Equipment
235/150hp, Powerglide, WonderBar radio, wheel covers, wide whitewalls.
Condition
#3 Good
Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.
Good paint showing the fiberglass weave in the body panels. Good interior and tight fitting top, clear glass and gauges. The panel fits are erratic. The underbody and chassis are done but show age and storage dust. Engine block and head casting numbers are said to be “correct” if not original.
Market commentary
Starting in 2019 this Corvette began a string of steadily lower unsuccessful hammer bids: $185,000 at RM Arizona, $170,000 at Mecum Phoenix and $110,000 at Leake Scottsdale in January 2020. It then disappeared, at least from the auction record, adding only 30 miles to its odometer since 2019 until today where it was sold for an eye-popping price. But ’53 Corvettes are the root of the Corvette tree and while this car was overlooked four years ago its price is somewhat congruent with current levels, disregarding the “correct” casting numbers that suggest replacement with another Stovebolt Six.