Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 14th October from 12pm
Auction: Wed 15th October from 9am
Location: St John’s Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE

1954 Chevrolet Corvette
Entered from the Cambrian Collection

Estimate
£50,000 – £60,000

Registration No: 367 XVB
Chassis No: E54S003592
MOT: Exempt

Significantly uprated with a Chevrolet V8 engine (thought to be a 350ci / 5.7 litre unit) and four-speed manual gearbox
Treated to a full respray since joining the Cambrian Collection
Valued at £75,000 for insurance purposes
A ’54 ‘Vette that actually goes as well as it looks!
Unveiled as part of General Motors’ Motorama on January 17th 1953, the prototype ‘EX-122’ Corvette arguably stole the show. Brainchild of legendary stylist Harley Earl, the newcomer was more than an aesthetic match for its intended European opposition. Although, Chevy’s proven 3.8 litre ‘Blue Flame’ OHV straight-six and two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission provided respectable performance (0-60mph in 11.5 seconds and 102mph), many would-be buyers had been expecting a more exotic drivetrain. Initially handbuilt, the Corvette’s showroom appeal was further hampered by a price point which exceeded that of Jaguar’s XK120 and various Cadillacs. Updated for 1954, the sole launch colour of Polo White was augmented by Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red and Black. Despite making its international racing debut on that year’s Carrera Panamericana, the ‘jet age’ Roadster recorded just 3,640 sales.

More information to follow

**Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission – T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).