unknown value of a '54

[Jeff Snell]

I would appreciate any input on the value of a 1954 Corvette. This car is in good overall condition restored about 15 years ago with little use since. The body and paint are just about perfect. The chrome is all but perfect. The dials and gauges show some corrosion but all are functional except the tach. The speedo light is out. The big issue (and my difficulty in valuation) is that although the numbers match they do not match and VIN produced. My guess is that the engine was replaced and the sill plate was made to match it. (It's no where near right - but does end in 54YG).


Nice looking interior but not new, new top, correct tires and caps. What should one expect to pay?

[Robert D.]

Re: unknown value of a '54

Jeff, If I understand your message correctly you stated that the numbers do not match as far as engine pad and serial number. Corvettes did not have their serial numbers stamped on the engine pad until early or mid 1960. There was a long sequence number ending in F54YG. Noland Adams book explains the relationship between this number and your serial number. Hope this helps.-Bob

[Chuck G.]

Re: unknown value of a '54

Bob is right. The SN of the car wasn't stamped on the block till mid/late 1960. There should be a 7 digit number, followed by "F54YG". The entire stamping was "struck" 4 times....the first 5 numbers were stamped in a gang stamp and are straight and in line, the next 2 numbers were EACH stamped individually, and are not in line with the first five, or with eachother. The F54YG was stamped in a gang stamp, and is in a straight line. So, 0552369 F54YG becomes:


05523(straight in line) 6(individual) 9(individual) F54YG(straight in line).


The individually stamped characters are usually much deeper. They're usually crooked too. It doesn't look like a midyear stamp!! What's the casting date of the block, located above the starter? What's the "block serial number"? What's the VIN of the car? Let us know and we'll try to help more!! Chuck

[Dennis Churchill #31836]

Re: unknown value of a '54

Depending on the state you are located in, some states used the engine number as the VIN #. My 56 Chevy,(not a Corvette), came from Missouri and used the number stamped next to the distributer, (6-cylinder), as the VIN. When I converted it to a hot rod, I had to change the VIN to the pillar post and frame number, (but that is another story).