May 16th 2015 Premier Automobile Sale (13)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/15/2015
The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the sports car introduced late in 1953 and produced through 1962. It is commonly referred to as the solid axle generation Corvette. The corvette was rushed into production after an enthusiastic reaction to the concept car. Nearly cancelled, reviews were mixed and sales fell far below expectations through the early years of production.GI’s returning from WWII, were bringing home MG’s, Alfa Romeo’s and Jaguars. Designer Harley Earl, convinced GM needed to build a less expensive two-seat sports car to compete with the growing number of European imports. In 1951, “Project Opel” began in the Special Projects division of Chevrolet. The result was EX-122 prototype, which was first displayed at General Motors Motorama and the Waldorf Astoria in January of 1953. Production began six months later.To keep costs in check, off the shelf mechanical components were used with suspension design coming from 1949-1954 Chevy passenger cars. The engine was the same 235 cu in inline six as used in other Chevy models but with high compression and three Carter side draft carburetors producing 150 hp. A two-speed powerglide automatic transmission was used and 0-60 times were 17.5 seconds. The initial 300 Corvettes were essentially hand built while full-scale production was being prepared for the 1954 model. The body was made of glass reinforced plastic due to time constraints placed on prototype schedules. People were excited by the new material and as a result, production continued despite thoughts of metal bodies for the 1954 model. Performance as compared to the Corvette’s European rivals was lackluster leading to V8 power and 3-speed manual transmission being introduced in 1955.In 1954, only 3640 Corvettes were produced. New colors were available but the in-line six cylinder and 2- speed automatic were not what sports car enthusiasts expected. All 1954 Corvettes had red interiors with the exception of Pennant Blue cars, which had tan interiors.Offered is a fully restored 1954 Corvette finished in the Black with Red interior combination. As a frame off restoration, thousands of dollars have been spent on the quality of restoration with particular attention paid to originality. It appears virtually new in every respect. Mechanicals have all been rebuilt and provide for reliable touring and driving pleasure. This is one of the finest of the original 3,640 1954 Corvettes available to the market today.• Frame Off Restoration• Automatic Transmission• 235 In Line 6 Cylinder• 150 Horsepower• Stunning Color Combination