1953-1962
The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the Corvette sports car produced by Chevrolet. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year, and produced through 1962. This generation is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Stingray.
The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled. Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car's early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet decided to make necessary improvements.
Power
250-0hp
Torque
563-0Nm
Top speed
0km/h
0
Cars sold between 1953 and 1962
$0
Starting price of a Corvette C1 (in America)
8.7sec
Acceleration time from 0 to 100km/h
This generation was often referred to as the "solid-axle" models (the independent rear suspension was not introduced until the second generation). Three hundred hand-built Corvette convertibles were produced, all Polo White, for the 1953 model year.
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 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. Exclusive to the 1958 model were hood louvers and twin trunk spears.
In 1961, the rear of the car was completely redesigned with the addition of a "duck tail" with four round lights.
Blue Flame I6 3.9L | 1953–1954 | 150hp (110kW) |
1955 | 155hp (116kW) | |
Small-block 265 4.3L (V8) | 1955 | 195hp (145kW) |
1956 | 210hp (160kW) | |
270hp (200kW) | ||
Small-block 283 4.6L | 1957 | 220hp (160kW) |
1958–1961 | 230hp (170kW) | |
1957–1961 | 245hp (183kW) | |
270hp (200kW) | ||
Small-block 283 4.6L | 1957 | 220hp (160kW) |
1958–1961 | 230hp (170kW) | |
Big-Block 396 6.5L (V8) | 1965 | 431hp (317kW) |