Three C1 Corvettes from 1953-1955 Auctioned in Orlando Summer Sale

Are you a fan of the C1 Corvette? The Mecum Kissimmee Auction summer version offered three of the first generation C1 Corvettes for sale – from 1953, 1954, and 1955 and they are going at No Reserve. Read on to learn more about these three C1 Corvettes for sale!

Overview of the Mecum Kissimmee Summer Auction

The Mecum Kissimmee Auction is one of the largest classic car auctions in the world, and this summer version promises to be no exception. This year, there are some particularly exciting vehicles up for grabs, including three C1 Corvettes. That’s right, all three of the first years of America’s favorite sports car – the 1953 Corvette for sale, the 1954 Corvette for sale, and the 1955 Corvette for sale were available for bidding at this auction.

One of the highlights at the Mecum Kissimmee Summer Auction is the No Reserve Mitchell Estate Collection, which featured several rare and valuable cars, including the three Corvettes we mentioned. The Mitchell family was well-known for their love of classic cars, and they had an impressive collection that included many highly sought-after vehicles.

So, in today’s featured Corvette(s), let us look at the Corvettes in the Mitchell Estate Collection. These three C1s would all make a fantastic addition to any personal library and as we see with the auction results, it wouldn’t cost all that much money. Though not straight from the Corvette assembly line, they can still provide great entertainment while you’re off to a Corvette event near you.

The auction took place from July 6-9, 2023 at the Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, in Kissimmee, FL.

Brief History of the C1 Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette was first introduced in 1953 and has become an American classic. The 1953 Corvette was the first model year and only 300 were produced, making it an incredibly rare and sought-after vehicle today. In 1954, the Corvette underwent very few changes. There were only 3,640 roadsters produced in 1954. By 1955 America’s favorite sports car boasted a more powerful V8 engine and new color options. But in 1955, only 700 Corvettes were produced.

Owning a piece of history like the 1953, 1954, or 1955 Corvette is a great way to start a collection or complement an existing collection. The C1 Corvette is a classic American car that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate car enthusiasts all over the world. If you’re looking to start a classic car collection, the C1 Corvette is an excellent choice.

Benefits of starting a C1 Corvette Collection

Starting a C1 Corvette collection can be a thrilling experience for any car enthusiast. There are many benefits to starting your collection with these iconic models, including the chance to own some of the rarest and most sought-after classic cars in the world. Here are some benefits of starting your C1 Corvette collection:

1. Iconic Design: The C1 Corvette is known for its iconic design and sleek style. These cars were built to turn heads and stand out on the road. With the 1953 Corvette for sale, the first year of production, you can own a piece of automotive history.
2. Rarity: The C1 Corvette is a rare and sought-after collector’s item. There was only 4,640 total for 53, 54, and 55 combined. How rare is that?
3. Investment: Investing in a classic car like a C1 Corvette can be a smart financial move. These cars have a proven track record of appreciating value over time, making them a great investment opportunity.
4. Community: Owning a classic car like a C1 Corvette can also introduce you to a community of like-minded enthusiasts. You can attend car shows, meetups, and events with other C1 Corvette owners to share your love of these cars. Check out our online Corvette events calendar and join in on the fun!

So let’s look at the three C1 Corvettes being offered.

Lot S15 1953 Corvette at the Summer Mecum Kissimmee Auction Sold for $19,800

As you remember, all 300 of the original 53s came with a White exterior, Red interior, and Black soft top. The car also came equipped with a 235-cubic inch Blue Flame straight-six engine, which was rated at 150 horsepower, and the Powerglide automatic transmission.

Lot S15 is a 1953 Corvette, is a Replica built by Classic Sports Cars, and has a small block V-8 engine with an automatic transmission and is classic White with a Red interior. Vin 1C9AA1119K1369199 has 11,586 miles on the odometer. This 1953 replica contains an array of features, including a Grant GT wood-rimmed steering wheel, VDO instruments, Jensen cassette stereo, American Racing wire wheels, and a set of tires consisting of white stripes on the front and black walls on the rear.

A genuine 1953 Corvette can be valued from a low of $138,000 to $351,000 or higher if the car is in prime condition but as you can see, a replica can be purchased for much less.

As we mentioned, this 1953 is a replica, and the photos indicate that this model does have some rusting. So, its value would be different from an original Corvette.

Photos Courtesy Mecum

Lot S13.1 1954 Corvette for Sale at Mecum Summer Kissimmee Auction Sold $82,500

Lot S13.1 is a 1954 Corvette Roadster is powered by the 235/150 HP Inline 6-Cylinder engine and has the Powerglide automatic transmission. Out of 3,640 units manufactured that year, only four were crafted with a striking black exterior. The red interior complements the exterior, while additional optional features such as the AM radio, tachometer, full-size wheel covers, and wide whitewall tires contribute to the classic design.

Lot S15.1 1955 Corvette – No Results Found

Photos Courtesy Mecum

Lot S15.1 is also a first-generation Corvette Replica. It has a small block V-8 engine with the Edelbrock Performer intake, Finned valve covers, automatic transmission, and power brakes. It is painted a classic Polo White exterior with a Red interior. Other features include the AM radio, tachometer, and full-size wheel covers.

Photos Courtesy Mecum

Although none of these three Corvettes will be selected for the Pebble Beach event, they can still offer an abundance of entertainment. Suitable for local car shows, Cars and Coffee, or a peaceful drive on a Sunday. All three C1s were auctioned at no reserve at the Mecum Kissimmee Summer Auction.

Mecum’s Kissimmee Summer Special 2023

The dates were July 6th through the 9th for the Mecum Auctions’ Summer auction which returned to the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee Florida. It follows the success of their record-breaking Mecum Kissimmee 2023 auction in January, with total sales of over $234 million. This Summer Auction saw 885 lots with a sold hammer throughout the four-day event for a total of $30.6 million. For Corvettes, in position four of the top ten was a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Coupe (Lot S161) that sold for $231,000. In position eight was a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot S108) that sold for $198,000. There were 328 Corvettes that crossed the auction block.

You can read about another Corvette that was offered at the summer auction here: Rare 1964 Corvette Split Window Coupe Conversion Sold for $115,500.

For more details on other auctions throughout the United States, visit the Mecum website https://www.mecum.com/

Here are some other articles you might enjoy:

C1 Corvette Overview: The Making of America’s Sports Car

Unlock the Secret of Harley Earl, Watkins Glen, Corvette, and Le Sabre

Nostalgia on Wheels: How 1953 Corvette Ads Made Automotive History

1954 Corvette Magazine Ads and Brochures for the New C1 Sports Car

Unveiling the 1955 Corvette Brochure: a Power-packed New 195-h.p. V8 Engine

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