1954 Chevrolet Corvette
Entered from the Cambrian Collection

Registration No: 367 XVB
Chassis No: E54S003592
MOT: Exempt

• Significantly uprated with a Chevrolet V8 engine (thought to be a 350ci / 5.7 litre unit) and four-speed manual gearbox
• Treated to a full respray since joining the Cambrian Collection
• Valued at £75,000 for insurance purposes
• A '54 'Vette that actually goes as well as it looks!

Unveiled as part of General Motors’ Motorama on January 17^th 1953, the prototype ‘EX-122’ Corvette arguably stole the show. Brainchild of legendary stylist Harley Earl, the newcomer was more than an aesthetic match for its intended European opposition. Although, Chevy’s proven 3.8 litre ‘Blue Flame’ OHV straight-six and two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission provided respectable performance (0-60mph in 11.5 seconds and 102mph), many would-be buyers had been expecting a more exotic drivetrain. Initially handbuilt, the Corvette’s showroom appeal was further hampered by a price point which exceeded that of Jaguar’s XK120 and various Cadillacs. Updated for 1954, the sole launch colour of Polo White was augmented by Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red and Black. Despite making its international racing debut on that year’s Carrera Panamericana, the ‘jet age’ Roadster recorded just 3,640 sales.

Unlike the majority of its 1954 siblings which were castigated for being ‘All Show and No Go’, chassis E54S003592 is more than capable of burning rubber thanks to a sympathetic drivetrain upgrade. Thought to have been installed during the 1970s if only because it is topped by an Edelbrock ‘Streetmaster’ inlet manifold, the Corvette’s more potent V8 engine (presumed to be a 350ci / 5.7 litre unit) is allied to four-speed manual transmission complete with Hurst shifter. Improved since joining the Cambrian Collection in 2021, the past few years have seen ‘367 XVB’ treated to a full respray and replacement wheel trims plus attention to its braking system, cooling fan and windscreen washer jets. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, this is one ’54 ‘Vette that won’t disappoint when you hit the gas! Offered for sale with UK V5C Registration Document and paperwork file, ‘367 XVB’ is currently insured for £75,000.

The Cambrian Collection

An engineer by profession, the owner of the Cambrian Collection counts Classic Car and Classic Boat restoration companies among his commercial interests. Keen to demonstrate the breadth of his team’s skills, many of the vehicles within the collection were used as mobile showcases and refurbished over a protracted period. Some have yet to be fully run-in / debugged but all are indicative of a love of motorised transport. No prizes for guessing that Blue and open-top motoring are decided preferences! A desire to reprofile and slim down the Cambrian Collection is the reason for sale.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737