1954 Corvette Survivor CHAMPION GENE BOTHELLO STREET CAR 52K mile time capsule

Description for Chevrolet Corvette 1954

California Black Plate 1954 Corvette. All original time capsule with 52. 86 original miles. Gene Bothello. legendary Corvette race car driver. purchased this car in 1963 from the original owner. The car was registered and the California black plates carry his name. He removed the car from the road in 1970 because of its originality and put it in long term dry storage. During his ownership of this car. gene won two national championships and became a household name to everyone in the corvette world. Gene obviously loved Corvettes and kept this car for the remainder of his life. Sadly. Gene passed in February of 2013 and his presence will be missed by many. He was an extraordinary man who lived an amazing life. With 50 years of ownership pedigree this is truly a museum piece. A full racing bio and obituary are scanned in the last six pictures of the auction. Last registered and removed from road in 1970 and preserved in climate controlled garage. Numbers matching drivetrain. Runs and drives as it should. Interior all original. Exterior all original. Presents as a true survivor with tires pre dating its storage. Convertible top original as pictured with small tears. Trunk complete with correct spare. original trunk mat. undisturbed jacking instructions decal. original side windows. and hanging bag for storage thereof. Interior all original. Bottom cushion of driver side showing wear in the original upholstery. Exterior body completely unmolested with the exception of two "back in the day" hood pins installed by Gene in the mid 1960's. Original locking mechanism for hood still in place and working. Engine bay shows like a California desert survivor. To be a 100 point concourse survivor. this car will need a very thorough buff job. bright work massaged with ultra fine steel wool and one seat bottom upholstery traded out. If you like the warmth of a 60 year old patinated original car. you will fall in love with this example. If your collection is predominately restored cars. you will not get it. Please call Corey with any and all questions. 620-382-4302