Based on sales for the first three years, it would have been no surprise if Chevrolet had canceled the Corvette after 1955. But, fortunately, they didn’t, and “America’s Sports Car” would eventually flourish and is still going strong today (though as a much different vehicle now). This second-year Corvette from 1954 has a customized front clip, reminiscent of the 1956-57 ‘Vettes, and the transmission has been changed from an automatic to a manual.
Chevrolet sold 3,460 Corvettes in 1954, a big jump from the 300 in 1953. That was partly due to some changes in the production process that replaced some earlier hand work. And enabled Chevy to lower the MSRP, too. But demand slipped back to just 700 copies in 1955. A V8 finally arrived in 1956 to replace the aging “Blue Flame” inline-6 which gave the little car the muscle it was lacking.
We gather this is a two-owner car, perhaps purchased from an estate. It had been “Dad’s” pride and joy, and he did some mods in the 1950s and 1960s to go racing in the local area. That may have led to the custom front clip done by FiberFab. And the Powerglide was ditched in favor of a 3-speed manual. Though it has just 67,000 miles, we suspect it has been sitting for a time and will need some TLC, per the seller (a few cracks in the fiberglass?). It looks good overall, especially the interior which may have been redone at some point.
While this is probably not a one-of-a-kind car, it’s not likely that there are many 1954 Corvettes left. By sheer numbers, the ‘54s should be easier to find than a ’53 or ’55. Located in El Paso, Texas, this one is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $45,000. If you bought it, would you keep it as it is or find a proper ’54 nose for the Chevy? Either way, this is a great tip from TJ.!
Uh…say that price again? Grungy, cut up car regardless of what it is no way worth that much.
Congratulations. You made your Corvette look like a ’57 T Bird.
“You have the same face as your father, Vega.”
WOW! Color me speechless. That price has got to be a misprint. I have no idea of what this thing is worth, but it can’t much over a couple of thousand dollars. The motor would be worth something to somebody with a ’53 or ’53 without an engine, and maybe the same thing goes for the frame. A little savings grace for the interior. Othe than that, I’m afraid that I fail to see many redeeming qualities with this one.
55 was the first year for the V8 in the Corvette as it was for the rest of the Chevy line up.
Baron Frankenstein, would like this one!
More than likely wrecked before it was hacked…
There was a write up about this car in MotorTrend 5 years ago https://www.motortrend.com/features/1904-fiberfab-1954-corvette-brought-back-to-life/
Can we say thank you Ford for the Thunderbird? What are the odds? Chevy would have stopped production of the Corvette if the 55 Thunderbird had not come out or had not been such a huge success. They probably keep building the Corvette just to save face. I think every big Corvette collection should have a 55 Thunderbird in it.
What are the chances of putting a Poncho OHC I6 mill in there? To tall? Put in a hood bump for 80 more ponies? Sounds like a pretty good trade.
Hi Will. I think that would be a price prohibitive swap. The overhead cam engine would a little pricey to throw away in a s*** box like this.
So much hate. I am trying to be more positive lately. Hmm…well, let’s see…oh, yeah, they put in a manual trans, so there’s that. And you can’t see how hideous it is when you’re driving.
Looks like the very rare Chord Thundervette. Joking aside, no one can know what the original intent was with this modification but clearly not trying to stay true to C1 styling cues. My guess is lowest cost repair for substantial front end damage.
Great find still with the orginal motor – look the price up on one of those…..
From the appearance of the valve cover, I’m not buying the “numbers matching” claim. That looks like a later six to me. Also, the identification stamp pad on original ’53 – ’55 Corvette six-bangers didn’t show a VIN. So matching exactly what?
I’d really like to say something positive about this ad, but the poor description, high asking price, and weak photos prevent that. The bad trunk and hood fits tell me that this car might be a nightmare to straighten out. Then I count all the missing body trim parts… wow!
Pass, with prejudice.
The stock engines in these cars are easy to pump up to a respectable hp number with all sorts of speed parts still available. No indication of modifications show from the exterior. Still too bad about the body… and the price.
I rather like the look of hooded headlights on this car. Why make your car look exactly like every other ’53-’55 Vette? And who even knew that Fiberfab made a kit like this? Super-rare and still attractive means something to me. I can’t see the FB ad, but I suspect those “cracks” in the rear quarters are actually pinstriping. Good luck finding a grille to fit though.
If you swap this 6 for a late ’60s 250 chevy 6 cylinder,, you take 190 lbs off the front end!