Vehicle Description
GR Auto Gallery is pleased to present this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette
for purchase. It's quite provoking to think about the timing of the
birth of the Corvette. Every American produced vehicle was getting
bigger throughout the mid-50's with tons of heavy sheet metal,
chrome, and most often large fins. The idea that GM went the other
way with their small, fiberglass concept car at the 1953 Autorama
created a huge buzz. The rush to production meant that all
production in 1953 was hand made in the last months of the year in
an old truck factory in Flint while the production facility in St
Louis was being prepared. The engine was the same 235 CID inline
six that powered all other Chevrolet models, but with a
higher-compression ratio, three Carter side-draft carburetors, and
a more aggressive cam. Dubbed the "Blue Flame", output was 150
horsepower. Because there was currently no manual transmission
available to Chevrolet rated to handle 150 HP, a two-speed
Powerglide automatic was used. While the Corvette had no shortage
of attention, sales lagged and it took a few years for Corvettes to
really fly off the shelves. The first few years' low production
numbers make early Corvettes incredibly rare and important pieces
of automotive history.
The car offered here features its period correct inline 6 cylinder
engine, automatic transmission and running gear. The car was
acquired by its current owner from a museum in 2003, and then
subsequently treated to a body off restoration and mechanical
rebuild. The car is finished in its signature Polo White over red
interior. Since, the car has remained in a collection, kept in a
climate controlled environment, and remains in wonderful condition
mechanically and cosmetically. Highlights include: Polo White
exterior paint, red and white interior, correct spinner hubcaps
with wide white wall tires, am radio, original gauges, tri carb set
up, original washer bottle, original static shield etc. This
Corvette was the 850th production Corvette built since introduced
for model year 1953. Documentation includes a large file of
receipts documenting the restoration performed on this classic.
To see over 80 photos of this car, including under carriage please
visit our website www.grautogallery.com
Gr Auto Gallery, LLC and our sister company, Wheelz Sales and
Leasing Inc. makes every effort to represent each vehicle
accurately and with integrity. We also welcome third party
inspections when necessary. Although we try to do our very best to
be accurate in our description writing we are human and do make
mistakes. Unless otherwise noted, All vehicles are sold AS IS, No
Warranty Expressed or Implied. All sales final.
