1954 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible auto 235ci Inline 6

1954 Chevrolet Corvette Additional Info:

Only 63,848 original miles and restored to original specifications! All original, date coded drivetrain and never modified! Comes from the private collection in Tennessee after 13 years of ownership! An incredibly original and worthy Corvette blue-chip investment! It just continues to look authentically untouched in every respect! In 1951, the initial seed was planted at GM by the legendary Harley Earl, creator of the GM Art and Color department which was the predecessor to automobile styling departments around the world. Although essentially classified as a Harley Earl design, the first Corvette was actually sketched up by a young stylist named Bob McLean for the 1953 Motorama. Over the next several months the Corvette quickly took shape in the form of a clay model in late 1952 and shortly thereafter, a running prototype finished just in time for the show. By the end of 1953 the first production Corvettes rolled off the "line" in Flint, Michigan, essentially hand-built cars, the 1953s are the rarest of all Corvettes with only 300 units produced. In 1954, production moved to St. Louis, Missouri to a new facility capable of building hundreds of cars per month. Although people loved the new Corvette, 1954 sales were slow and more than 1,100 units still sat on showroom floors at the end of the model year! Faced with sluggish sales, GM's top brass panicked and almost ended Corvette before it had a chance to get started. The introduction of the V-8 in 1955 saved the Corvette and breathed new life into the model, sales rocketed and the legendary automotive milestone was assured a bright and prosperous future. Today they are as American as apple pie!
Finished in Polo White with Red interior, this classic 1954 Chevrolet Corvette features a numbers & date code correct 235ci Blue Flame 150 Inline 6-cylinder, heater with defrost, full instrumentation, parking brake alarm, courtesy lights, windshield washer, Power Glide automatic transmission, wide whitewall tires, and correct Signal Seeking AM radio! Having been sympathetically restored using the original body and factory components, this classic Corvette shows exceptionally well in person with a very original appearance. This includes original LOF windshield glass, correct mesh air cleaners, 'X' down pipe, chrome overflow tank, proper ignition shielding, original starter, AC fuel filter bowl, and more! Being a mid-year development example, #2462, you will note the short exhaust tips but dual pot air filter assembles added, and correct single hood release handle. The only noted enhancements include newer BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial white whitewall tires measuring 205/75R15 for better road manners.
Because these first generation Corvettes were essentially hand built at the factory, they were known for cosmetic flaws and body panel alignment imperfections. Today, many of these cars have been "over-restored" which, according to many, is a detraction from the collector value and visceral hand-built character that has made these early Vettes so desirable. With only 3,640 produced, and all equipped exactly the same, this 1954 Corvette is among the rarest and sought after of American favorites! And for many represent one of the most collectible and investment worthy cars available to enthusiasts today. Also included will be the original date-coded Plexiglas side curtains, storage bag, reproduction owner's manual, with authentic poly-4 spare tire hidden in the storage well.
This example hails from the previous Tennessee owner of more than 13 years! It has been wonderfully kept in his climate-controlled garage, and properly serviced and exercised annually during the driving season. Most recently, the YH Carter carburetors were fully rebuilt with new intake gaskets, new tires, fresh oil/filter, and overall tune-up along with new valve cover gasket. The last compression results reported perfect compression between 132-140 across all cylinders. For the extremely savvy collector or investor, there will be few such opportunities to acquire such an affordable example of this special car in all the years of appreciation to come! With prices of freshly restored examples exceeding $100,000, acquiring a drivable and exceptionally clean original like this is truly a unique find. This Corvette is in authentic cosmetic and mechanical condition and can be driven right off the showroom floor. Ownership and service records from 2002 will be provided to the next owner. All cars are advertised locally and nationally. Please do not hesitate to call us with questions or to discuss securing a vehicle. We look forward to working with you!