Lot 47: 1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ROADSTER

Lowest mileage 1953-1955 Corvette known to exist



Polar white with red interior and tan top

Engine: six cylinder, 235.5ci, 150bhp at 4,200rpm; Gearbox: automatic; Suspension: front, unequal length A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, tube-type shock absorbers; rear, rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, tube-type shock absorbers; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive.

In the 1950s, Detroit car manufacturers were busy responding to the post-war demand for stylish "dream mobiles" that were more than merely functional modes of transport however only General Motors built models that most Americans could actually afford. In 1953, at the first Motorama held in January at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled their new Corvette. The car was sleek and sporty with a rounded body, mesh stone guards over inset headlamps, a trendy wrapped windshield and thrusting 'jet-pod' tail lamps. A soft top folded out of sight beneath a solid lift-up panel, while European-style side curtains replaced roll-up windows.

The Corvette with its fiberglass body, small size, and two seat configuration revolutionized the sports car market in America. Not only did it provide an alternative to the European sports car, it went even further to provide a car that was better in many respects - more comfortable, reliable, safer and attractive - while possessing favorable handling characteristics. Power was provided by the Chevrolet 'Blue Flame' six cylinder which was the only six cylinder ever used in a Corvette as immediately thereafter and until the current day, V8s have been employed. The Corvette proved to be the most exciting model GM had ever offered, with the 1953 and 1954 examples most significant in that they were the first truly American post-war sports cars.

Extensively profiled and praised in a Hemmings Magazine article entitled, 'Solid-Axle Dream' by automotive writer and the host of the TV show, Classic Car Garage, Jeff Shade in January 2004, the 1954 Corvette offered here is simply one of the most remarkable Corvettes in existence, with a stunning 1,374 original miles showing. The impeccably documented history begins on March 21, 1955 when Robert E. Schroeder of Chicago, Illinois received a Western Union telegram from Ed Pacdur, an editor at TV Guide informing him that he had won a Chevrolet Corvette in the Long Grey Line 'Whoozzits' contest and that they would like him to appear on the 'Tom Duggan Show' to receive the keys to the car. Mr. Schroeder obliged, and received the keys to his new 1954 Corvette. The story continues with Mr. Schroeder driving the car for a mere 300 miles to conclude that he didn't like the vehicle. At which point he let his sister drive the car. She logged about 1,000 miles before arriving at a similar conclusion, and thus in 1957 the car was parked in a shed behind the Schroeder home where it sat for 33 years. It was during this time that the roof of the shed partially collapsed on the car, exposing it to the elements.

In 1990 the Corvette was removed by Pro Team Corvette of Ohio who is believed to have acted as a broker for Joseph and Karen Kappel in Pennsylvania. The ownership was short-lived and unrealized as Mr. Kappel was sent to Federal prison on RICO charges and the car was seized by the government. The Corvette then came into the possession of the Vectura Group who in turn sold it to its third owner, Mr. Duane Turnbull of West Virginia on September 16,1999.

It was at this time that the history, documentation and restoration began in full force. Mr. Turnbull tirelessly researched every lead possible gathering a staggering amount of original documents that had been so well-kept by the two previous owners. Among the materials catalogued and included in the sale are: the original telegram from Western Union, the invoice in the name of Mr. Schroeder from Merit Chevrolet indicating 'N/C' as the car was a prize, the Merit Chevrolet badge that adorned the rear of the car, owner service policy, clock instructions, engine running-in instructions, car papers folder, radio operating instructions, lighter operating tag, owners' manual, an original build tag found tucked under the bumper, as well as the odometer disclosure statement when the car was transferred from Mr. Schroeder to Mrs. Kappel indicating 1,368 miles in 1990.

In June of 2000 Mr. Turnbull enlisted the expertise of noted Corvette restorer Bill Kuhn, owner of His Place, Inc. in Maryland. As work began they realized upon removing the chrome detail that the car had been painted, albeit in a hurry, to its red color for the prize-giving. Beneath they found the alternative color choice for 1954 - Polar white. The collective goal of Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Turnbull during the restoration was to keep as much of the car as original by rebuilding, refurbishing or restoring every possible component. To that end, the Corvette is complete with its original mufflers, tailpipes and clamps, spark plugs (removed a few years ago but included), wires and rubber hoses, brake lining, fuel and water pumps, shocks, gauges, fully operational radio, and tires (also removed during restoration but included). Further, the Corvette is accompanied by the original Illinois license plate and registration sticker affixed to the front window. After three years and over $100,000 the 1954 Corvette was completed and records of the work were fully documented.

In 2003 the car joined the already impressive Corvette collection of Mr. Chambers where it has received routine maintenance and has been kept in show condition. Having only been driven for maintenance and delivery, the Corvette at the time of writing shows a mere 1,374 miles.
Christie's is pleased to offer what is believed to be the lowest mileage 1953-1955 Corvette in existence. We recommend close inspection of the four complete history and restoration binders as the car is delivered with an extraordinary wealth of information and original documents. This is an unrepeatable opportunity not to be missed.