The factory brochure proclaimed on its cover that “With an eye to the future, Chevrolet introduces in an experimental model The Corvette, the American Sports Car of the Future.” It created a sensation and was greeted with enthusiastic approval. At barely 33-inches in height at door level, it features broad, low lines and a road-hugging center of gravity while setting a new style for a new field – the American sports car. The spacious two-place cockpit is beautifully designed and finished throughout in (for then) typical sports car traditions.

In 1953 the Corvette debuted in the Motorama display at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Conceived by the legendary Harley J. Earl, it was a two-seat convertible built by General Motors aimed at capturing the small car market from manufacturers such as Jaguar and MG. With its trim lines, folding top and side curtains, the Corvette had the features of a true sports car. This also represented the first attempt by an American automobile manufacturer to produce cars with a fiberglass body instead of steel components and panels. The development work behind the car and an admiring buying public would assure the Corvette would eventually become America’s premier sports car, as it continues to be today 62 years later.

All 1953 Corvettes were convertibles with black canvas tops, Polo White in color with Sportsman Red vinyl interiors and primarily built by hand; especially (it is noted) for the first 85 to 90 cars. This offering is the 65th Corvette built and falls into this early window, and it is properly finished in the original factory colors. During the 1953 production year, 300 Corvettes were produced making the initial model the rarest Corvette; 255 examples are thought to still be in existence.

This particular 1953 Corvette has been with the same owner since 1998 and is a restored, award-winning automobile. The performance comes from a 235-cid, 150-hp Blue Flame inline six-cylinder engine that has three side-draft Carter carburetors and is teamed with the then-new Powerglide transmission. Listed as options, but fitted to all 1953 Corvettes were the heater and AM radio, as seen on this example. It is also equipped with the original bolt-in glass side curtain windows. It is riding on tasteful whitewall tires.

The Corvette is listed as AACA Class/Car number 30a/11466. Among the recognition that this fine car has received is an AACA First Junior in Orlando, Florida in March 1999; AACA Senior in Tucson, Arizona in April 1999; AACA Grand National First in New Bern, North Carolina on November 2, 2002; AACA Grand Nationals GN Senior in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 16, 2003; Palmento Award at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance on November 3, 2003; Best of Class at the Rocky Mountain Concours in Colorado Springs, Colorado on August 3, 2008 and Best of Class (Corvettes) at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance on November 1, 2009.

Chevrolet has been saying for years that you’ll get more fun out of life in a Corvette. Add spice to every mile you drive when you buy a Corvette now.