1954 CHEVROLET CORVAIR MOTORAMA RECREATION

KEY FACTS

• A stunning hand-built recreation of the Chevrolet Corvair concept – a long-lost design that was introduced at the 1954 GM Motorama event in New York City.
• It is powered by a 265ci (4.3-litre) prototype V8 with a four-barrel Holley carburettor, coupled to a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission.
• It was completed in 2015, and was revealed at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance where it wowed the crowds; subsequently attending the Ault Park Concours d'Elegance in 2015 and the Milwaukee Concours d'Elegance in 2016 – winning a first-place prize at all three events, and six awards in total.
• The car has received extensive coverage in the motoring media, and is a well-known build.
• It is now located in Indiana where it has title, but the registration is not current.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The Corvair concept was a two-door fastback with a Corvette front end, a wrap-around windshield and a sweeping rear.
• Using an original 1954 Corvette as the foundation, the body panels of this recreation are all hand-made in fibreglass – just like the original concept – with the exception of the two factory fibreglass front fenders from the original Corvette.
• It was constructed by Brett Henderson of Blue Flame Restorations with the help of the current owner, with every effort taken to faithfully replica the Motorama concept car. It is understood that Henderson has created one other replica, and that there are a few other recreations built by other enthusiasts in existence.
• The window glass was also custom-made. While there are cranks on the doors, these are wired into power windows rather than manual winders.
• It features Crystal Red Metallic paintwork, two-tone cream and red leather upholstery, and chrome-trimmed dials.
• Mechanically, the car retains the original 1954 Corvette suspension and steering, but was fitted with front disc brakes. The rear running gear from a 1956 model was fitted, along with a set of AC Delco shock absorbers, and modified sway bars.
• It will be accompanied by a feature on the Corvette, written and illustrated by K. Scott Teeters, along with a sales deposit letter, the previous New Jersey title from the seller of the 1954 Corvette upon which the build is based, and its Indiana-registered title, dated 23 October 2014.

CONDITION

• There is no bodywork damage to the custom fibreglass panels.
• Its Crystal Red Metallic paintwork is in excellent condition, as illustrated in the photo gallery below.
• Inside, the two-tone cream and red leather upholstery is in superb order, as is the rest of the interior trim – while the original 1956 dials/gauges have surface wear and ‘patina’ that you would expect.
• The speedometer is currently disconnected, but the car has only covered around 14 miles since completion of the build, as it has been trailered around the show circuit.

SUMMARY

This Chevrolet Corvair Motorama Recreation is an incredible hand-built custom; one of only two made by this particular builder, and thought to be one of only four or five replicas around the US. As the original concept was lost, these few recreations are sought-after by some of the most well-known enthusiasts, with one such car finding a home in the famous Lingenfelter Collection. Having won awards at the prestigious 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, this particular car boasts excellent provenance, and remains in outstanding condition.

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