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1953 Chevrolet Corvette
2dr Roadster
6-cyl. 235cid/150hp 3x1bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$169,000*
-4%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Jan 2025
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1953-1962 Chevrolet Corvette stats
Highest sale
$7,705,000
Lowest sale
$1
Most recent sale
$84,000
Sales
5706
Photos
44 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$84,000
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Base
1800 M
Automatic
North America
Mar 18, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$70,713
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Base
Europe
Mar 16, 2025Car and Classic
View details
$84,000
1962 Chevrolet Corvette Base
78000 M
Standard
North America
Mar 15, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$118,650
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Base
20000 M
Standard
North America
Mar 15, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$58,800
1960 Chevrolet Corvette Base
8000 M
Standard
North America
Mar 10, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$128,800
1957 Chevrolet Corvette Base
3249 M
Standard
North America
Mar 8, 2025Broad Arrow Auctions
View details
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Model overview
Model description
The Chevrolet Corvette may have become “America’s sports car,” but its roots are surprisingly European. As American GIs returned from World War II, they were influenced by the MGs and other European sports cars that dotted the region’s country roads and wanted something similar once they returned home.
Famed designer Harley Earl implored General Motors to build a sports car to capitalize on this interest, and it began to take form as the 1951 “Project Opel.” The results were first shown at the 1953 Motorama as the EX-122, a hand-built, pre-production prototype.
The finished product was the first Corvette, a two-seat roadster with a gaping chrome grille, upbeat-looking single headlights, and a curved windshield. All 1953 examples were white, with a red interior. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic body was revolutionary for the time, and set a precedent that GM would carry on with future Corvette bodies.
For cost-saving purposes, many of the Corvette’s components were sourced from existing GM vehicles, including the drum brakes and the “Blue Flame” inline-six. It made 150hp that went to the rear wheels via a 2-speed Powerglide automatic. No manual option was available for this first year. The result was a 0-60 time of 11.5 seconds, which was respectable for the time but not remarkable.
On June 30, 1953, the first Corvette rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan. GM would build just 300 examples of the ’53 model, all finished in Polo White. The new Corvette may have looked the part, but did not have the raw performance of the European rivals that inspired it. GM would continue to evolve and refine the ‘Vette in the years to come. In its first decade, it would change about as much as any car could in a single generation.
The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette is mostly collectible down to its rarity and its significance as the first model year Corvette. For someone who wants a first gen Vette to drive and enjoy, later cars are much better and for the most part can be had for considerably cheaper. A ’53 mainly appeals to people who want to round out their Corvette collection.
Vehicle specifications
- Shipping Weight2850 lbs
- Vehicle Length167 in
- Wheelbase - Inches102 in
Equipment
- StandardOptional
- TransmissionAutomatic Transmission—
- TiresWhite Sidewall Tires—
- Entertainment—AM
- Comfort Equipment —Heater
- SeatsBucket Seats—
Equipment
Standard
- TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
- TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
- SeatsBucket Seats
Optional
- EntertainmentAM
- Comfort Equipment Heater
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Common Questions
The value of a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $169,000 for a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette at auction over the last three years was $770,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette at auction over the last three years was $52,500. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 21 1953 Chevrolet Corvettes sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette was $370,700 on January 25, 2025 by Barrett-Jackson.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.