A one-of-a-kind 1954 Chevrolet Corvette design prototype is set to be auctioned off at Gooding & Company’s prestigious Monterey Car Week event, taking place on August 18-19. This car has a rich history, dating back to the very early days of the Corvette’s existence. According to the auction listing, it was originally one of approximately 15 hand-built show cars that were constructed before Corvette production began in 1953. These cars were not given traditional vehicle identification numbers (VIN) but instead were designated with an “S.O.” for “shop order.”
The specific car up for auction is labeled as S.O. 2151, making it the prototype for a proposed facelift for the 1955-model-year Corvette. It was sent to General Motors’ design department, which was overseen by the renowned design boss Harley Earl at the time. Under Earl’s guidance, the car underwent various styling tweaks to enhance its appearance. These changes included the addition of a nonfunctional hood scoop, front fender vents, an eggcrate grille, bumper-exit exhaust tips, and a new trunk lid inspired by the Corvette Corvair fastback concept.
One interesting detail that indicates this car was used to test new design ideas is the placement of the Corvette script. The script is positioned higher on one side and lower on the other, allowing designers to compare the two placements. Additionally, a large gold “V” was added to the script to signify that the 1955 Corvette would be available with a powerful V-8 engine, providing more muscle than the inline-6 engines used in the first two model years. To match its experimental design, S.O. 2151 was painted in Bermuda Green, a production color used by GM at that time.
To complete the prototype, the body was mounted on a 1954 Corvette chassis fitted with an experimental solid-lifter-camshaft engine. On July 30, 1954, the design prototype was officially completed, as indicated by a tag that was riveted inside the engine bay.
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Interestingly, the proposed facelift for the 1955 Corvette never came to fruition. Due to concerns about competition from the Ford Thunderbird, GM management decided to delay the facelift. As a result, the production 1955 Corvette ended up being quite similar to the 1954 model, with the exception of the V-8 engine option. It wasn’t until 1956 that Chevy introduced a completely new body for the Corvette.
Unlike most GM design prototypes, S.O. 2151 managed to evade its inevitable fate and survived intact in private hands. The circumstances surrounding its departure from GM remain unknown, as detailed by a Motor Trend article. Regardless, the one-of-a-kind Corvette prototype was preserved over the years by a series of owners and recently underwent a meticulous 1,800-hour restoration to bring it back to its original 1954 state.
This significant piece of Corvette history is expected to fetch a substantial price at auction. Gooding & Company anticipates that S.O. 2151 will sell for an impressive $1.5 million to $2 million, cementing its status as a truly unique and valuable collector’s item. The fortunate buyer will not only acquire a rare automotive gem but also own a piece of the Corvette’s early design evolution, making this auction an event worth keeping an eye on for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
