Total Sales of '53s

[Michael D.]

On two occasions, I have run across references saying only 183 of the 300 1953 models were sold. In both instances, the number is given as 183 and neither account gives a source for this figure. Is the 183 figure correct?

[Roy B.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

This may be the reason so few people wonted one ,and why GM made or sold so few

[Ridge K.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

In the early 1970s, while working my way thru college by working evenings and weekends at an auto dealership, I ran into an older man who had been a general manager of a Chevrolet dealership in the mid 1950s. One afternoon he told me a fascinating story, but I do not have all the details. I wished many times decades afterwards, that I had recorded his words, or at least taken notes. He told me that the Chevy dealer he worked for ordered a then new 1953 Corvette from Chevrolet. He said when it arrived, they parked it in their showroom, and it did in fact draw in hundreds of interested persons. He said they are all interested in looking, but not in buying. He told me that it sat in the showroom for the entire 1953 model year, and then was moved out under an awning at the dealership for the entire 1954 model year. He stated that it was finally sold near the very end of the 1954 model year (possibly, re-titled as a 1954 Corvette, but uncertain of that fact). At the time I found it a very interesting story, but had no idea at the time that his story could be of keen interest to those who share a love of vintage Corvettes three decades later. I remember that older gentleman telling the story was in his 70s, and I believe he passed on a few years later. Unfortunately, I cannot remember where he said the dealership was. Ridge

[John H.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

On two occasions, I have run across references saying only 183 of the 300 1953 models were sold. In both instances, the number is given as 183 and neither account gives a source for this figure. Is the 183 figure correct?

I believe that data refers to the number of cars sold during the 1953 model year; all were sold, but a lot of them sat around waiting for buyers for many months after the model year sales were tallied.

[Michael D.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

I believe that data refers to the number of cars sold during the 1953 model year; all were sold, but a lot of them sat around waiting for buyers for many months after the model year sales were tallied.

I tend to agree. They appear to mean 183 sold in calendar year 1953.
Thank you.

[Steven N.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

I am starting the restoration on #141. It sat in the original dealership for 7 years..........

[Michael D.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

I am starting the restoration on #141. It sat in the original dealership for 7 years..........

Seven years?! What's the story on that?

[Terry D.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

Nobody wanted them, they were not exactly fast or agile. Didn't handle all that well either. Can't imagine why, 6 cylinder on 1940's suspension, what were they thinking? The 54's were even harder to get rid of as they made over 3600 of them. A lot of the 54's were givin to celebraties and VIP's to try and make the public think the car was desirable, didn't work. In 55 they only made 700 and the word around GM was the Corvette was finished. Then ol Duntov worked his magic with a V-8 and the rest as they sat is history.
Terry

[Roy B.]

Re: Total Sales of '53s

If I were buying a sports car in 53 to 55 It ant the corvette or T-bird