• 08-16-2014:  Listed for auction by Morphy Auctions in Denver, PA on 10-11-2014, with 41,131 miles on the odometer and an unknown number of previous owners listed. From the listing:  "In the inaugural year of Corvette, 300 models left the Saint Louis, Missouri line. Now available is one of the earliest, and most unique examples from that historic run. The #44 car, dressed in Polo White and red interior, carries both NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington Gold awards of distinction. In the 44 years the current owner has cared for this piece of history, the car has featured a concourse, fully-documented restoration by the esteemed Tony’s Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The results were between 95-100% accurate, garnering Bloomington certification the first year presented. With only 41,131 miles, this cherished car includes a number of rarities, that are unique even within the 1953 class. Being within the first sixth of all cars produced, this example includes a unique grille bar, the wheel covers featuring Chevrolet’s bowtie aligned 90 degrees to the spinners, and a different carburetor than later editions."

06-26-2009:

Lot S50 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster
235/150 HP, Automatic, Serial No. 44
Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction
June 26-27, 2009

In the care of its present owner since 1970, this three-owner car is not only astoundingly original; it is a very early production model, serial number 44. It features the early production engine block, carburetors, grille teeth and wheel covers, and retains the original handmade body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid and hood used in its construction in 1953.

It may seem self-evident, but it is important to note that perhaps the most crucial aspect of correctly restoring an early Corvette is maintaining the originality of its overall finish. Unlike later production models, the 1953 Corvette was completely handmade, the evidence of which was lost in some early restorations. This wonderful early production first-year roadster was restored in 2003 by Tony’s Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg, MD to such high standards that the car has been awarded the NCRS Top Flight Award.

Like all 1953 Corvettes, this pristine example is finished in Polo White with a Red interior and Black soft top and features “required optional” heater and radio. The drivetrain comprises the 235 cubic inch, 150 horsepower “Blue Flame Six” and Powerglide automatic.

Highlights:

- 1953 Chevrolet Corvette "true" roadster serial number 44
- Owned since 1970 by present owner, only 2 previous owners
- Freshly restored to spec by Tony's Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg, MD completed in 2003
- Pristine condition
- NCRS Top Flight award
- The engine on #44 uses an engine block that was only used for the early part of 1953 Corvette production run
- The body panels, door, hood, trunk and deck lid are the original handmade pieces that were installed on the car in 1953
- 235/150 HP
- White with Black top and Red interior
- Automatic
- Heater, radio
- 1st design carburetors
- Early type wheel covers
- Original early grill teeth numbered 1-6

Photos:  1953 Corvette #044

11-25-02:  Owner: Terry Watson, Harwood, MD. As of 1973, located in Upper Marlboro, MD. Currently undergoing a complete body off restoration by Tony's Corvette Shop, Gaithersburg, MD. This restoration is fully documented with photos on the web site: Tony's Corvette Shop. Car had not been driven since 1971. Engine:  LAY451668