Championed by General Motors’ legendary styling director Harley Earl and brought to production for 1953, the Corvette was Chevrolet’s first dedicated move into the fast-growing youth market. A daring experiment, the Corvette was a significant “first” in the automotive industry with its game-changing, all-fiberglass body construction. Launched in January 1953, the Corvette saw limited production of 300 cars for the inaugural 1953 model year, finished in Polo White paint over red vinyl upholstery. Another 3,640 Corvettes followed for 1954 with bodywork unchanged and numerous refinements. New for 1954 were the four available paint colors (Polo White, Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, Black) and a choice of red or beige upholstery. The 1954 Corvettes were the first to be produced at a purpose-built plant in St. Louis, Missouri, designed for 10,000 cars annually—a target that would take until 1960. Powered by a 235/155 HP Blue Flame Six inline 6-cylinder engine paired with a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, this example is quite highly equipped for the time with a heater, signal-seeking AM radio, courtesy lights, directional signals, a parking brake alarm, windshield washer and 6.7x15-inch whitewall tires. Corvette No. 1,970 of 3,640 produced for the sophomore 1954 model year, this example of course features power delivery via the aforementioned Chevrolet 235 CI Blue Flame Six engine equipped with triple Carter YH side draft carburetors and dual exhaust. Underpinnings include independent front suspension, front and rear hydraulic shocks, a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Additional highlights include the beige soft top, a curved windshield, an AM radio, wire-mesh headlight guards, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, a three-piece rear bumper and 15-inch, red-finished steel wheels mounting full wheel covers with faux knock-off spinners and Firestone whitewall tires. As offered, this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette is a must-have for any passionate collector or enthusiast of America’s only true series-production sports car.
