Topic: Wilbur Shaw '53 Vette
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
An acquaintance here in Indianapolis recently asked me (because of my love of Vettes) a question. He stated that Wilbur Shaw (a Indy 500 winner and a big part of the Speedway) apparently had been one of the celebrities who had been granted one of the original '53s. Story is he held on to the car for many years, but after his death, there whereabouts of the car are unknown.
Does this story ring a bell with anyone, and/or does anyone know the history or current status of the car?
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
One more try... Anyone?
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I don't recall ever hearing the name associated with the "Celebrities" deemed worthy of buying a new '53. Not that it didn't happen, but apparently, if it did, it wasn't very well documented. I have heard tell of a guy named Hitler that had one, and it was found encased in a concrete bunker, in pristine condition. John Wayne had one.
Might be fun to research to see if Wilbur's name comes up...
Might be fun to research to see if Wilbur's name comes up...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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