1953

Original issue 1953-1955 Corvette promos were manufactured by PMC (Product Miniature Company, Inc.). The early production cars had white plastic wheels/hubcaps and blackwall tires. Promo collectors typically classify these cars as 1953s (although strong evidence indicates they were not produced until 1954). The plastic body and interior was molded as one piece with separate tail lights. The factory assembled versions had the interiors painted a contrasting color. The unassembled (kit) version only came in solid white (without the contrasting interior). All original issue 1953s had a windshield and 2 spoke steering wheel made of clear plastic. The factory assembled versions had the grille and headlights painted silver and a "Corvette" decal on the nose. The unassembled version came with the same decal but the assembler had to install it themselves. The turquoise, light blue and coral cars had the tail lights painted red. The white cars did not have red tail lights. Most 1953s came with smooth dome shaped white plastic wheels/hubcaps. Some original 1953s have been found with alternate style white plastic wheels/hubcaps. This style has a circular ridge with a dull point in the center. The chassis was metal with a friction motor on the front axle and was usually attached to the body with 4 straight head screws. PMC used chassis screws with 2 different finishes from 1953-1955. Most 1953s came with screws that had a dull greenish yellow finish. Some 1953s came with unfinished (natural steel) screws. Either finish is correct. An original 1953 exists that was factory assembled with 4 unfinished (natural steel) rivets.

Boxes: The factory assembled cars came in boxes with a rectangular cellophane window. The boxes were white with red artwork and most had "No. 3454 CHEVROLET CORVETTE" stamped on the end. Some boxes had a printed label affixed to the end that also read "No. 3454 CHEVROLET CORVETTE". The boxes came with a cardboard tray inside to keep the car properly positioned. The unassembled kit version came in a larger box that opened up into a display. These kit boxes were white with red and black artwork and had "No. 3554 CHEVROLET CORVETTE KIT" printed on the box.

Box Notes: Several non-white 1953 Corvette promos have been observed in what's typically considered the 1954 box. The 1954 boxes had a cellophane window and were covered with red, yellow and black artwork. The end was stamped with "3455 CORVETTE". The 1954 boxes also came with a cardboard tray inside to keep the car properly positioned.