The Chevrolet Corvette had been introduced for 1953, and while it had notable shortcomings, it only went into 1954 with minor improvements. One could almost call the 1953 Corvette a “soft launch” of the icon, making 1954 the first major mass-production year.

The big differences were in the expanded colors offered. In addition to Polo White, carried over from 1953, you could now order the Corvette in Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red or Black. Chevrolet also added an available beige convertible top. All models still had red interiors, save for the Pennant Blue models, which had a beige interior as well as the beige soft top. Like the ’53, the ’54 model had clip-in side windows, which would be phased out for 1955.

Chevrolet continued to offer the 235 cid that made 150 hp. Halfway through 1955, Chevrolet employed a camshaft revision, resulting in an increase of 5 horsepower to 155.

The 2-speed Powerglide automatic was the only transmission offered, even though it was listed as a $178 option. It was one of many “mandatory” options listed on the 1954 Corvette, which also included directional signal, heater, AM stereo with signal seeking, 6.70x10 whitewall tires, windshield washers, parking brake alarm, and courtesy lights. A Paxton supercharger was offered as a dealer-installed option, but few cars were so equipped.

General Motors produced 3,640 Corvettes for 1954, marking a more-than-ten-times increase in vehicles built. The 1954 Corvettes have a certain appeal in that they offer all the great looks of the 1953 cars but come at a fraction of the price.