1953 Corvette VIN 001 - Q&A with Corey Peterson

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  • Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
  • Corey Peterson brought his 1953 Corvette VIN 001 to Bloomington Gold 2024 and did a Question and Answer session about the car. Documentation from the GM Archives shows that the VIN 001 and VIN 002 cars were used for further engineering updates. Further examination of the long lost Corvette shows the documented updates that were performed on them.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 118

  • @ronaldwarren5220
    @ronaldwarren5220 2 місяці тому +11

    WOW! Thank you for all your hard work and research. My Dad worked at the Fisher Body plant in Grand Rapids, MI as a tool and die maker. He was able to get tickets to the GM Motorama when it came to town in 1953. I was in the third grade and saw the Motorama Corvette. That is when I fell in love. I was able to buy a C2 when I turned 21 and a few more later models when we became empty nesters. I have switched to an older Cadillac Eldorado now as I am too arthritic to get out of a Corvette. I can still fall into one but my left knee cannot support me any more on an exit attempt.

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому +2

      What year Eldorado? Yes, even the new ones require a good deal of dexterity. I use a patented push and pull method to get out myself 🤣 It’s quite comical I would imagine to see me getting out after a 2+ hour driving stint.

    • @ronaldwarren5220
      @ronaldwarren5220 2 місяці тому +4

      @@RustyZipper 88 Biarritz white over cinnabar. Just under 50K

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому +1

      @@ronaldwarren5220 - ohh baby! 😍

  • @Aztec73
    @Aztec73 2 місяці тому +8

    I saw this car at the Mountain America Expo Center's Auto Rama on April-5-2024, It was a lot of fun to get up close to and look at.🇺🇲🙂

  • @jeffBriston
    @jeffBriston 2 місяці тому +7

    When I’m asked how old I am I reply that I was made when the first corvette was made. My claim to fame! Thanks for the video

  • @g-man7938
    @g-man7938 2 місяці тому +7

    Kinda hard to believe that it's taken all these years to discover this is the first, if indeed it is.

  • @vernonkelly2665
    @vernonkelly2665 2 місяці тому +5

    i have an ad from june 1953 in Country Gentleman magazine of GM show circuit cars , my favourite is the Corvette. I was 9 years old and saved that magazine all these years. long story....

  • @mikefurman5334
    @mikefurman5334 2 місяці тому +7

    So darn cool! Kudos to Corey and his sleuth work!🇺🇸

  • @vacuumtube1954
    @vacuumtube1954 2 місяці тому +7

    True American treasure ! Thanks for posting this video.

  • @mikehenson819
    @mikehenson819 2 місяці тому +6

    It’s hard for me to believe that Chevrolet would let the first Vette to be sold . But then again, I doubt they ever thought the brand would ever be produced more than 10 years.

  • @fred414141
    @fred414141 2 місяці тому +1

    There was a story around when I was a kid that Mr. Springs bought the first Corvette at the Waldorf show. He owned Springs Cotton Mills and lived in Lancaster, South Carolina. I was born and raised in Lancaster so I heard this story probably in the mid sixties. That story solidly plants the car in South Carolina when new.
    This guy's reference to a 'South Carolina owner' ties in with what I was told way back then.

  • @gbfan1234567
    @gbfan1234567 Місяць тому

    Great grandpa painted and pinstriped the 53s very cool to see 001!

  • @TheTrueAdonis1
    @TheTrueAdonis1 2 місяці тому +38

    Don't really like the Loud Speaker sitting on a Priceless Corvette like that. Why????

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому +2

      M’eh, merely just a piece of Tupperware as my father’s best friend calls them

    • @user-qg1nh6uy1c
      @user-qg1nh6uy1c 2 місяці тому +5

      Total disrespect for a priceless piece of automotive history!!!

    • @lylejohnston4125
      @lylejohnston4125 2 місяці тому +7

      It's not going to scratch the paint. You should see the stuff stacked on my '67 big block roadster.

    • @stevezilla68
      @stevezilla68 2 місяці тому +5

      I think that Vette has seen worse and survived.

    • @Channelscruf
      @Channelscruf 2 місяці тому +5

      @@RustyZipperThat’s what people say that can’t afford one.

  • @ericdaly4959
    @ericdaly4959 2 місяці тому +2

    I was an early NCRS member and, with my ‘54, participated (in 1966/7) in possibly the first competitive showing of C1s at the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan as a member of the Vintage Chevrolet Club. I knew and regularly communicated with one of the founding NCRS members (Sam Folz). If they might be of any interest I have snapshots (that I was unable to attach here) of the seven ‘53-‘55 Corvettes that were registered. I know Sam’s early ‘53 was at least one of them.

  • @a.c.m.e.ink.4568
    @a.c.m.e.ink.4568 2 місяці тому +4

    It's a well known fact that the first Corvettes were destroyed. VIN#001 VIN #002 do "not" exist. Here is an article from 5 years ago. In 1953, a total of 300 Corvettes were produced. The first Corvette came off the assembly line on June 30, 1953. The first two were destroyed as they were engineering test cars. This is still the rarest of all model year production Corvettes. It is estimated that less than two hundred 1953 Corvettes still exist. The earliest Corvettes were produced in Flint, Mi.

    • @stevenhall9009
      @stevenhall9009 2 місяці тому

      I agree, I have the Vet views book from the 80s, it says the first few cars off the line were destroyed as test mules.

    • @livewire2759
      @livewire2759 27 днів тому +1

      He explains all of that at 24:00... VIN #001 and VIN#002 (as well as #003) technically never existed. The first three cars were NOT given proper VIN numbers, only engineering experimental numbers (3950, 3951, 3952). These cars were "destroyed" by taking them apart and reassembling them with different parts for engineering experiments, such as the revised fuel door and adjusting the floor depth/height... which he explains in the video. When people say that GM "destroyed" a pilot car/experimental car, all that means is that they were taken apart and used for experiments, not that they were crushed or shredded or melted down and no longer exist in any form. As he said, car number "2" (3951) had the body taken off and burned for a safety test while the frame of the car was modified to create the experimental Corvette Nomad wagon concept car. So yes, car number "2" had its body burned and literally destroyed, but the engine and chassis still exist. Cars "1" and "3" were also used for experiments and thus "destroyed" but they still exist in some form or another. What you see here is what is left of car "1" (3950), the first Corvette ever built, after the engineers were done experimenting with it.

    • @stevenhall9009
      @stevenhall9009 27 днів тому

      @@a.c.m.e.ink.4568 Ok thanks for pointing this out & correct me again if I'm still not following the storyline. It's totally plausible that the fiberglass body of the car in this video was factory installed onto the chassis of the factory repurposed/re-engineered car #1, which everyone agrees was a test mule. But if that's the case why does he have a VIN tag that says car #1? If his chassis & VIN are both stamped car #0001 then it's going against what's been documented & accepted as car #1 being a test mule & maybe only parts of it being left & reused at the factory,if he has the complete body, chassis & drivetrain unit of #1. Also isn't it suspect that after 70 years & as collectible as Corvettes are and have been, none of the owners ever realized their car was car #1?

  • @Mark-um7ey
    @Mark-um7ey 2 місяці тому +2

    OMG, if this is actually number one, Lord what a find!!! Congrats!

    • @stevenhall9009
      @stevenhall9009 2 місяці тому

      I have a Vet views book from the 80s it said the first few vets off the line were destroyed as test mules. It also said the frame from car number 003 ended up back on the production line and it was mated up to a different car.

  • @bobkonradi1027
    @bobkonradi1027 2 місяці тому +1

    Some years ago Corvette #003 was auctioned off, and it was represented at the time that #001 and #002 were scrapped by Chevrolet. That left #003 as being the lowest serial numbered unit, and it was sold to a Corvette collected in that fashion.

  • @S2NAZ
    @S2NAZ 2 місяці тому +3

    Such a wow moment. This history ❤

  • @IcelanderUSer
    @IcelanderUSer 2 місяці тому +6

    How could you not know this was number one all these years?

    • @stevenhall9009
      @stevenhall9009 2 місяці тому +2

      I agree, I had read years ago that the first few cars off the production line were destroyed as test mules.

    • @livewire2759
      @livewire2759 27 днів тому +1

      He explains that at about 27:30...

    • @livewire2759
      @livewire2759 27 днів тому +1

      @@stevenhall9009 He explains that at around 24:00...

  • @paulglock9263
    @paulglock9263 Місяць тому +1

    If you want the low down on the car we need to have a way to contact each other besides here. My Grandfather was the first owner. He was the reginal Mgr for Chevrolet Motor Division for the eastern half of the US, Corneilius Glock. At this moment I am looking at a GM photo of him sitting in it with a GM sir num on the back of the photo. You guys got one thing right...Ohio. I am busy tomorrow but will check back on Friday. Funny story I'd think you'd like about the car. Thanks for your time, Paul Glock

    • @charliemurphy3529
      @charliemurphy3529 Місяць тому

      Pretty cool - don't forget to give us the "scoop" 🤓 Sounds like another video in the works.

  • @CorvettesandCassicCars
    @CorvettesandCassicCars 2 місяці тому +2

    What a find !

  • @Randy-zj6pq
    @Randy-zj6pq 2 місяці тому +7

    does he also own the first pair of new balance 608's?

    • @Mark-um7ey
      @Mark-um7ey 2 місяці тому +2

      😂😂😂

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому +2

      Yes, they came with the car

    • @MrMustangrick
      @MrMustangrick 2 місяці тому +2

      ….and the first rubber ever made.

    • @billtodd6509
      @billtodd6509 2 місяці тому +1

      No but he does stay at a Holiday Inn Express and never used a razor while driving.

  • @dariuspringle2608
    @dariuspringle2608 2 місяці тому +3

    Questions about the frame are relevant, who would change a frame? Why? Still lots of questions about this car.

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому

      GM. they probably used the original for testing/ examination and / or put a newer frame under it for testing. I remember reading that when they were developing the C7 they installed the majority of components under a C6 body and drove it across country many, many times to go undetected. That was my dream job until I realized that I’m not an automotive engineer and have grown to deeply despise GM (corporate).

  • @dadsrock4252
    @dadsrock4252 2 місяці тому +3

    The #3 car is in Vancouver washington.the man that own,s the car his name is Fred .

  • @pinheadjohnny5190
    @pinheadjohnny5190 Місяць тому +1

    The bad thing is that someone attached a huge speaker on the back of that car. Shame on them!!

  • @robnamowicz8073
    @robnamowicz8073 2 місяці тому +1

    A few cars slipped the crusher, ending up at Morlan's body shop in Holly Michigan. Long ago memories, very hush hush. Lots of folks from our area worked at the Proving Grounds. This could have been one of those escapees. GM mysteries, big company, lots of slippage.

  • @williamcooper2368
    @williamcooper2368 2 місяці тому

    001- UNREAL

  • @louispaparella5766
    @louispaparella5766 2 місяці тому +1

    Ask John Neas about verifying documentation of early Vettes...

  • @dadsrock4252
    @dadsrock4252 2 місяці тому +1

    Fred and his brother bought it in Hawaii and had it shipped to the states after his brother passed .

  • @dadsrock4252
    @dadsrock4252 2 місяці тому +1

    He lives on the corner of Helena and Idaho on the north west corner thanks.

  • @anthonyperkins3527
    @anthonyperkins3527 6 днів тому

    I wish someone had asked what Corey thought the value of the '53 was.

  • @timr31908
    @timr31908 2 місяці тому +2

    Looks like a glorified crossley... With its 6 cylinder engine pretty funky

  • @joegarrett8166
    @joegarrett8166 2 місяці тому

    Did that car come out of Amarillo Texas? I heard 30+ years ago that the 001 car was there near downtown Amarillo.

  • @billtodd6509
    @billtodd6509 2 місяці тому

    My rich neighbor bought a new 1953 Corvette and had a hitch installed and hauled his 1 horse trailer around Western Pa and Northern Wva to the race tracks. His name was Morgan, and he complained that he had to keep the top down because it was too low for his 10 gallon cowboy hat.

  • @damonkatos4271
    @damonkatos4271 2 місяці тому +5

    Old vettes drive like a worn out pickup

    • @timr31908
      @timr31908 2 місяці тому +2

      It looks like one also

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому +2

      It’s 70 years old….brand New vette’s be junk in 30 years because of all the electrical components failing

  • @extman29
    @extman29 2 місяці тому +1

    I thought 003 was the oldest Corvette known.

  • @jeffmullinix7916
    @jeffmullinix7916 2 місяці тому

    I would put back the way it came off the assembly line . All that stuff they did to it after the fact is not the car . I would keep the parts though and those part will stay with the car .

  • @vargasjohnson540
    @vargasjohnson540 2 місяці тому

    So are we talking that this is the Corvette that is featured in this First Corvette Being Build 1953 video? It starts out with what I guess are engineers inspecting the license plate part, maybe talking about how best to improve it. It also show a flat floor, which would correspond to the floor being cut out and lowered 3/4 of an inch. ua-cam.com/video/Oxyy8_K03w0/v-deo.html

  • @billcatcher2701
    @billcatcher2701 2 місяці тому +1

    So, what was the original exterior (and interior) color of this 001 vette?

  • @frankdillon6127
    @frankdillon6127 2 місяці тому

    on all the other known cars, where are the serial numbers at, this might be a good place to start looking for numbers on this car.

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому

      Did you watch the video? 🤷‍♂️

    • @frankdillon6127
      @frankdillon6127 2 місяці тому

      @@RustyZipper yes noted that the frame was replaced and no number was seen. just need more proof that this is #001. hope it is!

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому

      @@frankdillon6127 - prove it’s not …

  • @nrakma
    @nrakma 2 місяці тому +1

    Where is the John Wayne car?

  • @Eastern67
    @Eastern67 2 місяці тому +2

    OO stands for "OOH My God" 😐😐

  • @lelanburns6182
    @lelanburns6182 2 місяці тому

    How much do you want for it? What do you think it's worth?

  • @moddenicm
    @moddenicm 2 місяці тому

    Where is this talk taking place

  • @pennywise8182
    @pennywise8182 2 місяці тому

    I thought NASCAR owner Rick Hendrick owned the first Corvette?

  • @edwinwise6751
    @edwinwise6751 2 місяці тому

    I worked at a dealership where a pristine example of that car sat 5’ from my office door . While certainly a piece of history , those cars were really a weak entry into that market and the sales reflected it . To big, poor handling , underpowered , expensive and
    lousy build . Like when GM tried to enter the small car market with chevette

  • @melockavich9596
    @melockavich9596 2 місяці тому +3

    please paint it

  • @SMH24.7
    @SMH24.7 2 місяці тому +4

    So scripted. So fishy.

  • @jessieismyfriend
    @jessieismyfriend 3 дні тому

    its NOT 001

  • @mrliberty8468
    @mrliberty8468 2 місяці тому

    Why do you let it look so dirty?

  • @VerifiedVIPMember
    @VerifiedVIPMember 2 місяці тому +1

    Needs paint

  • @steveprescott3374
    @steveprescott3374 2 місяці тому +5

    The 1953 corvette was on display in my hometown and nobody thought it was anything special. Still isn't.
    Beloved by us all but ugly as hell. Sorry...

  • @dobermanpac1064
    @dobermanpac1064 2 місяці тому

    Not going to the bank yet…where’s Chevrolet today??

  • @hammertime7834
    @hammertime7834 2 місяці тому

    james freeman youtube channel

  • @MichaelPruitt-mg3sj
    @MichaelPruitt-mg3sj 2 місяці тому +4

    Wow this bull shit

  • @RBOJCK
    @RBOJCK 2 місяці тому +4

    HEADLIGHT COVERS HAVE SERIAL NUMBER ON THEM. IM SURE U CHECKED THERE BUT DID U? RAISE IT OFF THE FRAME AND CLEAR THIS UP.

  • @jeffreymagyar3990
    @jeffreymagyar3990 2 місяці тому +2

    I'm calling bs I don't think it's #1

  • @TheProgrammerGuy
    @TheProgrammerGuy 2 місяці тому

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  • @a.c.m.e.ink.4568
    @a.c.m.e.ink.4568 2 місяці тому +1

    It's a fake!! The first (2) 1953 were destroyed!!

    • @brettemerich3237
      @brettemerich3237 2 місяці тому +1

      If it’s a fake then show us the proof.

    • @a.c.m.e.ink.4568
      @a.c.m.e.ink.4568 2 місяці тому

      @@brettemerich3237 It's a well known fact that the first Corvettes were destroyed. VIN#001 VIN #002 do "not" exist. Here is an article from 5 years ago. In 1953, a total of 300 Corvettes were produced. The first Corvette came off the assembly line on June 30, 1953. The first two were destroyed as they were engineering test cars. This is still the rarest of all model year production Corvettes. It is estimated that less than two hundred 1953 Corvettes still exist.

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper 2 місяці тому +3

      My neighbor’s cousin’s uncle’s half brother used to deliver newspapers to the Corvette plant and he saw them on fire…

    • @warrenwatkins9650
      @warrenwatkins9650 2 місяці тому +2

      ​@@RustyZipperWell my "neighbor's, cousin's, aunt's half sister's friend's dog" says "You're out of your flea bitten human mind"! 😂

    • @tomperkins5657
      @tomperkins5657 Місяць тому

      @@RustyZipper HARRR!!!

  • @mikeh5039
    @mikeh5039 2 місяці тому

    Bs

  • @tigerbeforyou181
    @tigerbeforyou181 2 місяці тому +1

    So if this corvette , you call 001. It’s a Frankenstein of a 1953? Corvette. The number is a number you came up with. On 6/30/1953 a car, maybe part of this car, came off the assembly line. Cool maybe, number 001. Or not maybe.

  • @drewcipher666
    @drewcipher666 2 місяці тому

    I'll give you 5 Gretzky rookie cards a Shoeless Joe World Series worn jersey a Babe Ruth home rum bat and 50 packs of unopened Tang from the Apollo 13 mission

  • @RBOJCK
    @RBOJCK 2 місяці тому

    LOOK UNDER THE DASH, BACK OF INSTERMENTS, DATE CODES OR NUMBERS ETC.

  • @RBOJCK
    @RBOJCK 2 місяці тому +2

    LOOKS LIKE ITS VIN NUMBER 10, MISSTAMPED AS 01