Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
E54S003218
Estimate:
$ 70,000 - $ 80,000 US
Chevrolet introduced the Corvette in 1953. The car was originally
designed for the Motorama display at the New York Auto show. The
car featured a two-passenger open-cockpit design with a unique
lightweight "glass-fiber" body. The GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)
body was molded into a shape more akin to a European styling house
than an American automaker and is still appreciated today for its
sensuous form. It was met with such rave reviews Chevrolet decided
to put it into production. For the 1953 model year Chevrolet
produced 300 examples of the Corvette. This initial run was only
offered in Polo White with a Sportsman Red interior.
In 1954, Chevrolet built 3,640 Corvettes. The cars were essentially
the same as the 1953 models with minor changes to the window
storage bag, air cleaners, starter, as well as how the fuel and
brake lines were routed. The cars could be ordered in Polo White,
Sportsman Red, Black or Pennant Blue. For 1954, the only color
option for the top was beige, as seen on this car. Polo White was
by far the most popular color with 3,230 examples finished in this
tone. It was advertised as "The First All-American Sports Car."
Production of the first generation Corvette ran through 1962.
This 1954 Corvette has been restored and was rewarded as an NCRS
Top Flight winner in 2000 with a total of 94.6 points of 100. The
Corvette is finished in the classic combination of Polo White with
a Sportsman Red interior. This striking example (build number 2218)
has a documented history that first arrived at Polichena American
Motors, GM dealership in Ravenna, Ohio. It is thought that the
Corvette was first purchased from there since the original owner
lived in the area.
This first owner (from 1954 to 1992) was Dr. Donald B. Davis and
his wife Barbara of Akron, Ohio. His son Kurt later conveyed to the
current owner that he remembers his father doing a restoration on
the car. The second owner of the car (1992 to 1996) is listed as
Robert Dillion of Ravenna, Ohio who purchased the Corvette from the
original owner with 26,017 miles logged. He related that "the
vehicle was in a car hauler where it was put after it was restored.
The frame was rusty from sitting and Rob (Mr. Dillion) had the
frame restored and new stainless steel brake lines installed." The
transaction was conducted through Freed Ford as Mr. Davis wanted to
buy a new Mercury and the Freed Ford dealership was having a
tax-free incentive. So Mr. Davis sold the car to Freed and Mr.
Dillion bought him the Mercury and the Corvette for himself on
March 19, 1992.
Mr. Dillion sold the Corvette to Pro Team Corvette in Napoleon,
Ohio who quickly sold the car to Harry Raub in Egg Harbor Township,
New Jersey. Mr. Raub kept the car for a year and it was reported
with 26,372 miles when sold in July 1997 to Harry Engleston in
Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. Mr. Engleston kept the Corvette for six
years in which time he replaced the Corvette's fuel tank and the
car received an NCRS Top Flight award in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
with a grand total score of 94.6 points. With the mileage now at
27,332, the Corvette then moved to County Corvette Sales in
Westchester, Pennsylvania in April 2003. This dealership sold the
car on May 27, 2003 to Jane Snyder in West Olive, Michigan, who
enjoyed the well-cared-for Corvette for eight years before selling
it to the current owner in September 2011 with 36,152 miles now
traveled.
The 36,000-plus miles now on the car are thought by the owner to be
correct due to the closely watched mileage figures over the years
during purchases, but the title does state that the mileage is
exempt.
The power is derived from a Blue Flame 235-cid, 150-hp inline
six-cylinder engine with three carburetors that is paired with a
two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Additionally, the car
is fitted with a signal-seeking Wonder Bar AM radio, side windows,
parking brake, courtesy lights, new carpet and heater. The red
steel wheels have factory hubcaps and wide whitewall tires, making
for a correct and overall beautiful presentation. The Corvette will
be accompanied by the prior owners' history, NCRS documentation and
ribbon.
From the very beginning the Chevrolet Corvette was special in every
respect. In design and construction it differed from all other
models and did not even bear the traditional Chevrolet bow tie. The
legend continues to grow.
