Chevrolet introduced the Corvette in 1953. The car was originally designed for the Motorama display at the New York Auto show. The car featured a two-passenger open-cockpit design with a unique lightweight “glass-fiber” body. The GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) body was molded into a shape more akin to a European styling house than an American automaker and is still appreciated today for its sensuous form. It was met with such rave reviews Chevrolet decided to put it into production. For the 1953 model year Chevrolet produced 300 examples of the Corvette. This initial run was only offered in Polo White with a Sportsman Red interior.

In 1954, Chevrolet built 3,640 Corvettes. The cars were essentially the same as the 1953 models with minor changes to the window storage bag, air cleaners, starter, as well as how the fuel and brake lines were routed. The cars could be ordered in Polo White, Sportsman Red, Black or Pennant Blue. For 1954, the only color option for the top was beige, as seen on this car. Polo White was by far the most popular color with 3,230 examples finished in this tone. It was advertised as “The First All-American Sports Car.” Production of the first generation Corvette ran through 1962.

This 1954 Corvette has been restored and was rewarded as an NCRS Top Flight winner in 2000 with a total of 94.6 points of 100. The Corvette is finished in the classic combination of Polo White with a Sportsman Red interior. This striking example (build number 2218) has a documented history that first arrived at Polichena American Motors, GM dealership in Ravenna, Ohio. It is thought that the Corvette was first purchased from there since the original owner lived in the area.

This first owner (from 1954 to 1992) was Dr. Donald B. Davis and his wife Barbara of Akron, Ohio. His son Kurt later conveyed to the current owner that he remembers his father doing a restoration on the car. The second owner of the car (1992 to 1996) is listed as Robert Dillion of Ravenna, Ohio who purchased the Corvette from the original owner with 26,017 miles logged. He related that “the vehicle was in a car hauler where it was put after it was restored. The frame was rusty from sitting and Rob (Mr. Dillion) had the frame restored and new stainless steel brake lines installed.” The transaction was conducted through Freed Ford as Mr. Davis wanted to buy a new Mercury and the Freed Ford dealership was having a tax-free incentive. So Mr. Davis sold the car to Freed and Mr. Dillion bought him the Mercury and the Corvette for himself on March 19, 1992.

Mr. Dillion sold the Corvette to Pro Team Corvette in Napoleon, Ohio who quickly sold the car to Harry Raub in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Mr. Raub kept the car for a year and it was reported with 26,372 miles when sold in July 1997 to Harry Engleston in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. Mr. Engleston kept the Corvette for six years in which time he replaced the Corvette’s fuel tank and the car received an NCRS Top Flight award in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania with a grand total score of 94.6 points. With the mileage now at 27,332, the Corvette then moved to County Corvette Sales in Westchester, Pennsylvania in April 2003. This dealership sold the car on May 27, 2003 to Jane Snyder in West Olive, Michigan, who enjoyed the well-cared-for Corvette for eight years before selling it to the current owner in September 2011 with 36,152 miles now traveled.

The 36,000-plus miles now on the car are thought by the owner to be correct due to the closely watched mileage figures over the years during purchases, but the title does state that the mileage is exempt.

The power is derived from a Blue Flame 235-cid, 150-hp inline six-cylinder engine with three carburetors that is paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Additionally, the car is fitted with a signal-seeking Wonder Bar AM radio, side windows, parking brake, courtesy lights, new carpet and heater. The red steel wheels have factory hubcaps and wide whitewall tires, making for a correct and overall beautiful presentation. The Corvette will be accompanied by the prior owners’ history, NCRS documentation and ribbon.

From the very beginning the Chevrolet Corvette was special in every respect. In design and construction it differed from all other models and did not even bear the traditional Chevrolet bow tie. The legend continues to grow.