News & Features February 20, 2007, 2:49PM EST

1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

(page 2 of 2)

Related Items

Story Tools

Just take a look at an original 1953; you can actually see the fiber mat showing through the finish. Quality and color choice were big improvements in 1954, but something was missing—performance.

The Blue Flame Six was not the lit match underhood that enthusiasts were looking for. As we know, a sports car needs muscle to make the adventure complete. Sales fell, and GM offered employees deep discounts to clear the inventories of unsold cars. Dealers slashed the prices and the best buy on the lot was a new 1954 Corvette. So it's natural that a Corvette would be given away as a promotion. The talk around Motown was to discontinue the Corvette. But of course they didn't and the rest, as they say, is history—history that is still being made today.

Restore Or Preserve

I must draw a comparison between a restored car and a true original Corvette. The differences can be enlightening when studied. I own the lowest mileage, original unrestored 1954 Corvette in existence. It reflects the hand-construction and finish that only a true untouched example can. My car has 3,600 original miles and is finished in Pennant Blue; it shows the hand-work of St. Louis assembly and the Nitrocellulose Lacquer that was notorious for quick degeneration and color fade. My side curtains are still stored in their bag; I don't think they were ever used. And they probably never will be.

This particular sale sets the bar for other restored '54 Corvettes to follow. Prominent promotion is one factor that played heavily in this sale, and the reason the seller generated top dollar on his investment. And the documentation surely helped; I maintain a complete archive on my collection, and each car has its volume containing documents, manuals, brochures, letters, even the envelopes in which they were mailed.

All items referencing the original or former ownership, race history, and pertinent information on the model year of the vehicle are maintained. This is extremely important in today's collecting marketplace, and establishes the complete history for current and future ownership, not to mention adding value.

I suspect future values will be led by original, untouched examples, but the price for this 1954 is right in line for a restored low-mileage car. I'm glad to see the early cars holding a strong position in the marketplace. This sale could awaken the collector market for early Corvettes, so if you have your eye on a pristine low-mileage example, my advice is go get it.

My car is a joy to own, a centerpiece in my collection, and my few open-air drives have been exercises in time travel. Take a deep breath, grab that massive steering wheel and enjoy the purr of the Blue Flame Six. You're not going to break any speed records, but what a way to go.

Years Produced 1953–55

Number Produced 4,640 (300 in 1953; 3,640 in 1954; 700 in 1955)

Original List Price $3,498 (1953); $2,774 (1954); $2,909 (1955)

SCM Valuation $70,000–$100,000 (at time of print)

Tune-up Cost $500

Distributor Caps $9.13

Chassis # E54S004485

Chassis # Location Stamped on plate on driver’s door pillar

Engine # Location Right side of engine block

Club Info National Corvette Restorers Society, 6291 Day Road, Cincinnati, OH 45252-1334; 513.385.8526

Web Site http://www.ncrs.org

Alternatives 1949–54 Jaguar XK120, 1955–57 Ford Thunderbird, 1953–56 Austin-Healey 100