Carlisle to Offer 1953 Corvette #98 in April

This April, a special early Corvette will be heading to auction via Spring Carlisle. 

The car is a 1953 Corvette — a first-year model — of which only 300 were built. It’s production number 98 of those 300.

First-year Corvettes are special in a number of ways, not the least of which being visible fiberglass matting that typically shows through the exterior finish. This is unique to the early cars, as they were built by hand in Flint, Michigan, and fiberglass work was still a relatively new process for GM. All the cars were finished in white with red interiors, and all featured a black cloth top, the 150-hp Blue Flame Six and a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission. The only available options were heater and AM radio, and both were fitted to all the cars delivered that year.

The car has been given a comprehensive frame-off restoration and is presented with the classic 1953 white exterior and red interior.  The car has its original VIN tag, body and frame, and it has its numbers-matching blue flame six-cylinder engine.  

This isn’t the first early Corvette to come to auction here. At the Spring Carlisle event in 2023, another ’53, serial #100, sold for a whopping $324,000.

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction is April 18-19, with the action starting at noon each day. The ’53 is slated for Friday afternoon, April 19, and will carry a reserve. 

“What an exciting way to kick off our auction season,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “This is a rare opportunity for the collectors, and it is happening right here in Carlisle!”

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction takes place in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, a five-day event that includes an automotive flea market and car corral.  

Spring Carlisle happens April 17-21 at the neighboring Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and welcomes nearly 100,000 guests from around the world.  There’s reciprocating admission to the events too, meaning by attending one, you can easily and conveniently attend the other.  To learn more about Spring Carlisle, secure a vending space or purchase discounted admission tickets, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.  

For complete information on the auction, including even more details on this ’53 Corvette, call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com.