Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1954 Chevrolet Corvette
Former multiple award winner
Estimate
£40, 000 - £50, 000
Registration No: VSU 564
Chassis No: E54S003109
MOT: Exempt
- Former 'best in show' winner and previously featured in Classic & Sportscar magazine
- Hard and soft-top roofs
- Finished in Polo White with Red upholstery
- Believed but not warranted to have covered 98, 000 miles from new
- 1 of just 3, 640 made and rare as hen's teeth in the UK
Unveiled as part of General Motors’ Motorama on January 17th 1953, the prototype ‘EX-122’ Corvette arguably stole the show. Brainchild of legendary stylist Harley Earl, the newcomer was more than an aesthetic match for its intended European opposition. Although, Chevy’s proven 3. 8 litre ‘Blue Flame’ OHV straight-six and two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission provided respectable performance (0-60mph in 11. 5 seconds and 102mph), many would-be buyers had been expecting a more exotic drivetrain. Initially handbuilt, the Corvette’s showroom appeal was further hampered by a price point which exceeded that of Jaguar’s XK120 and various Cadillacs. Updated for 1954, the sole launch colour of Polo White was augmented by Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red and Black. Despite making its international racing debut on that year’s Carrera Panamericana, the ‘jet age’ Roadster recorded just 3, 640 sales.
An accompanying photograph indicates that chassis E54S003109 scored numerous 1st place, 2nd place and Best-in-Show awards from 1976-1984. Resident in Utah, it was acquired by accomplished skier Knut Aronsen while he was attending the State’s university. Accompanying him back to Norway during 1987, fuelling issues prompted the Chevy’s sale to the UK two years later. Running well when it graced the pages of Classic & Sportscar magazine (October 1992 issue), the Roadster’s then owner Geoffrey Forrester had commissioned American car specialists ‘Luxury and Power’ to source and fit exchange carburettors. Regularly MOT tested until being placed into dry storage by its previous keepers some thirty years ago, the Corvette has recently been recommissioned with particular attention paid to the water pump and carburettors. The presence of a numbered boot liner, sidescreen pouch and jack usage sticker all suggest that the interior trim could well be original and lend credence to the odometer reading of 98, 000 miles. The engine number – 0690332 F54YG’ – is correct for a 1954 Corvette too. Rare as hen’s teeth in the UK, this slice of Americana is offered for sale with old V5 Registration Document, hardtop, beige soft-top and history file.
