Summary

Late-production first year Corvette, #290 of only 300 produced. Correct in Polo White with Sportsman Red interior and original Blue Flame 6-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission.

Details

Chevrolet introduced the Corvette in 1953 as 'America's sports car,” and the first one reached the end of the assembly line on June 30, 1953. This was the first mass-produced fiberglass-bodied car, and all of the 300 cars built were assembled by hand in the back of a customer delivery garage in Flint, MI. All of the 1953 Corvettes were identical, with convertible bodies in Polo White with a Sportsman Red interior and a black canvas top. The engine was the Blue Flame straight-6 cylinder producing 150hp, with triple Carter carburetors and 2-speed automatic transmission. With total production of only 300 cars, the 1953 is the lowest production of any year corvette. This example is a late-production car, #290 of 300 produced, and it retains its original hand-laid fiberglass. The engine has the correct codes and dates, and the car comes complete with the original side curtains and spare tire. The car has been part of a private collection in Southern California since 2008. Recent work in 2018 included new brake cylinders on all four wheels, a new battery, a valve job, carburetors rebuilt and new Al Knoch seat covers.