Chevy introduced its Corvette sports car in 1953, and demand was so small the first three years that the automobile almost didn’t survive. Yet – nearly 70 years and two million copies later – the marque continues to evolve and soldier on. This first-year ‘Vette is one they could have built if the technology had been in place in 1953 when it was rebuilt in 1989. It’s not in Concours condition but is said to be driver quality instead. A tip provided by Barn Finder T.J., this restomod is in Dunedin, Florida, and is available here on craigslist for $37,000.
Only 300 Corvettes were made in 1953 and they were all pretty much identical. Polo White paint, black convertible top, Sportsman Red interior, 235 cubic-inch “Blue Flame” inline-six with three single-barrel Carter carburetors, and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The only options were an AM radio and a heater, and we understand that all 300 of the cars were so equipped. Thankfully, some 225 of them are estimated to still exist in one form or another.
As the story goes, this C1 Corvette was rebuilt in 1989 at a cost of $50,000 by a former GM executive. Documentation exists that details the car since the time the transformation took place. Besides a color change to red, a lot of mechanical adjustments were made to the Corvette to “improve” it to the standards of the day. That includes a Corvette 350 V8 engine and TH-350 transmission, power steering and power disc brakes (2 or 4? wheels), tilt steering, and both hard and soft tops.
This is not a garage queen, with its license and insurance kept up to date and driven weekly (it is Florida). The odometer reading is just under 7,000 miles which we assume was reset to zero when the car was restored. We’re told it’s fun to drive and should run circles around how it was built in 1953. Other than cash, the seller would entertain a muscle car trade from 1966 to 1972. This is a vehicle that Chevy could have built if they had only had the technology at the time.
Everything about this car fits nicely except for the steering wheel. With everything chrome or red the black steering wheel stands out like a potato mixed into a bowl of fruit. The dollar three ninety eight wrap makes it even worse. Love the car but obviously not the steering wheel.
Looks like a Transam steering wheel!
Have the wheel wrapped in red leather and the center painted the interior color. That would help it blend in a little better. The smaller wheel allows easier access in and out of the car.
I’d replace it with a Grant GT wheel. The one with the fake wood rim. That’d be the ticket!
Will be gone fast at this price
And it’s gone…
Would like to know what was “wrong” with it before the restore. I mean I like it. But also with only 300 made seems a shame to change it.
Return the shifter and the steering wheel back to original and it would be great.
I’d love to have a ’53 Corvette but I have to admit that it’s more because Corvette and I are the same age. But if I was to acheive that goal, it would have to be bone stock right down to the Blue Flame six and that anemic Powerglide. I would still have a lot of fun with it. I feel kind of bad that this one got changed, both in color and with the powertrain. No doubt this one will actually move when you step on the gas. But still…
Geo, like you, I was born in 1953, me in January, the Corvette in June. If you had one ‘bone stock’ about the only fun you might could have with it would be showing it to your friends or taking it to a car show because it would be worth a tad more than this one.
@Bamapoppy- 3/1/53 Checking in from Rochester- If you had a “bone stock” 1953 in your carport you would have at least $100,000 sitting out there.
The changes are more for a later model that, In my opinion don’t affect its originality. I would much prefer the Blue flame with either the Automatic or a manual shift. More value in the originality.
The Corvette’s big problem was the Thunderbird. Prototypes for each car were shown almost simultaneously and the T-bird came stock with a V8 from the git-go. Once Corvette offered a V8, sales kicked into gear. I agree with those who say it would be great to keep such a rare car original, but someone obviously had a different idea.
And Zora Arkus- Duntov kept his foot on the gas to prevent GM from turning the Corvette into a four-door barge with “Opera” windows and my Aunt Milly’s couch for a front seat. Thank you. Mr. Arkus-Duntov!
Actually, the Thunderbird caused GM to continue making the Corvette.They were going to drop it but the upstart T Bird in ’55 made them change their minds.
Very nice and desirable. Especially at the price. I understand it has sold.
I’m a little confused, did the G.M. executive have an original 53 rebuilt or did he have an all new car built to look like a 53 Corvette?
God Bless America
Had a $50 deposit on a red 1955 V 8 /three speed manual Corvette, when I was a teenager. Thought I could talk the folks into fronting me the rest. They told me to get lost! Think the dealer wanted $2000.
The seller of this one priced it right and it sold asap while the $42,5K is still waiting for a fool to part with his money. Shows the difference in pricing an item correctly to sell it. This one is in a whole lot better shape to.
This is a replica corvette and not worth a dime for no side windows and can not be a real corvette but one the replicas.
Immediately seen by engine bay picture and fact the chrome on door sill has no hole for the windows and not hole to put rear of widow in place.
I have 55 and it is a real 265 V8 with three speed. manual
Mort
Is it red, and tracing back to Downey, CA IN THE 60’s?
While this is s lovely car, for pure drivability, I would go with the Kindig CF1. Dave Kindig has created something special with his Corvette copy.