[VIDEO] Jay Leno Takes a Spin in an NCRS Duntov 1954 Corvette

Every Corvette has a backstory and there is no one better than coaxing that story out of an owner than Jay Leno. In the latest YouTube episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, NCRS judge and Corvette restorer Mike McCluskey shares his NCRS Duntov-awarded 1954 Corvette. A very fun video for those who like classic Corvettes and a good Corvette story to go along with the ride.

Mike has worked with Jay before on both his 1957 and 1963 Corvettes, and Mike tells us this Corvette is for sale as well. Jay says if you are interested, send an email to [email protected] and it will be passed along to Mike.

The 1954 Corvette was purchased from the wife of a late friend in the NCRS. It had been sitting in a backyard for 35 years and they were able to pull it out with a chain and into a trailer. Despite the car being outside for so long, the body was fairly well protected due to the multiple layers (seven!) of paint that Mike found as he was sanding it down. The total restoration time took three years as Mike says some of the parts were really hard to find.

The two talk about the details of the car and Jay quizzes Mike on various aspects of restoring the car and having it judged. Mike talks about the fine line of not having it too nice as it has to look just like it did when it came off the factory floor. “They [NCRS Judges] are so neurotic that they will deduct for over restoration. You do something too nice, it’s a deduction,” says McCluskey. In the end, the car scored 99 points and successfully passed the performance test to earn the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award.

Finally, the two hit the road in the ’54 Corvette for a nice cruise through Southern California on a beautiful day. The ’54s engine is the Blue Flame straight-six and it makes an interesting soundtrack. Jay does get on it a couple of times and is somewhat surprised with the car’s responsiveness. “Now it’s starting to feel Corvettey,” says Jay.

From Jay Leno’s Garage via YouTube:

Master Corvette Restorer Mike McCluskey shares his beautifully restored and historically significant Corvette with Jay.

Source:
Jay Leno’s Garage

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