The C1 Corvette didn’t make an overwhelmingly positive first impression, with buyers generally underwhelmed by the mechanical configuration. Many thought a genuine American sports car deserved a V8 under the hood, viewing the six-cylinder/Powerglide drivetrain combination as disappointing. Chevrolet would address this shortcoming in 1955. However, this 1954 model possesses an upgraded engine and transmission, providing the power these classics deserved from Day One. It is a tidy and clean vehicle with no pressing needs. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding has raced to $25,142 in a No Reserve auction.

The Corvette made a faltering start when launched in 1953. The 300 cars that rolled off the line that year were essentially handbuilt as the company ironed out the bugs in the construction process. The build total rose to 3,640 in 1954, but many remained unsold as the year ended. Early quality control issues and underwhelming performance saw potential buyers give the ‘Vette a wide berth. This car rolled off the line that year and is 1-of-100 ordered in Sportsman Red with a Beige soft-top. A previous owner treated it to plenty of TLC during the past five years, and although it isn’t perfect, it should still turn heads. The driver-quality paint shines nicely, there are no visible fiberglass problems, and the underside shots confirm that spending most of its life in California has left the frame solid and rust-free. The top is new, while the chrome and glass look excellent. My only sticking point, and this is personal taste, is the wheels. They don’t tick the box for me. Once we delve deeper into this car’s specifications, you may feel that replacing them with the correct steelies and hubcaps would transform this beauty into a genuine sleeper.

The 235ci Blue-Flame six that originally powered this Corvette produced a healthy and respectable 150hp and 223 ft/lbs of torque. That fed to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission, which many viewed as the badge’s most significant shortcoming. It stifled performance, and the 18.1-second ¼-mile ET fell far below customer expectations. However, the previous owner addressed that issue by sinking a cool $35,000 into this Corvette’s mechanical components. The original drivetrain is a distant memory, with this car now featuring a 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a tandem master cylinder, and an aluminum radiator to keep the temperature in check. The specifications of the small-block are unknown, and the seller doesn’t indicate whether the car received suspension or brake improvements beyond the master cylinder to cope better with the additional power. However, they state that this beauty runs and drives perfectly and can be considered a turnkey proposition by potential buyers.

The theme of tidy presentation continues inside this Corvette. There is little to criticize, with the painted and upholstered surfaces in excellent order, no carpet wear, and no visible aftermarket additions. The new owner has functional faults to address, but none should prove challenging. The radio and wipers don’t work, and some gauges are inoperative. The seller doesn’t indicate which, but isolating the problem may not require a trip to the auto electrician’s workshop.

I typically prefer unmolested classics, but I will make an exception with this 1954 Corvette. Some may decry the changes, especially considering its relative rarity. However, others may argue that it has given this Corvette the performance credentials it deserved from the factory. It has struck a chord with potential buyers, demonstrated by the thirty-eight bids submitted. The No Reserve status means a new home beckons, but would you consider making it yours?