Chevrolet Corvette (C1)

Chevrolet Corvette (C1)
1954 Corvette
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet (General Motors)
ProductionJune 1953–July 1962
Model years1953–1962
Assembly
DesignerHarley Earl
Bob Cadaret (1956)[1]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door convertible/roadster
LayoutFR layout
PlatformSeries E2934 (1953–1957)[2]
Series J800 (1958-1959)[2]
Series 0800 (1960-1962)[2]
ChassisBody-on-frame
RelatedChevrolet Corvette Scaglietti Coupe
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase102.0 in (2,591 mm) (1953–1962)
Length
  • 167.3 in (4,249 mm) (1953–1955)
  • 168.0 in (4,267 mm) (1956–1957)
  • 177.2 in (4,501 mm) (1958–1962)
Width
  • 69.8 in (1,773 mm) (1953–1955)
  • 70.5 in (1,791 mm) (1956–1957)
  • 72.8 in (1,849 mm) (1958–1961)
  • 70.4 in (1,788 mm) (1962)
Height
  • 51.5 in (1,308 mm) (1953–1957)
  • 51 in (1,295 mm) (1958–1962)
Curb weight
  • 2,886 lb (1,309 kg) (1953–1954, 1956)
  • 2,805 lb (1,272 kg) (1955)
  • 2,849 lb (1,292 kg) (1957)
  • 2,926 lb (1,327 kg) (1958)
  • 2,975 lb (1,349 kg) (1959)
  • 2,985 lb (1,354 kg) (1960–1961)
  • 3,065 lb (1,390 kg) (1962)
Chronology
SuccessorChevrolet Corvette (C2)

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.[4] This generation is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray.

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.[5] 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.

The most expensive Corvette (C1) to sell in history was sold by Barrett-Jackson in the United States in March 2021 for $825,000 (~$915,195 in 2023) (£591,470).[6]

  1. ^ "Disco-Era Darling: The Chevrolet Monte Carlo". ateupwithmotor.com. November 14, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference GunnellCorvette was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "1955 Corvette Brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 4. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  4. ^ Kolecki, Scott (January 19, 2021). "The 1953-1962 C1 Corvette Buyers Guide". corvsport.com. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Prince was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Price Guide: Chevrolet Corvette C1". www.theclassicvaluer.com. Retrieved 2023-05-17.