1954 Chevrolet Corvette White/Red Ready To Drive

Description for Chevrolet Corvette 1954

I purchased this car from an elderly gentleman who owned it from 1975 until I bought the car in 2005. The gentleman bought this car in Texas in 1975 and wanted to keep it for life. where he drove it for approximately 11000 miles before parking it for good in 1992. When I bought the car it had been sitting on the same footprint for 13 years (since 1992) in his garage. I wasn't in the market for a car when I discovered this one but. I fell in love with it instantly. I did a lot of research before deciding to buy it. My research came that this car was 100% original. unrestored. and was as it left the factory in 1954. It was obvious to me that this car came from Texas as there was no rust of any sort anywhere on the car. I had never seen a "time piece" like this ever. This car could easily have qualified as a "Survivor". but what good is a car that you can't drive more than just around the block. has pitted chrome. and leaks all over your garage floor? I spent the next 5 years slowly researching and restoring this car using the parts it came with from the factory. My research included obtaining Noland Adams literature. and utilizing the "NCRS 1953-1955 Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide". I also scowered the Web. and documented the 1954 “unrestored” (and several restored) examples. and wanted to do this fine example justice. I know I already said it. but this car is 100% original. The engine and transmission contained their original 1954 gaskets and seals and leaked from every possible spot. The transmission was disassembled. inspected. and put back together with new clutch plates. gaskets. and seals. When the transmission had all the road grime removed. the letters CV were discovered painted yellow with a brush from the factory on the front and rear cases. On the forward case of the transmission I discovered the letters VETTE in chalk written from the factory in 1954. Before removing the engine. the compression was checked. all 6 cylinders had strong compression (125lbs). The engine was disassembled. inspected. and reassembled with all new Fel Pro gaskets and seals. The rod and main bearing clearances were checked and found to be right in the middle of allowed tolerances. All the coolant hoses are new. the radiator has been flushed and pressure tested. and the coolant reservoir and original rad cap have been rechromed. The exhaust was also replaced and the original exhaust manifold was shot-peened. The differential had all gaskets and seals replaced and has new fluid. The original fuel tank was dipped and cleaned. the original (2 piece) fuel line was cleaned. reused and also looks new. The original fuel pump was rebuilt and the original carburetors were also rebuilt. The original Brake Master Cylinder and the original 4 wheel cylinders were rebuilt. The original brake lines were all cleaned and look new. The hubcaps are the original hubcaps (not repro's). The Firestone Deluxe Champion 6. 70-15 "Gum/Dipped" tires on the car when I bought it. had very little treadwear but had flat spots from sitting in the same spot for 13 years. All 4 tires were replaced with the same tires. The car rides very smooth and drives straight. The chrome was in good condition. I wasn't satisfied with good. Over the course of 5 years spent a lot of money rechroming. I used the most expensive chrome shop (and best thankfully) who "tripple chromed" 95% of the car's chrome. Included in the rechrome were all the original gauge bezels and any chrome pits were removed. All the lenses were replaced with new lenses. which surprisingly are exact replicas. All the gauges have 1954 dates stamped on their housings from the factory. The taillight lenses have a 1953 date stamp on them as well. All light bulbs have been replaced. The interior is the original interior and in great shape. The original date tags are still intact on the bottom of each seat and read 12. 17. 53. The convertible top is the original top. however someone (pre-1975) dyed the top the 1953 Black colour. The inside of the top is the original Tan colour. There are no side curtains with the car. The car has been painted pre-1975 and is the correct Polo White "Lacquer Paint". Fortunately the body was not oversanded then. and the original "fibreglass print-through" is intact. The Lacquer Based Paint has a unique "deep gloss" finish. and a definate different look than today's available paints. I have half a pint of matching Lacquer Paint (which was discontinued in the 80's) and know where I can obtain more if one needed. Some people will ask so. no this car has not been judged. Someone else can do that if they wish. I'm moving on. I have been involved with shipping several cars over the years by covered/enclosed transport and can assist with that process. All transportation costs are the buyers responsibility. This car is my personal car and has been my passion since 2005. It is stored inside. polished and covered. Please do not hesitate to ask questions. I'm more than happy to answer them.