Vehicle Description
Beautifully restored�Corvette showing only 55,585 miles on the
odometer!� Super correct, number matching in all respects, and
complete with original components!� A very unique opportunity to
own a late production 6-cylinder Corvette!� Act quickly!� 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 only
totaled 3,640 units sold! 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 Sportsman Red interior, this late production 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 light, windshield
washer, Power Glide automatic transmission, wide whitewall tires,
and correct Signal Seeking AM radio! Having been correctly
restored, this classic Corvette shows exceptionally well in person
with a very original appearance. This includes original LOF
windshield glass, YH Carter carburetors, correct mesh air cleaners,
hose clamps, �X' down pipe, chrome overflow tank, ignition
shielding, original starter, AC fuel filter bowl, and more! Being a
late generation example #3068, you will note the extended exhaust
tips, dual pot air filter assembles, and single hood release
handle. 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. This example has a storied tale from a Madison,
WI owner, James Wright, who purchased this Corvette in
approximately 1978 from another Janesville, WI collector. After
driving it for several years, it was taken to a restoration
facility that was later charged with consumer fraud, and this rare
Corvette confiscated by the local authorities. It traded hands to
Michael Kepler, an attorney in Madison, and by 2004 sold out to a
New Mexico owner, James Denton. It wasn't until it made its way out
to Woodmere, NY in 2007 when owner and enthusiast, Bernie Hoffman,
really gave it some proper attention, a mild restoration, and made
the car worthy of our attention. After its arrival here at the
Museum in late 2016, we elected to have all three carburetors fully
rebuilt with new floats & gaskets, new fuel filter, rebuilt the
fuel pump, incorporated a totally new ignition system, and added a
new valve cover gasket, new exhaust manifold gasket, fresh battery,
and new exhaust system.� It is by far one of the nicest starting,
running, and operating early Corvette we have had the pleasure of
showcasing.� Also included will be the original date-coded
Plexiglas side curtains, storage bag, all tire changing equipment
with matching spare, as well as a California Car Cover soft storage
car cover.� 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 fresh restored examples exceeding $100,000,
acquiring a drivable and exceptionally clean original like this is
truly a unique find. This exceptional Corvette is in excellent
cosmetic and mechanical condition and can be driven right off the
showroom floor. All cars are advertised locally and nationally. St.
Louis Car Museum reserves the right to end any listing early upon
receipt of deposit. Please do not hesitate to call us with
questions or to discuss securing a vehicle. We look forward to
working with you!
