GENERAL:

The 1954 model was the second year of production for the Corvette.  Actual production of the ‘54 began in December of 1953 and a year later, almost a third of them remained unsold. In 1954, as with the first year of production, only six cylinder engines and automatic transmissions were available.  A mid-year adjustment to the camshaft increased horsepower in the 235ci engine to 155. While more than 3,200 of the 1954 models remained Polo White in color, other  color options were introduced in ‘54.   300 were produced in Pennant Blue, 100 in Sportsman Red and 4 were produced in Black.

 

THIS CAR:

A ‘numbers match’ 5-owner car, it has just over 68,300 actual miles.  Optioned from the factory with Wonderbar radio, windshield washers, courtesy lights and heater, it is a rare Onyx Black exterior color.  The official Corvette Black Book states only 4 black 1954 Corvettes were produced, though there are some claims that the actual number ran as high as 14.  This car, restored to ‘as-new’ condition, was originally sold new at White-Allen Chevrolet in Dayton, Ohio .

 

1954 CORVETTE TRIVIA:

 

 

 Although the Powerglide transmission was listed as a $178 option, no 1954 Corvette was ever shipped with a manual transmission.

 

The production for the 1954 model was moved to a new plant in St. Louis that had a capacity of producing 10,000 Corvettes per year.

 

The 1954 Corvette was virtually the same as the 1953 model except for its colors.

 

As mentioned, the 1954 models were available in 4 colors. Polo White, Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black. All came with a red interior with one exception. The Pennant Blue could be ordered with a beige interior.