its uniqueness this 225 horsepower 4-barrel carbureted V8 comes with a solid, flat tappet Duntov 098 cam. Again much like the ’55, this ’56 received a complete frame off, nut and bolt restoration. This complete, numbers matching, and date correct car scored a net of 99.5 on the NCRS Top Flight rating in 2008.

Rounding out the pack is this awe inspiring ’57 Cascade Green-bodied Corvette roadster that received a NCRS Top Flight net score of 97.4. Accents include beige coves along with beige and green interior. In ’57 Chevrolet upped the ante by adding another 18 cubic-inches to its dual 4-barrel 283ci V8 ‘Vette. The history of this car was only brought to light when a young college-attending owner asked Sam Folz the NCRS Technical Chairman to help him solve a water leak problem on the car back in 1968. This Corvette that left the production line in August of 1956 is a little less period correct, as its engine, transmission, and differential are all stamped with July 1956 serial numbers.

It is sure to be an exciting and action packed venue with the cherry on top being the auction of the flawless trio of serial one production C1’s surely everyones eyes will be glued to the TV. With such revered automobiles gracing the stage of Barrett-Jackson the chances of breaking the auction record of nearly 10 million dollars looking probable. We are excited to see what dollar amount the gavel will drop at, what are you guessing for the set? Comment below.