1954 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Dreams do come true. The original Corvette was one of several “dream cars” featured in General Motors’ Motorama extravaganza for 1953. But public demand made the dream a reality. Just 300 1953 models were produced, slated only for high-visibility VIPs. That first run of Corvettes were all painted Polo White, powered by a torquey 235 cu-in 150 hp “Blue Flame 6” and two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

By January 1954 Corvettes were available for the masses, priced at $3,760. New colors were also available, including Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black, along with the original Polo White. Horsepower was bumped 5 horsepower with a new camshaft. Though Chevrolet’s legendary V8 engine would not be ready until the 1955 model, Road & Track magazine was impressed with the straight-six predecessor: “The Corvette will give any sports car of comparable power and weight a “real race” between 20 and 90 mph.... Frankly, we liked the Corvette very much.”  

This restored 1954 Corvette is one of the first of 70 years and eight generations of dream cars. 

Highlights 

• Iconic American sports car with a timeless, jet-age design 

• Well restored example finished in popular Polo White over Sportsman Red upholstery 

• Second year of the first-generation Corvette produced from 1953 to 1962 

• 235 cu-in “Blue Flame” six cylinder producing 155 horsepower 

• Converted to four-speed manual transmission 

• Limited production, with approximately 3,640 units built 

• All three carburetors recently professionally rebuilt 

• This restored 1954 Chevrolet Corvette is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 44,469 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown   

 Features 

• “Space Age” fiberglass body 

• Beige soft top 

• “Wonderbar” signal-seeking AM radio 

• Chrome mesh cover headlights 

• Covered rear license plate 

• Defroster 

• Cigarette lighter 

• 3.55:1 Rear Axle Ratio 

• Independent front suspension with coil springs 

• Live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs 

• Four-wheel drum brakes 

• Manual recirculating ball steering 

• 102 inch wheelbase 

• Approximately 2,850 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• State of Florida assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

Included 

• Side curtains and storage bag 

Ownership History 

The previous owner has stated this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette was originally purchased by his grandfather. Later it was drag raced by his uncle. The previous owner then spent years replacing parts and generally upgrading the car to its current condition.  

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.