Chevrolet Corvette C1

The first generation of Corvette was introduced late in the 1953 model year. Originally designed as a show car for the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, it generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. First production was on June 30, 1953.[5] [6] [7]

This generation was often referred to as the "solid-axle" models (the independent rear suspension was not introduced until the second generation).[8]  Three hundred hand-built polo white Corvette convertibles were produced for the 1953 model year.[9]

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 1955 model offered a 265 cu in (4.34 L) V8 engine as an option. 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.[7] 1956 Chevrolet Corvette transistorized "hybrid" (vacuum tubes and transistors) car radio optionA new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a new "face" and side coves; the taillamp fins were also gone.[10]  An optional fuel injection system was made available in the middle of the 1957 model year. It was one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 bhp (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 bhp (211 kW) 283 cu in (4.64 L) Small-Block engine.[11]  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).[11]  Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking "hybrid" car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956 option).[12] [13]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:inherit;color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;">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.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Standard_Catalog_of_Corvette_14-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap;font-size:11.2px;font-weight:normal;">[14]  Exclusive to the 1958 model were hood louvers and twin trunk spears.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Standard_Catalog_of_Corvette_14-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap;font-size:11.2px;font-weight:normal;">[14]  The 1959–60 model years had few changes except a decreased amount of body chrome and more powerful engine offerings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SoOC_15-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap;font-size:11.2px;font-weight:normal;">[15]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:inherit;color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;">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.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SCoC_16-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap;font-size:11.2px;font-weight:normal;">[16]  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 bhp (190 kW). For an extra 12% over list price, the fuel-injected version produced 360 bhp (270 kW),<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Corvette_Black_Book_17-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap;font-size:11.2px;font-weight:normal;">[17]  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.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SCoC2_18-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap;font-size:11.2px;font-weight:normal;">[18]  The trunk lid and exposed headlamps did not reappear for many decades. C1 Stopped in 1962.