Chevrolet’s Corvette was the hit of GM’s 1953 Motorama. Rushed to production by June 30, it was based on a Chevy passenger car chassis, complete with Blue Flame six-cylinder engine and two-speed Powerglide transmission. The white roadster had three side-draft carburetors, a hot cam, high compression head and dual exhausts. There were no side windows, the only weather protection being rigid, metal-framed plastic side curtains and a manual canvas top. Its formal debut was held in September at the General Motors Proving Grounds and 50 were delivered by the end of the month. Disappointingly, just 300 were built by year’s end.

The 1954 models differed mostly in availability of additional colors, but Polo White remained the most popular, with four-fifths produced in that color. At the end of the model year, all production moved to St. Louis. Deliveries had increased ten-fold, reaching 3,640, still a very modest number.

This restored first-generation model has the familiar white body with red interior. Body contours and finish are both very nicely presented. The interior is in very good condition and leather. The Corvette runs with the aforementioned 235-cid, 150-hp inline six-cylinder Blue Flame engine with three carbs and two-speed Powerglide transmission. The engine compartment is clean the car is reported to run and drive in a correct fashion. Early Corvettes had few options; this one is equipped with an AM radio and a driver’s door mirror.

Every Corvette is an icon. The early models conjure an air of driving freedom that has long been lost in today’s busy world and the advent of vehicles that immerse the occupants in luxury. Driving this car can take you back to easier, less stressful times – it is fun to share with other enthusiasts, or makes a perfect getaway car when you hit the road to escape to your favorite out-of-the-way sanctuary.