1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster (LHD)

Description

Overseen by GM’s director of design Harley Earl, the original Corvette went from Motorama show car to full production in less than eighteen months, a remarkable turnaround for an all-new model.  The first example rolled off the production line in Flint, Michigan on June 30th, 1953 and the Corvette went on to become an automotive legend, recognised as America’s only true sports car for much of its lifetime.  The futuristic styling employed fibreglass bodywork, something virtually unheard of in America at the time, while the cockpit featured individual bucket seats and a full array of instruments, which served to enhance the sporting nature of the new model.  Under the bonnet was Chevrolet’s familiar Blue Flame 235-cid six-cylinder engine, equipped with triple side-draught Carter carburettors and rated at 150 horsepower.  The Corvette was only sold with a Powerglide automatic transmission, attempting to broaden its appeal beyond the typical sports car driver of the day.  For 1954, Chevrolet left the recipe alone apart from minor details, such as longer exhaust tips to prevent staining the bodywork.  Customers could now choose from a range of colours – in addition to the Polo White, choices included Pennant Blue (uniquely with tan instead of red upholstery), Sportsman Red, Shoreline Beige and Black, while the soft top was changed from black to beige.  The first Corvettes were well received by the press, with the respected Road & Track magazine commending the Chevrolet’s straight-line performance as “the outstanding characteristic” but also praising both the ride and handling.  Americans were slow to catch on to their home-grown sports car, which explains why so few were made.  In 1953, just 300 examples were completed and with production in full swing the following year, Chevrolet still only turned out the comparatively small number of 3,640 Corvettes making early examples highly collectible today.