First generation (C1; 1953–1962)[edit]Main article: Chevrolet Corvette (C1)The first generation of Corvette was introduced late in the 1953 model year. It first appeared as a show car for the 1953 General Motors Motorama, held January 17–23 at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.[9] At the time, Chevrolet general manager Thomas H. Keating said it was six months to a year away from production readiness.[10] The car generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. Production began on June 30, 1953.[11][12][13]
1953 Chevrolet Corvette displayed at the 1953 GM Motorama car showThis generation was often referred to as the "solid-axle" models (the independent rear suspension was not introduced until the second generation).[14] Three hundred hand-built Corvette convertibles were produced, all Polo White, for the 1953 model year.[15]
The 1954 model year vehicles could be ordered in Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, Black, or Polo White; 3,640 were built, and sold slowly.
The 1953, 1954, and 1955 model years were the only Corvettes equipped with a 235 cu in (3.9 L) version of the second- generation Blue Flame inline-six rated at 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS).
The 1955 model offered a 265 cu in (4.34 L) V8 engine as an option. Despite the poor sales of the Corvette at the time, the brand new V-8 was an overwhelmingly popular option. Only 6 of the 1955 models were produced with the inline-six. With a large inventory of unsold 1954 models, GM limited production to 700 for 1955. With the new V8, the 0–60 mph time improved by 1.5 seconds.,[13] and saw three new competitors called the Ford Thunderbird and the Studebaker Speedster introduced that same year, and the larger Chrysler C-300.
1956 Chevrolet Corvette transistorized "hybrid" (vacuum tubes and transistors) car radio option, which was GM's first start in using the modern solid-state electronics for a production car model.A new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a new "face" and side coves; the taillamp fins were also gone.[16] An optional "Ramjet" fuel injection system was made available in the middle of the 1957 model year. It was one of the first American mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp (0.75 kW) per cubic inch (16.4 cubic cm) and Chevrolet's advertising agency used a "one hp per cubic inch" slogan for advertising the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 cu in (4.64 L) Small-Block engine.[17] Other options included power windows (1956), hydraulically operated power convertible top (1956), heavy duty brakes and suspension (1957), and four speed manual transmission (late 1957).[17] Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking "hybrid" car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956 option).[18][19]
The 1958 Corvette received a body and interior freshening which included a longer front end with quad headlamps, bumper exiting exhaust tips, a new steering wheel, and a dashboard with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver.[20] Exclusive to the 1958 model were hood louvers and twin trunk spears.[20] The 1959–60 model years had few changes except a decreased amount of body chrome and more powerful engine offerings.[21]
In 1961, the rear of the car was completely redesigned with the addition of a "duck tail" with four round lights. The light treatment would continue for all following model year Corvettes until 2014.[22] In 1962, the Chevrolet 283 cu in (4.64 L) Small-Block was enlarged to 327 cu in (5.36 L). In standard form it produced 250 hp (190 kW). For an extra 12% over list price, the fuel-injected version produced 360 hp (270 kW),[23] making it the fastest of the C1 generation. 1962 was also the last year for the wrap around windshield, solid rear axle, and convertible-only body style.[24] The trunk lid and exposed headlamps did not reappear for many decades.[25]
1953 Chevrolet Corvette displayed at the 1953 GM Motorama car showThis generation was often referred to as the "solid-axle" models (the independent rear suspension was not introduced until the second generation).[14] Three hundred hand-built Corvette convertibles were produced, all Polo White, for the 1953 model year.[15]
The 1954 model year vehicles could be ordered in Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, Black, or Polo White; 3,640 were built, and sold slowly.
The 1953, 1954, and 1955 model years were the only Corvettes equipped with a 235 cu in (3.9 L) version of the second- generation Blue Flame inline-six rated at 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS).
The 1955 model offered a 265 cu in (4.34 L) V8 engine as an option. Despite the poor sales of the Corvette at the time, the brand new V-8 was an overwhelmingly popular option. Only 6 of the 1955 models were produced with the inline-six. With a large inventory of unsold 1954 models, GM limited production to 700 for 1955. With the new V8, the 0–60 mph time improved by 1.5 seconds.,[13] and saw three new competitors called the Ford Thunderbird and the Studebaker Speedster introduced that same year, and the larger Chrysler C-300.
1956 Chevrolet Corvette transistorized "hybrid" (vacuum tubes and transistors) car radio option, which was GM's first start in using the modern solid-state electronics for a production car model.A new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a new "face" and side coves; the taillamp fins were also gone.[16] An optional "Ramjet" fuel injection system was made available in the middle of the 1957 model year. It was one of the first American mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp (0.75 kW) per cubic inch (16.4 cubic cm) and Chevrolet's advertising agency used a "one hp per cubic inch" slogan for advertising the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 cu in (4.64 L) Small-Block engine.[17] Other options included power windows (1956), hydraulically operated power convertible top (1956), heavy duty brakes and suspension (1957), and four speed manual transmission (late 1957).[17] Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking "hybrid" car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956 option).[18][19]
The 1958 Corvette received a body and interior freshening which included a longer front end with quad headlamps, bumper exiting exhaust tips, a new steering wheel, and a dashboard with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver.[20] Exclusive to the 1958 model were hood louvers and twin trunk spears.[20] The 1959–60 model years had few changes except a decreased amount of body chrome and more powerful engine offerings.[21]
In 1961, the rear of the car was completely redesigned with the addition of a "duck tail" with four round lights. The light treatment would continue for all following model year Corvettes until 2014.[22] In 1962, the Chevrolet 283 cu in (4.64 L) Small-Block was enlarged to 327 cu in (5.36 L). In standard form it produced 250 hp (190 kW). For an extra 12% over list price, the fuel-injected version produced 360 hp (270 kW),[23] making it the fastest of the C1 generation. 1962 was also the last year for the wrap around windshield, solid rear axle, and convertible-only body style.[24] The trunk lid and exposed headlamps did not reappear for many decades.[25]
