Chevrolet Corvette C1 | 1954

Chevrolet Corvette C1 | 1954

Highlights:

– 3.9-litre “Blue Flame” inline-six engine, petrol, paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission

– Second-model-year example of the first-generation Corvette

– Complete restoration carried out in the United States by Corvette specialist Greg Wyatt, with the body separated from the chassis and the car rebuilt in stages

– Approximately €44,000 invested in drivetrain and mechanical work between 2014 and 2017, according to available documentation

– Finished in white with a contrasting red interior, in current ownership for around twelve years

The seller offers for sale this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette C1, powered by a 3.9-litre “Blue Flame” inline-six engine, paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Finished in classic white with a contrasting red interior, this early Corvette wears the correct colour combination for its era and presents with a paint finish the seller describes as fully resprayed during restoration, with a smooth, well-detailed shine that shows the fiberglass bodywork’s flowing early-C1 fenders and subtle chrome trim to good effect. According to the available documentation, the car was first delivered new in the United States and registered there in 1954. The current owner has had the car for around twelve years and has maintained it with care.

The restoration itself was carried out in the United States by Corvette specialist Greg Wyatt, with the body separated from the chassis and the car rebuilt in stages, addressing both the cosmetic presentation and the technical condition of the car. After the restoration was completed, the Corvette relocated to Europe, where it continued to benefit from careful upkeep. According to the documentation on file, roughly €44,000 was invested between 2014 and 2017 in further revisions to the drivetrain and various mechanical components, including work to the engine and transmission. Inside, the red vinyl upholstery, body-coloured dash sections, chrome details and period-correct instruments, including a two-spoke steering wheel, centrally mounted rev counter, pushbutton radio and analogue clock, combine to recreate the atmosphere of a 1950s American sports car.

Chevrolet’s Corvette arrived at the 1953 Motorama as America’s first two-seat production sports car, built with a then-radical all-fiberglass body over a steel chassis. Just 300 examples were built in that debut year, all finished in Polo White with red interiors. For 1954, its second model year, production moved to a dedicated plant in St. Louis and rose to 3,640 cars, with the colour palette expanded to include Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red and Black alongside the original white, though white with a red interior remained by far the most common combination. Every 1954 Corvette left the factory with the same “Blue Flame” 235-cubic-inch inline-six, fitted with triple side-draft carburettors and rated at 150 to 155 hp depending on production date, driving through the only transmission offered that year, the two-speed Powerglide automatic. A V8 option was still a year away, so these early cars were conceived less as out-and-out sports cars and more as stylish, characterful cruisers, a role this example continues to fulfil today.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: the Netherlands.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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