Istorie
Produced in 1954 at St. Louis factory, this Chevrolet Corvette is one of about 200 to be optioned with a white steering wheel. The engine and transmission have been overhauled, and the radiator, starter and battery have been replaced. The radio has been restored by a specialist.
Full description
The sports car boom was in full swing by the early 1950s, fueled by the desire of Americans returning from WWII who wanted something like the Jaguars they had seen in Europe. American manufacturers like Chevrolet therefore felt pressure to launch a competing model.
Introduced in 1953, the Corvette was a sporty convertible. started life as a comfortable, leisurely six-cylinder boulevard cruiser. It was built over a Chevrolet sedan powertrain and chassis. However, the Corvette was available at an accessible price.
For 1954, production was moved to the St. Louis plant in expectation of high demand. The overhead valve 3.851 cc Blue Flame Sixengine, was upgraded with triple Carter carburetors and a new camshaft for increased power. Unfortunately, sales were still below expectations, and only 3,640 were built for that year.
The specimen on display at the Țiriac Collection is also one of about 200 to be optioned with a white steering wheel instead of the more common red. This original California car has had recent major work. The engine and transmission have been overhauled, and the radiator, starter and battery have been replaced. The radio has been restored by a specialist. Another novelty introduced in 1954 was the replacement of the two-handle bonnet locking system with a single-handle mechanism.
This car has covered 3,147 km.
