Chevrolet Corvette Roadster 1954, Estados Unidos

Chevrolet Corvette Roadster 1954, Estados Unidos
Motor: 235 CI
Exterior: Branco (Polo White)
Interior: Vermelho
Fotografia

HIGHLIGHTS

Fresh frame-off restoration with 500 miles since

Previously from the Starbird collection

First place winner in March 2018 at the 32nd annual Spring Meet at Sunshine Corvette Club

Bomnin Chevrolet voted this car Best in Show

Automatic transmission

5-inch binder of documentation with photos of the restoration

Corvette Servicing guide

A fresh frame-off restoration that has been driven just 500 miles since its completion, this 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster has been a part of the famous Darryl Starbird Collection in Afton, Oklahoma, since 1994. The “Bubbletop King,” as Starbird is known, previously restored the car to factory specifications, unlike many of his head-turning custom builds in the past that garnered national acclaim. Chevrolet began churning out the 1954 model Corvettes from its freshly refurbished St. Louis plant on December 28, 1954, after projecting sales of 10,000 units per year. However, production slowed to a virtual standstill, the result of cooled demand caused by the difficulty potential buyers faced trying to buy the 1953 model. To bring them back into the fold, Chevrolet offered an expanded color range, even though 85 percent of buyers still opted for the Polo White used exclusively in 1953. Changes were few in 1954 models. The dual tailpipes were extended to eliminate the staining caused by the shorter pipes used in 1953; twin chromed open-element air filters replaced the original three bullet-shaped inlets; and a new camshaft added 5 HP, raising output to 155 HP. In addition, the dual hood latch arrangement on 1953 models was replaced by a single release. Corvette was offered with a wide variety of so-called options, including directional signals, a heater, signal-seeking AM Wonderbar radio, parking-brake alarm, courtesy lights and vacuum-operated windshield washers, all of which were installed by the factory on every car produced. Powered by the 235/155 HP Blue Flame Six engine mated to a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, this comprehensively restored 1954 Corvette was awarded Best in Show honors by event sponsor Bomnin Chevrolet at the 32nd annual Spring Meet of the Sunshine Corvette Club in Miami, Florida, in March 2018. A 5-inch binder that includes a photographic record of the restoration is included.