1954 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

1954 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 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!

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Please call 1-800-957-5707 or 314-993-7104 with any questions or to discuss financing or transportation arrangements.

• Price: $84,900
• VIN: E54S003068
• Cylinders: Inline 6
• Title: Clear
• Exterior Color: Polo White

• Carfax:
• Engine: 235ci
• Transmission: Automatic
• Mileage: 55,585
• Interior Color: Sportsman Red

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