For all practical purposes the 1953 and 1954 Corvettes were the same.
- Minor changes were made to the window storage bag, air cleaners, starter, and locations of the fuel and brake lines.
- Unlike the previous year's model (which offered only Polo White), the 1954s were also available in Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black.
- The soft top was now offered in beige.
- A new style of valve cover was used. It was held on by four bolts through the outside lip instead of two center studs.
- The valve cover decals were different with larger lettering.
- The optional radio had Conelrad National Defense System icons on its face.
- In early 1954, the original two-handled hood latch was changed to a single-handle design.
- Six-cylinder Corvettes after serial number E54S003906 had integrated dual-port air cleaners.
- A clip to hold the ventiplanes closed was added in late 1954 and also used on all 1955 models.
V.I.N. NUMBERS
- Corvette used the standard 10 symbol Chevrolet Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) coding system.
- The I.D. tag was located on the left-hand front door hinge pillar.
- E = Corvette model
- 54 = 1954
- S = St. Louis, MO assembly plant
- the last six numbers were the sequential production number
- They numbered from E54S001001 to E54S004640.
- The engine number was found on the right-hand side of the crankcase behind the distributor.
- The engine numbers for 1954 used the prefix "LG".
- Since the Corvette bodies were virtually handmade, they did not carry standard Fisher Body Style Numbers as did other GM cars.
- The Corvette model number consisted of the four digits 2934, which also served as the body style number for the early production years.
IDENTIFICATION
Series No. |
Body/Style No. |
Body Type |
Factory Price |
Shipping Weight |
Production Total |
2934 |
2934 |
1954 Corvette 2-dr. Roadster 2 passenger
|
$2774 |
2705 lb |
3640 |
ENGINE
Engine type |
surprisingly, a six-cylinder, inline, overhead valve unit with a cast iron block. |
Displacement |
235.5 cid (3.9 liters) |
Bore & Stroke |
3.56 in. (90mm) x 3.93 in. (100mm) |
Compression |
8.0:1. |
Power |
150 brake hp @ 4200 rpm. |
Ignition |
single breaker point. |
Carburetor |
Three Carter Type YH one-barrel Model 2066S on the early models |
Camshaft |
Later in the model year, a new camshaft increased the horsepower to 155 |
CHASSIS
Wheelbase |
102 inches (2.591 m) |
Overall length |
167 inches (4.242 m) |
Front tread |
57 inches (1.448 m) |
Rear tread |
58.8 inches (1.494 m) |
Wheels |
steel disk |
Tires |
6.70x15 |
Front suspension |
coil springs with tubular shock absorbers and stabilizer bar |
Rear suspension |
Leaf springs, tube shocks and solid rear axle |
Brakes |
Drum on all four wheels |
Axle ratio |
3.55:1 |
OPTIONS
- RPO 102A Signal-seeking AM radio ($145.15)
- RPO 100Q Polo White directional signals ($16.75)
- RPO 100R Pennant Blue directional signals ($16.75)
- RPO 101A Heater ($91.40)
- RPO 422A windshield washer ($11.85)
- RPO 420A parking brake alarm ($5.65)
- RPO 313M Powerglide automatic transmission ($178.35)
- RPO 290B 6.70 x 15 White sidewall tires
- RPO 421A Courtesy light ($4.05)