At the early beginning, the Corvette project was an Opel one, with "quiet" specifications : a simple body shape, a small 6 cylinders engine with a prehistoric 2 gears gearbox. The idea at the origin of the project was to create a real american sport car to compete with Jaguar or Porsche. |
The Corvette C1 was launched during the 1953 edition of the Motorama show, in New York. Sadly, only 300 cars were sold during the first year due to a very expensive price (3500 $) compare to the performance. Only one combo : white with red interior. |
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1954. The engine was upgraded from 150 hp to... 155 hp! New colors were available : red, blue and black. 1955. New small block V8 engine 4,3L |
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1956 - 1957 : the metamorphosis The Ford Thunderbird launched in 1954 was a success : 16000 models sold in one year, compared to the 700 Corvette C1 sold in 1955. A restyling was carried out in order to give a sexier shape to the Corvette. The engine was a 3,9L V8 that developped almost 280 hp. |
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1958. new cosmetic evolutions double front lights, lateral air intakes, chromed lines and fake air intakes on the engine bonnet, the V8 develops 290 bhp. |
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1959 - 1960. Chevrolet's designers decided to simplify the C1 style. The dummies air intakes on the bonnet were suppressed as well as the chromed lines on the boot. |
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1961. New evolutions with always a simplification of the body shape. The radiator was just a grid, unchromed front lights and a complete new back part, with 4 circle lights. |
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1962. The last cosmetic change with a new deletion of first C1 traits. The lateral air intake was lightened, the chromed lateral lines and the two tones optional paint were suppressed. The engine was now a 5,3 L V8, that developped 360 hp. |
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In 1963, the new generation of Corvette was presented with a complete new shape and a name that will become a legend : Sting Ray. |
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