1954 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Speedster 5.4 V8
(Featured on 2nd December 2013)
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvette
Year: 1954
Registration: 850 YUD
Sellers original description:
1954 Corvette Duntov EX-87 Replica Project. In 1955 Zora Arkus-Duntov pulled the heavy and slow 235 straight six from a 1954 Corvette and fitted one of the first small block V8s. He also removed the screen, convertible top and other excess weight and tested it at GM’s Arizona Desert Proving Grounds in at 156mph, and at close to 150mph on the beach at the 1956 Daytona Speed Week. The original EX-87 sold at auction in 2009 for $318,000 US, and is probably now too valuable to drive for fun. Our 1954 VIN E54S001828 languished in Texas with no trim or interior for more than 20 years before arriving in Europe where its 235 Six and Powerglide transmission were stolen, leaving it forlorn but ideal to rebuild as a Duntov Replica. The full body-off restoration, with correct style Chevy V8 engine, actually a 327, rebuilt with fuelie heads, big valves, high compression pistons , stage 2 camshaft, WCFB Carter carb. Transmission is an original 1959 Corvette Warner T-10 4-speed with correct shifter. Original 1954 radio converted to 200 watt stereo with i-pod connection . Dual circuit brakes with front discs. Colour is white with red interior and red wheels. New correct windshield just fitted, tonneau cover and five new wide-white radial tyres. Nothing has been done in this full restoration to prevent future conversion to a 100% correct 1954 Roadster with 6-cylinder 235 and power glide automatic, convertible top and side screens. Very fast. Ideal for classic rallying or just for fun, successfully driven to Le Mans and back in June 2011.
Photos:
