Transitions '54 Corvette Pays Tribute to GM Motorama Dream Car

Modern Concept

Back in 1954, one of the coolest events to ever grace the earth, the GM Motorama, brought a host of cool concepts to life for the general public. One of these "dream cars" was a very special Corvette concept, and it truly captured the imagination of the world at that time. Thus, the builder of this '54 Corvette, dubbed "Transitions," set out to capture some of that magic while also adding modern features to the concept. We caught the amazing build at Barrett-Jackson, where it recently sold at the auction house's Scottsdale event. 

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

Body Mods

Fittingly, this Corvette debuted at the 2017 Detroit Autorama after an extensive six-year build process. And there, it made quite the impression. On the outside alone, there are many body modifications that catch the eye. They include a tapered body drop, body-widening, removal and extension of the rear wheel wells, a modified cowl with a 1956 windshield, removal of the cowl vent and gas lid, and a modified rear hatch containing a 1956 removable top. 

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

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Stunning Detail

Pop the hood, and you'll find a stunningly detailed, Edelbrock supercharged 5.7-liter V8 LS1 engine mated to a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission. The 'Vette rides on a Jamison tubular chassis and C4 suspension with front and rear custom anti-sway bars and massive Baer 14-inch 6-piston disc brakes. Pretty much everything else is hidden, including things like brake and fuel lines, as well as accessory drive components.

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

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High Caliber

As you'd imagine with a build of this caliber, the interior is equally beautiful and highly detailed. It also contains goodies like Classic Instruments gauges, chrome by Advanced Plating, a Vintage Air setup, and NuRelics power windows. Other notable changes include custom CNC machined fender trim designed to look like the 1953 Corvette prototype, a custom hood scoop, doors split and widened to accommodate power roll-up windows, a lift-off hardtop, and remote control door latches.

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

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Second to None

This amazing, concept-inspired build is nothing short of incredible to look at. The vision, work, and thought that went into its construction is second to none. So it's no surprise that the Corvette hammered for a substantial $220,000 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction. Even though we imagine it took more money than that to build the car in the first place.

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

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