There’s long-term ownership of a car, and then there’s the owner of this 1954 Corvette convertible.
He reportedly bought it in California way back in 1962, and now 62 years later, he’s still the owner.
But not for long as he’s finally decided to part with his Corvette on Bring a Trailer, where enthusiasts have the next two days to place bids higher than the current $50,000.
While the color palette expanded in ’54 to include a small number of Pennant Blue (300), Sportsman Red (100), and Black cars (4), this one is the most popular shade – Polo White, chosen by 3,230 of the 3,640 customers. Records aren’t available from GM, but it’s suspected some other colors may have left the St. Louis factory, including Metallic Green and Metallic Bronze.
This car isn’t about perfection as its white repaint in the early 2010s is already showing signs of wear, including various nicks, scratches, and cracks in the fiberglass.
To us, though, the patina just adds to the allure of this Corvette, and we’re hoping the new owner will have a chance to talk to the long-time owner, or at least members of his family to learn more about why he kept the car for so long and how he enjoyed it.
Like other ‘54s, this car certainly won’t win any awards for performance, as the Corvette continued to be powered by the same Blue Flame 235ci V6 engine with three Carter YH side-draft carburetors, the same unit that was in the first 300 cars built for ’53. Late in production, the ‘54s received a camshaft design change that upped the horsepower to 155 from 150, and since this car is #3,474, it likely has the more powerful engine.
The car also retains its two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, the only choice for owners that was available for the first two years of production.
Inside, this Corvette has a nice red interior (perhaps the only color choice for Polo White, Sportsman Red, and Black, though a beige interior was apparently in the 300 Pennant Blue cars).
The old interior shows its patina on the dash, steering wheel, and door panels, but the red vinyl seats look to be in good condition, especially after undergoing repair work last November.
Which way will the new owner head? Would you undertake a complete frame-off restoration or follow the path we’d take and leave the car just as it is, making only necessary repairs to keep it on the road and looking good?
We certainly commend the owner for helping this historic Corvette make it through its first 70 years of life and wish the new owner the best of luck on his journey. In this day and age of instant gratification, we may never see another Corvette keep the same owner for an astonishing 62 years. What do you think?
Source:
Bring a Trailer
Related:
Corvettes for Sale: 1961 Corvette Project Comes With Enough Parts to Make it 95% Complete
Corvettes for Sale: 70-Mile 1998 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Offered on Hagerty
Corvettes for Sale: Someone Made a Green C8 Corvette Z06 so You Don’t Have to
Subscribe Now:
-
It’s always hard to part with your first love.
The Blue Flame Six has a surprising rumble to it. I’ve never heard one running before.
Blue flame is a straight six not a V six.
Comments are closed.