Ultra Rare 1954 Corvette Is One of Just Four Built in This Configuration

This 1954 Corvette is one of just a few thousand produced in total, but one of only four finished in this color combo.

In the Corvette world, there are many paint colors and other myriad options that can have a massive impact on value, as well as rarity. This has held true through much of the lifespan of America’s sports car, even today with the eighth-gen model. But this 1954 Corvette that’s set to cross the block at Mecum’s upcoming Glendale, Arizona auction sports one of the rarest combinations one will ever find, as it’s one of just four produced in this exact spec.

That rarity can be solely attributed to the black exterior paint that adorns the fiberglass flanks of this 1954 Corvette, as well as its contrasting red interior and tan soft top. This combination isn’t something we see very often, obviously, and it’s unclear if the other three matching Corvettes are even still around. Thus, this special machine is certainly noteworthy for that simple fact alone.

However, it isn’t the only thing worth admiring about this C1, which is one of just 3,230 1954 Corvettes built in total. It’s also a numbers-matching example with the original 235 cubic-inch Blue Flame six-cylinder engine underhood, which was rated to produce 155 horsepower. With a pair of Carter side-draft carburetors up top, the engine sends its power to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

Quite tidy on the outside with that aforementioned black paint, shiny chrome, and wide whitewall tires, this first-gen Corvette is also very nice inside the cabin, where you’ll find amenities including the original Wonderbar radio, a tachometer, heater, and courtesy light.

Overall, this C1 is a very nice and very rare example of an early Corvette, though the auction listing doesn’t note if it has received any sort of refurbishment over the years. Regardless, it has enough working for it that it’s bound to attract considerable interest when it crosses the block next month as perhaps the rarest vehicle on the docket if nothing else.

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Photos:Mecum Auctions

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