This 1954 Corvette is finished in the classic combination of Polo White with a Sportsman Red interior. This striking example has a documented history from new included in the sale. The car has been carefully maintained by its long term, collector owner. 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 radio, parking brake, courtesy lights and heater. The red steel wheels have factory hubcaps and wide whitewall tires, making for a correct and overall beautiful presentation. This represents one of only 3,640 Corvettes built in the 1954 model year.

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 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. The Corvette was first unveiled to the public and press at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York in early 1953. Harley Earl was the moving force behind the sensational new Corvette with the assistance of Bob McLean, Maurice Olley and Ed Cole. Shortly before production began the great Zora Arkus Duntov, who would guide Chevrolet’s new sports car to legendary status, joined the team. The new white sports car rolled off the assembly line a scant five months after its debut.

Corvettes were also assembled in a very different manner. They were built by small groups of technicians, rather than on an assembly line. The fiberglass bodies were virtually handmade and did not carry Fisher Body Style numbers like all the other GM models. Although conceived to be assembled from production GM parts and refitted with a steel body, the Corvette continued to evolve in its original form in 1954. Minor changes that year included a different window storage bag, air cleaners, starter and rerouting of the fuel and brake lines. Additionally, a wider array of colors was available to buyers.