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Details
FORMER NCRS TRIPLE TOPFLIGHT & BLOOMINGTON GOLD WINNER
1953 CORVETTE ROADSTER
Chassis No. 0747386F54Y6
Polo white with sportsman red interior
Engine: Blue Flame six-cylinder, 235.5ci, 150bhp at 4,200rpm; Gearbox: 2-speed automatic; Suspension: front, unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive.
Dream cars were big in Detroit in the Fifties, but only General Motors built some you could actually buy. In January of 1953 at the first Motorama in New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled their new Corvette. The car was sleek, 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 fibreglass body, small size, and two seat configuration, revolutionized the sports car market in America. Not only did it provide an alternative to the European sportscars, it went beyond and provided a car that was better in some respects, more comfortable, safer and attractive, while 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 G.M. had ever offered. The 1953 models are significant in that they were the first of America's true post-war sportscars and a mere 300 were built in that year with approximately 200 known examples accounted for today.
The car offered here is argueably the finest '53 Vette in existence. It was restored in the 1980's by 1953 Corvette specialist team Sarah Blake and Joe Meyers for then owner, well known Corvette collector, Bill Beard. The restoration was finished in the mid 1980's and was done to exacting standards. The Corvette competed and won countless awards including the triple top flight award from the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRA). This signifies that this '53 Vette was awarded the top prize on three separate occasions, by three separate judging teams, at three separate locations. Being awarded the triple Flight award placed this car in contention for the coveted Duntov award of excellence - which it won. Further testimony to its authenticity and quality is its Bloomington Gold Status. Following Mr. Beard's ownership the Corvette was purchased by Mr. John Moores. During his ownership it has been carefully maintained by Steve Van Duyn. It was recently donated by Mr. Moores to the Scripps Research Institute and Christie's is honored to be offering this incredible Corvette, with the proceed benefitting Scripps, on their behalf. and Joe Meyers for then owner, well known Corvette collector, Bill Beard. The restoration was finished in the mid 1980's and was done to exacting standards. The Corvette competed and won countless awards including the triple top flight award from the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRA). This signifies that this '53 Vette was awarded the top prize on three separate occasions, by three separate judging teams, at three separate locations. Being awarded the triple Flight award placed this car in contention for the coveted Duntov award of excellence - which it won. Further testimony to its authenticity and quality is its Bloomington Gold Status. Following Mr. Beard's ownership the Corvette was purchased by Mr. John Moores. During his ownership it has been carefully maintained by Steve Van Duyn. It was recently donated by Mr. Moores to the Scripps Research Institute and Christie's is honored to be offering this incredible Corvette, with the proceeds benefitting Scripps, on their behalf.
WITHOUT RESERVE
1953 CORVETTE ROADSTER
Chassis No. 0747386F54Y6
Polo white with sportsman red interior
Engine: Blue Flame six-cylinder, 235.5ci, 150bhp at 4,200rpm; Gearbox: 2-speed automatic; Suspension: front, unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive.
Dream cars were big in Detroit in the Fifties, but only General Motors built some you could actually buy. In January of 1953 at the first Motorama in New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled their new Corvette. The car was sleek, 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 fibreglass body, small size, and two seat configuration, revolutionized the sports car market in America. Not only did it provide an alternative to the European sportscars, it went beyond and provided a car that was better in some respects, more comfortable, safer and attractive, while 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 G.M. had ever offered. The 1953 models are significant in that they were the first of America's true post-war sportscars and a mere 300 were built in that year with approximately 200 known examples accounted for today.
The car offered here is argueably the finest '53 Vette in existence. It was restored in the 1980's by 1953 Corvette specialist team Sarah Blake and Joe Meyers for then owner, well known Corvette collector, Bill Beard. The restoration was finished in the mid 1980's and was done to exacting standards. The Corvette competed and won countless awards including the triple top flight award from the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRA). This signifies that this '53 Vette was awarded the top prize on three separate occasions, by three separate judging teams, at three separate locations. Being awarded the triple Flight award placed this car in contention for the coveted Duntov award of excellence - which it won. Further testimony to its authenticity and quality is its Bloomington Gold Status. Following Mr. Beard's ownership the Corvette was purchased by Mr. John Moores. During his ownership it has been carefully maintained by Steve Van Duyn. It was recently donated by Mr. Moores to the Scripps Research Institute and Christie's is honored to be offering this incredible Corvette, with the proceed benefitting Scripps, on their behalf. and Joe Meyers for then owner, well known Corvette collector, Bill Beard. The restoration was finished in the mid 1980's and was done to exacting standards. The Corvette competed and won countless awards including the triple top flight award from the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRA). This signifies that this '53 Vette was awarded the top prize on three separate occasions, by three separate judging teams, at three separate locations. Being awarded the triple Flight award placed this car in contention for the coveted Duntov award of excellence - which it won. Further testimony to its authenticity and quality is its Bloomington Gold Status. Following Mr. Beard's ownership the Corvette was purchased by Mr. John Moores. During his ownership it has been carefully maintained by Steve Van Duyn. It was recently donated by Mr. Moores to the Scripps Research Institute and Christie's is honored to be offering this incredible Corvette, with the proceeds benefitting Scripps, on their behalf.
WITHOUT RESERVE