- Superb chassis up restoration

- Complete photographic record of the work

- One of the first and most legendary models

 The Chevrolet Corvette is a unique phenomenon in the American automotive industry. In 1951, Harley Earl, the legendary creator of General Motors’ ‘Art and Color Section’ asked a young stylist, Bob McLean, to design a two-seat sports car for the 1953 Motorama show. McLean created the Corvette, which was much to the liking of GM’s management. In June 1953, the first car came off the lines at Flint, in Michigan. Officially, the first two cars were destroyed for ‘crash tests’, but no one has proof of this and every American enthusiast’s dream is to one day find car no. E53F001001. The first 300 cars were virtually hand-built at Flint in 1953. The 1954 models left a specially prepared factory at St. Louis, Missouri. 3640 cars were built in 1954. The Corvettes from the first two years are undoubtedly among the rarest and most sought after.

Powered by the indestructible ‘Blue Flame’ inline six with three carburettors, whose power increased to 155bhp in 1954, the electric blue paintwork of this example has been completely restored, with superb beige leather upholstery. The current owner had the body completely restored by his mechanic and body shop. The work was carried out extremely well; the chassis was sandblasted and coated with epoxy paint, while the engine and gearbox were rebuilt. A legend, it represents one of the milestones in the American automotive industry.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout