1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1

E53F001245roadUnited States

Engine: 3.8L inline-six with three side-draft carburetors, 150 hp, paired with two-speed automatic transmission
Colour: Polo White

Chassis number 245 is among the 300 hand-assembled 1953 Chevrolet Corvettes produced at the Flint, Michigan assembly plant, each finished in Polo White with a red interior and powered by a 150-hp Blue Flame Six. Built in late November 1953, it displays early production details including a press-molded front end and distinctive fender-well lips. Restored to an exceptionally high standard by first-generation Corvette specialist Brett Henderson, the car retains a documented chain of ownership from new and was displayed at the Corvette's 50th Anniversary celebration in Flint.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$184,800
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
2001 → 2011Acquisition unknown
Brett Henderson
partial documentation
Noted first-generation Corvette specialist based in Pendleton, Indiana, who completed a thorough restoration by 2003 and used the car as his personal example; later freshened the restoration after selling.
2011 →Acquisition unknown
Current consignor
partial documentation
Commissioned Henderson to comprehensively refresh the restoration after purchase, with the aim of achieving the highest level of factory-correct presentation.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2003Restoration
Brett Henderson
Full restoration carried out by Brett Henderson to exacting standards, with close attention to factory-correct details including correct trunk hinges, proper stencil markings on the replacement chassis, authentic factory finishes, and correct paint thickness revealing the fiberglass substrate beneath.
Henderson described the work as his personal project and reference example for 1953 Corvette authenticity.
2011Restoration
Brett Henderson
Comprehensive freshening of the earlier restoration carried out by Henderson after the consignor's acquisition, aimed at refining the factory-correct presentation to the highest possible standard.
Work was commissioned by the consignor shortly after purchase.
—
Service
Recent servicing of the carburetor trio and fuel system, with the car confirmed to be in proper running order.
Described as freshly completed prior to the auction offering.

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