UPDATE – This one didn’t get any bids the first few times, but now the seller has relisted it here on eBay with no reserve! How high will it go?
FROM 10/13/19 – Headlight stone guards on the C1 Corvette will always be one of my favorite details about the car. It gave the ‘Vette that European flair akin to the likes of the Jaguar E-Type and Ferrari 250 GTO. While the headlight guards are a very small item to consider when restoring one of these cars from the ground-up, it’s still nice to see that factory-correct attention to detail. Find this restoration project here on eBay with an opening bid of $38,755.
The body on this 1954 model was previously white, but it’s been sanded down to primer as seen here. It has been off the road for 45 years, and amazingly has been started up and run during that entire period, according to the seller. According to the listing, it is still not ready for paint so some further bodywork and prep work is apparently needed – such as on the passenger side fender in the top photo.
The Corvette does still run, but has weak brakes. It sure seems as if an owner intended to attempt a complete restoration on this 2-speed automatic car, which has a presentable interior with red carpets, dash, and door panels. There’s noting inside the cabin you couldn’t live with indefinitely while the rest of the car is restored. Mileage is indicated as being 91,000, but no word on whether it’s believed genuine.
No details are offered as to the health of the motor. The Corvette is listed with a fairly strong opening bid, especially considering the market for these early ‘Vettes is a funny one depending on the car and how well it’s restored. This 1954 model does seem like a well-preserved example, and it looks killer with the factory hard top. Will it get top money, or is there still too much work to take on for the opening number?
3 side draft Carter (is it YH?) and a Blue Flame six!
Niiiccce!
Like the ’56 – ’60 better for body style,
(w/may B a ’61 grill?)
Not too kosher but mights well say it…
13 teeth, yup that is correct grille. 1953-1957
Chad, the carbs are the same as what was used on the turbo ‘Vairs, if I recall correctly and the edge was rated at 150 HP.
This is, imho, a good candidate for a frame-off restoration, but I’m not sure what it’s worth in today’s market.
These six-banger ‘Vettes are very much leisurely routiers than being a ‘proper’ sport-car.
Beatnik, they are still the rarest models made.
Since there aren’t too many on the market, you can set your own price and probably get it.
I guess the term model and configuration aren’t really interchangeable but to me the rarest (or maybe should say most desirable) is the ‘55.
There were almost 4000 straight 6 Corvettes made in 53 and 54.. but for the following year — and as you surely know the only year that used the original body design and the V8 engine — there were only 700.
To me a ‘55 is the ultimate unicorn. Particularly if equipped with the unobtainium 3-speed
On the Corvairs, the early models (Spyder) were rated at 150 HP, the later models, 1965/66 (Corsa) were rated at 180 HP with a single Carter YH carb.
I’m glad Chevy stuck with the Vette as a two seat and did not turn it into a barge like Ford did the T-bird
I didn’t think there were factory hard tops until 1956
Neither did I. anyone validate one way or another?
Is Scott a factory hardtop?
That’s correct. GM didn’t make hardtops until 56. Hardtop options on 53-55 were limited to aftermarket
I always wanted a ’53 because me and Corvette got our start at the same time. Of course I wouldn’t turn a ’54 down if it was sitting on my driveway. But, like the vast majority of them, they are so far above my budget that all I can hope for is a winning lottery jackpot before I could ever realize that dream. Otherwise, this looks like a real good project with a lot of fun times ahead…
i would be tempted to inspect it for fatal rust issues, get it running, steering and stopping well, finish the body prep and paint it then drive it on dry days.
I’ve always wanted one of these even though they ride like trucks. Someone should jump on this one.
In younger days, I had a chance to buy a black ‘54, and later, a red ‘55 with a V 8 and three speed manual. Sadly, had desire but no cash!
My Father and I (I was just a young lad ) found 1955 that had been abused. (mechanically and body) that we rebuilt. We sold that one and bought a 1958 with the same issues. We rebuilt that one and Dad kept it for his daily driver for several years. He prefered the style and go (warmed over 283, 3 speed and 4.10 posi.) of the ’58. But I always preferred the style of the ’53-’55. I always thought that I would like to find one cheap (ya, right) to install a later model straight 6 with a later model automatic with more gears and an overdrive. Install some deeper gears and it might actually be a nice driver.
They do ride like an unladen truck. Not sure my old body could get used to it. Actually it really rode more like a Pantera than a truck. (Both will give you spinal compression!)
This car is worth it all day long . Only scary part is how did they sand all the paint off ? Ive stripped quite a few vettes and sanded many with a block to keep it straight. Otherwise its a easy job to restore and a straight six will never die .
I’m not sure the car was originally white…I’m thinking red. It looks to be sanded to “primer” (not gel coat) from the last paint job which was black. The car needs a lot of TLC but, at $38k, could be a nice driver/fixer.
Owned for a few years back in the late 60’s. Paid $500 and sold it for $1600 with new tires. Wanted to go straight. Not around corners. I am 6′ even and had to slouch down to see out of the windshield. 3 Carter sidedrafts, leaked gasoline, wonder it never caught fire. Dual exhausts on a 6. Was fast for 1954, but would never beat the Hudson shown next to it. This one does not have original steering wheel or seats, unless old ones are under the black that shows, or the Plexiglas cover over the license plate. The exhaust ports that go through the rear fenders are supposed to be fake, if the exhaust really goes out that way it flows up over the rear deck and into the passenger compartment. Keep that in mind if you restore this one.
You are right about the hard top. 1956 first year to buy factory hardtop. These aftermarket tops could be made to look pretty good.Worst thing about them was figuring out best way to attach them without messing up the original stuff
Sorry charlie but you are wrong about the exhaust. The pipes went through the body on all 53-55s. I personally owned 1953s numbers 121& 256, and 4 1954s and my brother had a 54 & 55. I happen to have a NOS exhaust system I bought for the # 256 53 over 50 years ago
Andre, you are correct in that they made only 700 in ’55 but I want is a ’55 with the 6 cylinder/Powerglide. If anyone knows of one I would like to know as well.
This was originally featured on 10-13-19? How long did I sleep?
Amazing that it hasn’t happened yet!
I don’t have much knowledge about Corvettes but have worked on a few back in the day. The first one was actually a 60. I was surprised to find out that the chassis and suspension was the same as a standard 53 Chevy. Still using a trunnion type steering knuckle. I’ll take an early bird.
should be a fun ride when finished.
Current bid is 22,100
With so few built, it is hard to believe that they have not all been restored already.
I’m sure the auction will end with “Listing was removed because there was an error”