1954 Chevrolet Corvette

Registration No: VSU 564
Chassis No: E54S003109
MOT: Exempt

• Notably early being from the first full year of production
• 1 of only 3,640 Corvettes built for 1954
• Understood to be boasting matching chassis and engine numbers
• Emerging for sale from twenty years of dry storage and in current registered ownership since 1994

Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on Harley Earl's EX-122 show car of 1952, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear, suitably modified, and a shortened chassis frame around which was wrapped striking glassfibre coachwork. A novelty at the time, glassfibre construction kept tooling costs down to a level commensurate with low-volume production and enabled the 'Vette' to go from design to introduction in less than two years. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5ci (3.8-litre) overhead-valve straight six, which in 'Blue Flame' (Corvette) specification produced 150 or 155bhp. Unusually for a sports car, there was an automatic transmission: GM's two-speed Powerglide. Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory. Sales were sluggish initially and the Corvette came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. It would go on to become the world's longest-running and most successful sports car.

Denoted by the chassis number as being a notably early example, 1 of just 3,640 Corvettes produced in the first full year of production (1954), this example, is understood to be boasting matching chassis and engine numbers featuring its original “Blue Flame 150” engine. Produced at the St. Louis, Missouri plant, the Corvette is finished in Polo White, one of just four paintwork colours available, and still has the correct Red interior upholstery, with a Beige hood. Imported into the United Kingdom in 1989 and registered as 'VSU 564', the C1 'Vette appeared in a feature in Classic & Sports Car magazine in October 1992. Entering into current registered ownership in 1994, the Corvette has now remained in dry storage for more than the last twenty years. Now offered requiring thorough recommissioning. or restoration, the scarcity of these first full production year Corvettes makes 'E54S003109' a very worthy project. Showing a recorded mileage of 98,126 miles, the Chevrolet is fitted with a very rare hard top and is offered with an old style V5.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904