Vehicle Description
1953 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Replica
Of the 300 1953 Corvettes built, it's believed that only 225 still
exist. For those who like color choices, this 1st generation
Corvette was only available in white with a red interior, and they
were all powered by the 150hp Blue Flame Six engine backed up by a
Powerglide transmission, performance was less than startling. As
the rarest of all Corvettes, prices might make them cost
prohibitive for most, if they come up for sale at all. And of
course, driving them becomes an endeavor awash in a level of risk
most won't take. Thx in part to vette-vues.com
For consignment, a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette convertible replica with
a title verified 16,407 actual miles, however we need to question
the clicks on the odometer as it is no longer ticking away the
miles. Packing a 350ci V8 on a custom square tube chassis and a
4-speed automatic transmission, you can impress your friends and
neighbors and watch jaws drop as you pull into the next car show
with a '53 Vette at a fraction of the price of a real one.
Exterior
The fiberglass body wears a coat of Ermine White and wears
decorative bumpers molded to the front of the fenders, just like
the real car! The toothed grille is also distinct and well done,
giving the car a gaping mouth with wide set headlight eyes
protected by mesh rock guards. The flat hood leads to a wrap-around
windshield with robust stainless trim that flows onto the top of
the door just above a defined shoulder that becomes the rounded top
of the rear fenders which pinch into an extended tail light
housing. Those round blue dot tail lights are like little
afterburners at the bottom of a rocket and are matched in symmetry
by the straight tailpipes that emerge from the body between the
chrome bumpers which are more ornamental than functional. 14-inch
Cragar wheels carry 205/75R14 tires with a late 2023 date code and
the car has a slight rake with a bit more space over the rear
tires. The black canvas top is in good shape with one hole noted
and houses a wavy plastic rear window. Imperfections include flex
cracking in the paint especially at wheel openings, uneven body
filler, paint chips, paint runs along with some uneven gaps that
plagued the real cars as well due to the newness of the
material.
Interior
Thick column tufted burgundy vinyl is the top panel of the door
panel, slightly separated from the header, and leading to a rounded
panel with a stitch patterned armrest on the door. This material
makes a tidy appearance on the bucket seats with pleated inserts
and in good condition. Up front, a white rimmed billet style
steering wheel fronts a dash pad with a loose burgundy carpet piece
cut to fit over a vinyl padded rim. Below that, the white dash
includes the arching speedometer above switches, knobs, and an
array of six VDO gauges including a clock and flanking a larger
tachometer. A Pioneer AM/FM/CD player is also on board and a floor
mounted shifter with a patinaed wood handle rises from the floor
where burgundy loop carpet covers nicely. This same carpet is cut
to fit the flat floor of the trunk as well.
Drivetrain
Aluminum valve covers dress up the 350ci V8 of '69-'79 vintage,
rocking a 4-barrel carburetor and a TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission turning the driveshaft to a 10 bolt rear axle. Power
drum brakes are utilized in the front and back. The bay and engine
that resides there are clean.
Undercarriage
Clean and dry and simple, the underside shows the fiberglass tub
mounted to the tube chassis and Nova front end. The dual exhaust
takes in some stainless steel muffler before heading out to their
dramatic exit. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and
leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
It would be 16 years before Corvette saw the 350, but here it is,
moving this car with likely more than the 150 horsepower generated
by the real '53's. And with such light weight, it does so
impressively, although we can't tell how fast we're going because
the speedometer and tachometer are not working. The car tracks well
on the 75 series tires and handles well due to the lower center of
gravity, however the tires are rubbing when turning, so maybe a
different set up is warranted. Meanwhile, we also note the
odometer, wipers, and volt gauge are all inoperable. Beyond those
things, all other functions operate. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Representing America's iconic sports car is respectable in the
replica form and just like Cobras, it's like people have never seen
a real one, so a well done copy affords the opportunity to get a
glimpse into the very origins of an incredible creation. Showing
the car or not is your choice, but just driving it will elicit
smiles, thumbs ups, and probably a few phone cameras pointed your
way! As the 1953 ad read, this is "an exciting design for new
adventures in driving!".
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
