c1954 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (RHD)

With the first example rolling off the production line in 1953, Chevrolet’s Corvette has gone on to achieve automotive legend status and not long ago celebrated its 60th birthday, a remarkable achievement. The Corvette has always remained true to the original concept of combining exceptional performance, stunning looks and plenty of luxury at a price most enthusiasts can afford. Overseen by GM’s director of design Harley Earl, the original Corvette went from Motorama show car to full production in less than 18 months, a remarkable turnaround for an all-new model. Its 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-ci 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 1955, Chevrolet left the recipe fundamentally alone apart from minor details, and customers could now choose from a range of colours in addition to the Polo White. Pennant Blue (uniquely with tan instead of red upholstery), Sportsman Red, Shoreline Beige and Black were all offered, while the soft top was changed from black to beige. Chevrolet debuted its new 265 ci (4.3 litre) small-block, 145 kW V8 in 1955 and it found its way into the Corvette as the first V8 engined offered in what would become a mainstay configuration for the model. At first 1955 V8 Corvettes continued with the mandatory-option Powerglide automatic transmission (as did the few 6-cylinder models built) but a new three-speed manual transmission came along later in the year for V8 models only. Despite all of this, only 700 1955 Corvettes were ever built, making it second only to the 1953 model in scarcity.