Built in October of 1953, this ’53 Corvette was delivered by Tom Hoskins of Hoskins Chevrolet in Chicago to a prominent man of the time, Cyrus Rowlett (C.R.) Smith. Mr. Smith was the founder and CEO of American Airlines from 1934-1968 and again from 1973-74. Smith also served his country, both as a Major General and as the wartime deputy commander of the Air Transport Command during World War II. He also served under President Lyndon B. Johnson as the United States Secretary of Commerce. Mr. Smith is regarded as one of the titans of U.S. airline history and when he passed in 1990, was laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition, Mr. Smith was very close with the Roosevelt family, specifically first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her son Elliott. Smith aided Mrs. Roosevelt frequently with travel plans and even introduced Elliott to his second wife, serving as best man at their wedding.
While the car has changed hands multiple times since Mr. Smith’s ownership, there is meticulous documentation of its ownership record. Its engine number is 535454 and there are many original elements to the car too, including valve cover (one of 305 produced), 3836066 special Corvette cylinder head, body, and specially engineered open drive shaft two-speed power glide automatic transmission, which was all-new for the Corvette only. The ’53 also retains its original vacuum bag molded fiberglass body made by Lunn Laminates of Huntington, New York which is currently adorned by a 2019 repaint in acrylic lacquer formulated in the Delaware factory of E. I. du Pont de Nemours.
Under the trunk bulkhead is the #100, further solidifying its place in the production line. This is not a restoration piece, though it has been re-painted. It’s also won numerous awards, including as recently as 2021 when it was tapped as the NCRS’ Top Flight Award winner.
This ’53 will cross the block on Friday, April 21, and is one of 400+ consignments anticipated for review and sale during the two-day event. The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction takes place at 12 p.m. daily on April 20-21 at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. There are THREE great ways to bid too; in person, on the phone, and online.
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