1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

Dream cars were big in Detroit in the Fifties, but only General Motors built some you could actually buy. In 1953, at the first Motorama in January at New York’s Waldorf –Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled their new Corvette. The car was sleek, with a rounded body, mesh stone guards over inset headlamps, a trendy wrapped windshield, and thrusting “jet-pod” taillamps. A soft top folded out of sight beneath a solid lift-up panel, while European-style side curtains replaced roll-up windows.

The Corvette, with its fiberglass body, small size, and two seat configuration, revolutionized the sports car market in America. Not only did it provide an alternative to the European sportscars, it went beyond and provided a car that was better in many respects: more comfortable, safer and attractive, while possessing favorable handling characteristics. Power was provided by the Chevrolet “Blue Flame” six-cylinder, the only six-cylinder ever used in a Corvette.

The...