As everyone prepares for the new C8 Corvette and comparisons of price to power is proving to be far more worthwhile than some Italian brands, you can spend about the same money on this first generation 1954 Corvette convertible and own the model that started it all. This one is located in Willits, California for $79,000 with a clean title. Thank you, Ikey H., for the tip. You can view more on Craigslist.
While no VIN or miles are listed, the seller claims that the six-cylinder “blue flame” engine has been rebuilt to factory specifications but has not been turned over since that rebuild. Three side-draft carburetors supply air to the engine and it is all connected to an automatic transmission. As you can see in the photo, the engine looks to be in great condition. They do not specify how long ago it was rebuilt though.
Inside is a stunning tan, leather interior. According to the listing, the car is completely original. It is somewhat hard to imagine that a car of this age is in as good of condition as it is. It must have been stored in climate-controlled conditions. There is a crack in the windshield and the paint is all original as well. The sellers have considered repainting but have not because of fear of detracting from the originality.
The listing notes that Corvette restorers have used this car as a template to build their own Corvettes. While there are lots of parts shown and lots of claims made, with no VIN, and no known certifications itself, this car seems cautionary, especially at the price being asked for it. The sellers do say to contact them for more information and photos. You would certainly want to do your homework on this one.
With a blue flame six and an automatic, this is a $30,000 styling excercise at best. I got a good laugh at the asking price.
Still laughing over and over!!
There’s a guy in the Corvette club that has a 54 that he Retromodded. Replaced the frame, drivetrain and brakes on it. It’s a beautiful car with a 350 automatic. Only issue he’s noted is the tendency to overheat but otherwise is a good driver. We’ve talked about it before and from what he said I doubt it came anywhere near the asking price on this one.
Will ride and steer like a Mack truck and won’t get out of its own way.
As cool as this car is, I would not buy this or the C8. The 54 is to primitive for me and the mid engine is way to much for me to handle. For 79K there is a ton of fun rides to thrash. I am not cheap, but I do enjoy a spirited drive. Somewhere in between works for me.
Well said my friend.
This looks like a fairly decent Pennant Blue 54, but I see some things that make me wonder if the paint and interior are all original. Even if it is original and unrestored, I think the asking price is about twice what the car is worth. If it was a 53 or 55, it would be a different story, but 54’s just don’t command the dollars the other two years do. You can buy a nice restored 54 for less than this car’s price.
A note to the author, 54 Corvettes had vinyl seat covers, not leather.
No VIN, no pictures underneath, sort of rough all over more than anywhere else, and an over the top asking price doesn’t do a lot to get enthusiastic about.
Guys. Corvette DNA prices this car at 57,550. As it sits. But with no VIN, it’s worthless.
The author of the post above, said there’s no VIN listed, not that the car doesn’t have a VIN.
Corvette DNA’s values are usually somewhat inflated. I believe they base them on auction prices, which are usually at least 15 percent higher then open market sales. Right now there are over 25 restored 54’s on Hemmings, and except for 4 that dealers are trying to get around $100K for, they’re all priced $60K-$80K. As an unrestored car, $57K is too much for this car, let alone the $79K the seller’s asking.
I was only trying to help. And if the engine was built to factory specs, wouldn’t the builder turn it over to check their work? And it has been recently registered. Old Cali plates would be blue over gold.
The license plate means that the car was recently registered; it should be a black and gold plate. And there’s something suspicious about the overall condition. The price is absurd, and I would walk away from this listing.
Here is what Hagerty says about the value.
Current Values
#1 Concours – $131,000
#2 Excellent – $85,100
#3 Good – $57,100
#4 Fair – $36,800
I am not sure where this car falls regarding condition, but the values seem to be up there.
I’d put it in the lower half of the spectrum and say about 40k is a good price.
” “blue flame” engine has been rebuilt to factory specifications but has not been turned over since that rebuild”.
Why would anyone have an engine rebuilt and never turn it over????
Willits is a nice town! Go look at this car and head West to Ft. Bragg on the coast. A great, twisty road thru the Redwoods.
Crazy money!!!
a sports car with an automatic is like non- alcoholic beer
really like the carter side drafts & i6 motor.
Just the tail lights get me wrong…
What is it? the ’55 – ’64? still has that nice rear deck (Italian like)
that I admire…
Those 2 (blue flame + mid C1)…
I’d never afford and shouldn’t B done (off yr mods like that).