Details
1954 CORVETTE REMOVABLE PLEXIGLASS BUBBLETOP ROADSTER
Chassis No. E54S002425
Sportsman red with red interior
Engine: six-cylinder, 235ci, 150bhp at 4,200rpm; Gearbox: automatic; Suspension: front, unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, tube-type shock absorbers; rear, rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, tube-type shock absorbers; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive.
Dream cars were big in Detroit in the 1950s, but only General Motors built ones you could actually buy. In 1953, at the first Motorama, in January at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled its new Corvette. The car was sleek and sporty with a rounded body, mesh stone guards over inset headlamps, a trendy wrapped windshield and thrusting "jet-pod" taillamps. A soft top folded out of sight beneath a solid lift-up panel, while European style side curtains replaced roll-up windows.
The Corvette, with its fiberglass body, small size and two seat configuration, revolutionized the sports car market in America. Not only did it provide an alternative to the European sports car, it went beyond and provided a car that was better in many respects: more comfortable, reliable, safe and attractive, and possessing favorable handling characteristics. Power was provided by the Chevrolet "Blue Flame" six cylinder - the only six cylinder ever used in a Corvette. The Corvette proved to be the most exciting car GM had ever offered. The 1953 and 1954 cars are significant in that they were the first American true post-war sports cars.
In 1954 Bell Helicopter was hired to build 25 Plexiglass Bubbletops to be used on the new '54 Corvettes. The commission resulted in the completely clear and pillarless design as featured on the example offered here. It is believed that of the 25 bubbletop models originally ordered, there are only two such examples in existence today. The Corvette's already aesthetically impressive appearance was further improved by this custom fabricated top. The translucent helicopter cockpit top gives the car a streamlined, futuristic look often seen on dream car models built for show to excite the post-war American consumers. Mr. Moores' Corvette is presented in Sportsman red with matched red leather interior. In addition to the car's distinctive styling, the Sportsman red paint color is equally remarkable and noteworthy. 1954 Corvettes were offered in four colors, however only a very limited number were available in the red featured on this car, specifically around 3 of all '54 Vettes produced. The red on red combination lasted for only one year before it was phased out in '55 in favor of the red on tan combination.
This very individual 1954 Corvette roadster is an older restoration car that has been kept in a climate controlled environment where it has been maintained by Mr. Steve Van Duyn. All chrome and stainless appear to be in good condition, the paint has been well taken care and as a result has held the restoration quality luster and shine. However, there are areas where the restoration shows its age, the plexiglass bubbletop has a very reparable crack down its side.
Though 1954 and '55 Corvettes share many similarities, Mr. Moores' very special roadster separates itself from all others with its rarity of distinctive specifications. In addition, with only two such bubbletops believed to exist today, the opportunity to purchase one of these fantastic customized cars is by any measure a limited and unpredictable occasion. Accordingly, this car would undoubtedly be a welcome addition in any show or competition.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No. E54S002425
Sportsman red with red interior
Engine: six-cylinder, 235ci, 150bhp at 4,200rpm; Gearbox: automatic; Suspension: front, unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, tube-type shock absorbers; rear, rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, tube-type shock absorbers; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive.
Dream cars were big in Detroit in the 1950s, but only General Motors built ones you could actually buy. In 1953, at the first Motorama, in January at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled its new Corvette. The car was sleek and sporty with a rounded body, mesh stone guards over inset headlamps, a trendy wrapped windshield and thrusting "jet-pod" taillamps. A soft top folded out of sight beneath a solid lift-up panel, while European style side curtains replaced roll-up windows.
The Corvette, with its fiberglass body, small size and two seat configuration, revolutionized the sports car market in America. Not only did it provide an alternative to the European sports car, it went beyond and provided a car that was better in many respects: more comfortable, reliable, safe and attractive, and possessing favorable handling characteristics. Power was provided by the Chevrolet "Blue Flame" six cylinder - the only six cylinder ever used in a Corvette. The Corvette proved to be the most exciting car GM had ever offered. The 1953 and 1954 cars are significant in that they were the first American true post-war sports cars.
In 1954 Bell Helicopter was hired to build 25 Plexiglass Bubbletops to be used on the new '54 Corvettes. The commission resulted in the completely clear and pillarless design as featured on the example offered here. It is believed that of the 25 bubbletop models originally ordered, there are only two such examples in existence today. The Corvette's already aesthetically impressive appearance was further improved by this custom fabricated top. The translucent helicopter cockpit top gives the car a streamlined, futuristic look often seen on dream car models built for show to excite the post-war American consumers. Mr. Moores' Corvette is presented in Sportsman red with matched red leather interior. In addition to the car's distinctive styling, the Sportsman red paint color is equally remarkable and noteworthy. 1954 Corvettes were offered in four colors, however only a very limited number were available in the red featured on this car, specifically around 3 of all '54 Vettes produced. The red on red combination lasted for only one year before it was phased out in '55 in favor of the red on tan combination.
This very individual 1954 Corvette roadster is an older restoration car that has been kept in a climate controlled environment where it has been maintained by Mr. Steve Van Duyn. All chrome and stainless appear to be in good condition, the paint has been well taken care and as a result has held the restoration quality luster and shine. However, there are areas where the restoration shows its age, the plexiglass bubbletop has a very reparable crack down its side.
Though 1954 and '55 Corvettes share many similarities, Mr. Moores' very special roadster separates itself from all others with its rarity of distinctive specifications. In addition, with only two such bubbletops believed to exist today, the opportunity to purchase one of these fantastic customized cars is by any measure a limited and unpredictable occasion. Accordingly, this car would undoubtedly be a welcome addition in any show or competition.
WITHOUT RESERVE