C1 - 1953-1962
C2 - 1963-1967
C3 - 1968-19821954 Corvette
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The 1954 model year production moved to St. Louis, MO. and began production in December of 1953. Production was up a bit to 3,640 units but many remained unsold probably due to lack of performance and handling and influence of European sports cars. Three new colors were introduced, Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black.
Rare Plexiglas top. Only 15 built, 5 with green tint and 10 are clear.
All 1954 Corvettes were powered by GM's "Blue Flame Six" engine producing 150 hp (early) or 155 hp (late) and GM's Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. The rocker arm cover was either engine blue or was chrome plated. "Blue Flame" and "150" decals were affixed to the painted covers on the passenger side of the cover.
Early 1954 engines (through sequence #002906) used "bullet" air inlets common to the 1953 model year.
Late 1954 engines (after sequence 002906) have a dual "pot" air inlets intended in part to reduce the possibility of engine fires.
1954 total Corvettes built - 4,640
A 235-cid, 150-hp (or 155-hp) engine, manual 3-speed transmission, vinyl interior trim, and a soft top were included in the base price of $2,774.00 - however, the Powerglide automatic transmission was a required option ($178.35) and no 1954 Corvette with a manual transmission has been documented.
| Serial Numbers | |
| E54S001001 - E54S004640 |
Engine Specifications
| Bore | 3.5625 |
| Stroke | 3.9375 |
| Cubic inch displacement | 235.5 cid |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 |
| Horsepower | 150 hp @ 4200 RPM - early 155 hp @ 4200 RPM - late |
| Torque | 223 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM |
| Carburetion | 3 x 1 bbl |
Regular Production Options
| RPO | Description | Cost | Qty |
| 2394 | Corvette convertible | $2,774.00 | 3,640 |
| 100 | Directional Signals | $16.75 | 3,640 |
| 101 | Heater | $91.40 | 3,640 |
| 102 | AM Radio, signal seeking | $145.15 | 3,640 |
| 290B | 6.70x15 whitewall tires | $26.90 | 3,640 |
| 313M | Powerglide Automatic Transmission | $178.35 | 3,640 |
| 420A | Park Brake Alarm | $5.65 | 3,640 |
| 421A | Courtesy Lamps | $4.05 | 3,640 |
| 422A | Windshield Washer | $11.85 | 3,640 |
1954 Exterior/Interior Colors
| Color | Ditzler | DuPont | Soft Top Color | Interior Color | Production Qty | Percentage |
| Polo White | n/a | n/a | Beige | Red | 3,230 | 88.7% |
| Pennant Blue | #DAL 11238 | #1927 | Beige | Beige | 300 | 8.2% |
| Sportsman Red | n/a | n/a | Beige | Red | 100 | 2.7% |
| Black | n/a | n/a | Beige | Red | 4 | 0.1% |
1954 OEM Supplier Paint Colors
| Color | Valspar Code | PPG Code | DuPont Code |
| Polo White | W1528 | 8011 | 57758 |
| Pennant Blue | MW5401 | 11238 | 57797 |
| Sportsman Red | MW5402 | n/a | 57586 |
| Black | K090 | 9300 | 99 |
Exterior color quantities are not from Chevrolet records. These are estimates based on surveys, theories, and other data. They should not be relied upon as precise quantities. Paint vendor documentation confirms the intent to offer additional colors such as Metallic Green and Metallic Bronze, but production records have not surfaced to positively confirm any being painted such colors.
Mechanical Specifications
| Wheelbase | 102.0 inches |
| Track Front/Rear (inches) | 57.0 / 58.8 |
| Overall Length | 167.0 inches |
| Width | 72.24 inches |
| Height | 51.25 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 6.0 inches |
| Curb Weight | 2,850 pounds |
| Coolant Capacity | 17.75 quarts |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.25 gallons |
| Oil Capacity | 5.0 quarts |
GM Heritage PDF file of specifications/options/etc.
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© C1-C3 CorvetteWorld
