Carlisle Auctions Offers One of the FIRST 100 Corvettes EVER Made at its Spring Auction

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Build #98 Slated for Friday, April 19 – This Rare Piece of Automotive History is Immaculate.


50 years ago in 1974, Carlisle Events, the parent company of Carlisle Auctions was born, but 21 years prior, the Corvette took Americans by storm.  Its solid-axle C1 offerings in 1953 and performance specs of the time had consumers re-thinking what type of car they’d want to cruise about town in.  During that initial run, only 300 Corvettes were made, with less than half of those still in any kind of desirable condition in 2024.  Of those, many are (and will remain) in private hands as part of collections or museum showpieces. There is one, however; that will be coming to the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction in April, that being serial #98.

Fans and followers of Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions may recall that at the Spring event in 2023, another ’53 was made available.  That one, serial #100, sold for a whopping $324,000.  Its success, combined with the care and promotion put forth by Carlisle Auctions brought this ride to the block with the hopes of a similar, if not a superior result

The car itself has seen a comprehensive frame-off restoration and is presented with the classic 1953 white exterior and red interior.  Showcased with its original VIN tag, body, and frame, its engine is a numbers-matching blue flame six-cylinder.  While under the hood looks great, its visible features are even better.  The body paint is exceptional, with original trunk lid, factory radio antenna built in, and its car show quality chrome will no doubt turn heads.  In addition to its powerplant, the gauges are also top-notch.  In fact, all gauges are original and restored, including the radio.  In short, there’s been no expense spared or shortcuts taken in making this 1953 one of the finest examples to hit the auction block in some time.

Taking possession of this 1953 is simple with Carlisle Auctions.  There are three great ways to bid; in person, on the phone, and online.  The auction is streamed too, making each option as simple as the other.  The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction is April 18-19 with a 12 PM daily start.  The ’53 is slated for Friday afternoon, April 19, and will carry a reserve.  Carlisle Auctions frequently sees many of its top-dollar sales come by way of the Corvette and it's expected that this ’53 will again lead all sales at the auction.