1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1

E53F001227roadUnited States

Engine: 235 cu in (approx. 3.9L) inline-six 'Blue Flame Special', two-speed Powerglide automatic
Colour: Polo White

The 227th of only 300 first-year Corvettes built, this 1953 C1 represents a landmark moment in American automotive history as part of the first mass-produced fiberglass-bodied car from a major manufacturer. Finished in Polo White with red leather interior and powered by a date-stamped 235 cu in Blue Flame Special inline-six, it underwent a complete restoration by Houston Corvette Service in 2003, earning a National Corvette Restorers Society Top Flight Award. Maintained since by ProTeam Classic Corvettes, including an engine rebuild in 2012.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$201,600
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
→ 2003Acquisition unknown
Houston Corvette Service
partial documentation
Houston-based shop carried out a comprehensive restoration in 2003, which reportedly earned a Top Flight Award from the National Corvette Restorers Society.
2004 →Private sale
Current consignor
partial documentation
Acquired shortly after the 2003 restoration; kept as a lightly used collection piece, with engine rebuilding in 2012 and transmission servicing in 2017 handled by ProTeam Classic Corvettes in Napoleon, Ohio.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2003Restoration
Houston Corvette Service
Comprehensive restoration carried out to a high standard of period accuracy, covering bodywork, interior, and mechanical components consistent with 1953 production specifications.
Restoration recognised by the National Corvette Restorers Society with a Top Flight Award.
2012Engine rebuild
ProTeam Classic Corvettes
Full engine rebuild performed to keep the car in correct running condition.
2017Mechanical
ProTeam Classic Corvettes
Substantial servicing of the two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

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