Chevrolet introduced a new sports car in 1953, the Corvette. In its first three years, production numbers combined didn’t reach 5,000 units and it almost became extinct. Fortunately, faith beat out finances and the car would evolve until it because a balance sheet success. This ’54 is a stalled project, especially as it pertains to the California DMV, where getting a title has become a challenge. Perhaps that’s because the seller says it’s a replica and doesn’t mention what it’s supposed to be under the skin. Located in Ventura, California, the vehicle is currently disassembled though the seller also provides photos when it was mostly in one piece. It’s available here on eBay where the bidding is holding $14,200 and there is an unmet reserve somewhere between there and the Buy It Now price of $22,000. Thanks to Larry for bringing this tip our way!
With just 300 copies built in 1953, production grew to 3,640 in 1954, and then back to 700 in 1955. The real 1954 Chevy Corvette had the 235 cubic-inch “Blue Flame” inline-6 and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, both from the existing GM parts bin. The seller’s version now has a 350 V8 with a 4-speed manual transmission but doesn’t mention where and when they came from. And since it’s described as a replica, we assume the chassis is not that of a ’54 ‘Vette. So, what is it?
The seller has owned this project for at least five years. Given the progression of the photos, we assume that he/she bought it mostly assembled and then began taking it apart for restoration. We assume the bodywork is fiberglass like the original Corvette, but we don’t know. Its state of disassembly is blamed on the seller having issues with the DMV in getting it retitled. Or could it be that the CA DMV doesn’t know what it really is? The VIN provided does correspond to a ’54 Corvette.
The lucky (?) auction winner will get the car in its unfinished state along with a lot of original parts and two windshields. Since we don’t see the engine and transmission as a whole in any of the photos, were they disassembled, too? We’d like to get more information on the status of this car as a “replica” before making a judgment as to its value without an original powertrain.
Just from the pictures the car looks pretty good. If you look at the Corvettes Kin dig it design is building, this looks like a deal. Kindling’s cars are $450,000 and I have heard about 25 are sold and maybe about 10 done and delivered. I have seen them up close and they are fabulous, just like all of their builds. The price certainly separates the men from the boys. I look at this project and what Kindig has done and I think, I could do this car and spend maybe less than half the money and I could have a fairly nice car ,not near as good as theirs, but a lot less money. I know, I can’t do what Dave and Kevin have, but I hope they know copying is the sincerest form of flattery. Also, I know and they do too, I will never do it.
Reproduction car with a factory 54 corvette Vin tag
A little internet research by VIN yields an old ad for this car claiming that it is a Lonestar Classics body. The chassis for this car would have been a shortened GM A-body (64-72 Chevelle and similar?). 350, t-10, and 10 bolt would be a natural drivetrain for this layout. Steering column appears to be 1950’s Buick Roadmaster. VIN is listed but not registered with the Corvette Registry. Production date most likely March 12th. Looks like a nice hoard of OEM parts!
I did find similar undated ads for this ’54 VIN on two click-bait car sites.
Oddly, most of the same photos used on eBay are in the click-bait ads. The car was supposedly sitting in Clinton, Mississippi in one click-bait ad. That ad listed a MS area code phone number. It’s possible all the ads are legit and just time staggered. However, it’s also possible one or more is a scam.
It’s a money-pit project and I’m not interested, so I won’t be bidding. But, if you’re considering it, I sure wouldn’t pay anything before inspecting it.
This reminds of me of a replica posted here that was titled as a 1955 Corvette but the frame and undercarriage was indeed original.
https://barnfinds.com/replacement-body-1955-chevrolet-corvette-project/
$22,000? Put that money towards a real one
TBone has it right run do not walk away from this one. You are going to have major problems titling this one!@
Idunno… I put this one on my watch list and keep coming back to it (ends tomorrow). I have become indifferent to most of the homogenized hot rods I’ve seen, but I could totally become excited about building this fiberglass-bodied, small block powered “kit-car”. Between the anemic 6, the 2 speed slushbox, and the outdated suspension technology, nothing about a stock ’54 Vette excites me except the styling. I don’t see it as an attempt to resurrect an original out of a VIN plate as I do an opportunity to take advantage of it’s attributes and make a practical street machine out of it (if it did indeed turn out to be what it has been advertised as.)
If the tan interior pieces were original to the car, the the natural color would have been Pennant Blue; an absolutely gorgeous combination with only 300 being produced in this rare color. Dammit…now I sound like a purist…