Corvette Model Gallery
1954 Roadster
For 1954 production was moved to St. Louis and while the factory could handle production of ten thousand cars it would take several years for that number to be achieved. Thirty-six hundred cars were produced in ‘54 but by the end of the year more than a thousand cars remained unsold. One reason for the lack of popularity was that all the weaknesses of the ‘53 remained. At least you could have a choice of two internal colors and four external ones and the most popular, Polo White. Toward the end of ‘54 the future of Corvette was in grave doubt. Two events intervened to give it another chance. One was a strongly worded letter by Zora Arkus Duntov who joined the Corvette team in the summer of 1953. Zora came from a racing background and realized the Corvette had a future if only it could be given more time. An even more influential reason was Ford’s decision to build a V-8 powered two seat car, to be called the Thunderbird. The Corvette would be given another chance.
The model
I built this 1954 Corvette based on Monogram's 2291 '53 kit.
The inspiration for this model was the most beautiful '53-'55 I have ever seen, not in a car show, but in the freeway! At over 60 mph in traffic!
It is reported that only four Corvettes were painted black in '54. Others claim seven. We have two in our site!
The photoetched headlight guards add life to the car. To me, this is the essence of this model.
The interior was detailed with flocking, detailed dash, and scratchbuilt steering column, turn signal lever, horn ring, shifter, knobs, ashtrays, etc.
I spent most of the time detailing everything the engine compartment. I wired and plumbed everything I saw in reference pictures.
It wouldn't be complete without the keys in a "Chevy Bowtie" keychain thrown in the seat waiting for you...
Highlights:
Model Car Garage Photoetch set (Headlight guards, scripts, emblems, windshield washer nozzles, top latches, latch button, parking lights bezels, dash vents, gauge bezels, keys, keychain)
Chrome parts stripped, reshaped and sent to Chrome Tech USA for replating.
Detailed engine compartment and interior.
Flat bottom tires.
A ton of metal foil.
Scratchbuilt items:
Exhaust tips (Aluminum), steering column, horn ring, shifter, knobs, turn signal lever, door ashtrays, steering shaft in engine compartment, radiator hoses, heater hoses, clamps, canister, electrical wiring, brake plumbing, throttle linkages, oil lines, suspension components, air filter bases, parking lights, taillights bezels.
Comments:
This kit was discontinued last year. It is really showing signs of age. This has been the most labor intensive model I've ever done. Virtually every single part was either replaced or modified. The only parts used without major modifications were the hubcaps. I am satisfied with the results, but it is not perfect. I spent too much time in it.
If you would like to contact Ismael on this model his e-mail address is: ismaelg@prtc.net
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Page updated 01/04/00