FYI: A 1954 Corvette was rediscovered in Maine after being hidden behind a brick wall in a grocery store for nearly three decades.
1954 Corvette Unearthed from Maine Grocery Store After Nearly 30 Years
A 1954 Chevrolet Corvette has become the centerpiece of an intriguing automotive story after being unearthed from behind a brick wall in a Maine grocery store, where it had been entombed for almost 30 years.
The car was originally owned by Richard Sampson, a successful entrepreneur with a chain of grocery stores. After four years of enjoying his Corvette, Sampson decided to preserve the car for the future. What better place, he thought, than within the walls of one of his new grocery stores?
Sampson’s Unique Vision
In the mid-1950s, Sampson had several grocery stores under construction. His unique idea was to build a special room around the car in one of the new stores, effectively creating a time capsule for his beloved vehicle. Unlike typical car storage, Sampson’s plan included a complete enclosure of bricks, turning the space into a DIY tomb. A small viewing window was included so that he could occasionally admire the car.
His will specifically instructed that the car remain undisturbed until the year 2000. However, Sampson had a change of heart shortly before his death in 1969, suggesting a wish to see the car unearthed sooner.
Discovery and Preservation
When new owners acquired the grocery store in 1982, the Corvette remained entombed and forgotten. It wasn’t until four years later, in 1986, that they decided to remove the car. Workers meticulously dismantled the brick wall, revealing the Corvette in remarkable condition, with only 2,344 miles on the odometer.
The Corvette was then given to Sampson’s daughter, Cynthia. Now relocated to Florida, the car became a showpiece in her living room for the next ten years.
A Journey to the National Corvette Museum
In subsequent years, this piece of automotive history traded hands a few more times before finally finding a permanent home. The 1954 Corvette was donated to the National Corvette Museum, where it now stands proudly on display.
The Corvette’s story serves as a testament to its timeless appeal and Sampson’s unique vision of preserving a piece of mid-20th-century automotive elegance for posterity.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
A fitting end to an unusual but captivating chapter in automobile heritage.
