WYSIWYG. What You See Is What You Get. That might be the best way to describe this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette, as there is not a whole lot of specific information or details given about this car or its history. But there’s plenty to get excited about here, and while it needs quite a bit of work this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette would definitely be worth checking out if you’re in the market for an early C1. This ‘Vette is located in Miami, Florida, and can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $14,025 and no reserve. Barn Finds reader Larry D. has been keeping our staff writers busy with all of his great car tips, including this one, and we’d like to give Larry a big Shout Out and let him know how much we appreciate his diligent efforts in finding and sending us interesting cars to feature on this site. Please keep them coming, Larry!
1954 was only the second model year that the Corvette had been in production, and sales started out kind of slowly, with a total of 3,640 produced for 1954. The seller claims that his Corvette is numbers matching, and I’m guessing by that he means that it is still equipped with the original drivetrain. The car has been sitting for many years and is said to be in need of being completely gone through and restored. The seats are in nice shape, but no word on what happened to the door panels or how they got so smashed in. The frame is said to be solid, although no photos of the underside are provided.
There is also no mention of what happened inside the areas behind the seats, but judging from the photo the car is going to need some attention back there. The seller says that a convertible top frame is included in the sale, but that he has no other additional parts for the car, and what you see is what there is. For its age, overall the body looks to be in pretty decent shape, although it is missing some trim pieces and the hood doesn’t seem to fit quite right.
1953 through 1955 models were the only Corvettes with the 235 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder engine, known as the “Blue Flame”. This motor was rated at 150 horsepower from the factory, but it looks like it’s been a long time since the engine in this car has produced any horses. A close look reveals some missing and crudely disconnected parts, so I’d say it’s reasonable to assume that the motor is going to need a good overhaul.
While the car is obviously in need of restoration, it is mostly complete, and it’s hard to beat that beautiful rear view of an early C1 with those taillight fins and curvy shapes. What are your thoughts on this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette? What do you think is a realistic price to pay for what you are seeing here?
Well, in all honesty, I’m holding out for a ‘53 model as that’s the same vintage as I am. More honestly, I’m holding out for a winning Power Ball ticket so I can afford this nonsense. But it’s okay to dream, despite being old, as my grandkids think I am. Imagine being able to have all the cars on your bucket list, and visiting the places you dream about. You know, there are some who are actually able to do that…
Owned one. Red interior is wrong red, they were more toward the orange, but maybe it is the photo quality, had fake spinner wheel covers, not dog dish, had plexiglass cover over rear license plate, had plexiglas side curtains, no mention, missing air cleaner on one of three carbs, but it could be there, and once you get it fixed up, what have you got? Plenty already in museums, so no goal that way, and, for 1954, fast in a straight line, front heavy, did not like to go around corners (the ’55 – on with V8’s had engine weight further back), fiberglass crazed, plexiglas scratched and clouded if indeed it is included, exhaust rolled up over trunk into cabin if you did not fake the “through the bumper exhausts) which Chevy eventually did. If you were over 5′ 8” you needed to slouch down to see out of the windshield.
Hi Mike,
Thank you very much. It is my pleasure to do it.
Larry D.
BF’s weakness is the 1954 Vette. 17 of them posted this year.
I don’t mind.
“This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.”
Looks like the car was spray bombed really quickly.
That guy Jay’s Corvette from Austin bought this car, stripped it and re-posted it on ebay. What a shame.
Great article and lovely car!
a time machine so gets my respect, just dont like the rear (esp tail lghts)’n dash. Fav vette motor – ck the dual YH side draft carbs…
Hood doesn’t fit right because it’s the wrong valve cover. 54 has a one year only cover, with a slight bevel on the front to clear the hood. Lots of questions with this one.