Corvette Roadster is the Last 1953 C1 Ever Built

The Last One

In 1953, the convertible Corvette entered its first year of production. Over the year, 300 units were produced, and this was the very last one.

Photos courtesy of Mecum

Origins

Like all of the Corvette roadsters produced in 1953, this model was hand-built in a dedicated factory in Van Slyke Avenue, Flint, Michigan. The car was finished just in time, with the final touches being applied on Christmas Eve, 1953.

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Most Refined

Throughout 1953, the methods used to produce these Corvettes became more refined. This meant that some of the earlier models were relatively crude. Being the last one that year, however, this is one of the most refined units produced.

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Famed Model

This Corvette is no stranger to the limelight. It was featured in the 1971 issue of the Vintage Corvette Club of America's "Blue Flame Special" newsletter along with "Corvette News" in 1973.

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Restoration

The car's second owner, Ernie Hendry sent it to Corvette specialists Sara Blake and Joe Meyer for a comprehensive restoration during the 1980s.

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Accolades

Between 1988 and 1990, this 'Vette received its Bloomington Gold Certification along with the NCRS National top Flight, Performance Verification, and Duntov Mark of Excellence awards: this car needs its own trophy case.

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Bloomington Gold Special Collection

It was also inducted into the Bloomington Gold Special Collection in 1991. Then, after the car changed ownership, it was inducted to the Bloomington Gold Hall of Fame in 1999.

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Ready to Go

This Corvette, with its classic Polo White exterior and red leather interior, looks just as it did when it left the factory. This was helped along by the fact that it had another comprehensive restoration in 2007. This practically flawless C1 will be on the auction block in August during Mecum's Monterey sale in California.

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For help with service and maintenance of your car, check out the how to section of CorvetteForum.com