1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

This sale could awaken the collector market for early Corvettes; if you have your eye on one, go get it

by Mike Yager

Then GM’s Motorama was held in January 1953 at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled its new Corvette.

Six months later, the first Corvette rolled off a makeshift assembly line in Flint, MI. The sleek and sporty Corvettes were built by hand using a body of lightweight fiberglass instead of steel. Exterior styling featured a rounded body, toothy grille, mesh stone guards over inset headlights, a trendy wraparound windshield and jet pod rear fenders with “rocket ship” taillights. With a soft top that folded out of sight beneath a lift-up panel and side curtains, it was an authentic roadster.

Using an upgraded version of the 235-ci Chevrolet six found in other Chevrolet cars, the Blue Flame Six offered 150 hp, thanks to a high-lift cam, dual carburetors, and dual exhausts. The only transmission available was Chevrolet’s two-speed Powerglide, and the car relied on handling and road feel rather than straight-line performance. With a...