The Chevrolet Corvette made history as the first true American sports car. With appearances in pop culture and an enormous fanbase, it’s impossible to understate the Corvette’s impact on the American automobile industry. Let’s look back at this sports car’s iconic history.
First Generation: 1953-1962 Corvette C1
Designer Harley Earl created the Corvette as the American answer to the European sports car trend of the 1950s. Known as “Project Opel,” the original Corvette was underpowered yet visually striking. This early model underwent dramatic changes throughout its first 11 years on the market.
1953
The first Corvette concept car received a warm welcome at the 1953 GM Motorama show in New York City. Chevy realized it had something great on its hands and rushed the Corvette into production, manufacturing 300 cars by the end of the year. However, the hype around the car died down by the time it officially hit the market, and only 183 cars sold that year.
Although it did poorly on the market, the 1953 C1 Corvette was the epitome of 1950s style. All models featured the now-iconic “Polo White” fiberglass exterior, a cherry-red interior and a black canvas convertible top.
Internally, the car used a modified version of Chevrolet’s inline six-cylinder Blue Flame engine. More powerful than the engine used in Chevy sedans and coupled with a two-speed manual transmission, the Corvette Blue Flame could generate up to 150 horsepower.
1954
Chevrolet moved Corvette production to its Saint Louis, Missouri, plant, where it remained until 1981. Although the Missouri plant could produce up to 10,000 cars a year, it limited its 1954 run to 3,640 due to low sales.
Chevy made some notable aesthetic enhancements as well. In addition to swapping the black top out for a tan one and adding white-walled tires, GM offered customers three new paint colors:
- Black
- Pennant Blue
- Sportsman Red
The Blue Flame engine also got a camshaft enhancement that increased output by 5 horsepower.
1955
1955 saw the end of the Blue Flame engine and the introduction of the new 4.3-liter small-block V-8 engine. This change was one of the most significant updates the Corvette ever experienced, as the V-8 has stayed with the Corvette line ever since.
The 1955 C1 also added the option for a three-speed manual transmission, which boosted its performance to rival the competing sports cars of its day.
1956-1957
Chevy made even more aesthetic enhancements to the 1956 model, including:
- Distinctive sculpted sides
- Remodeled front end
- New external door handles
- Optional folding roof
Additionally, where previous models had used removable window curtains, the 1956 model added roll-down windows to the doors.
A camshaft upgrade brought the V-8 engine’s capacity up to 210 horsepower when combined with the standard four-barrel carburetor. They also offered a high-performance carburetor that could increase output to 225 horsepower.
GM enlarged the engine to 4.6 liters in 1957 and added a fuel-injection system and a new four-speed manual transmission. With the proper configurations, the engine could now reach up to 283 horsepower.
1958-1960
Engine output remained consistent for the next few years, as most of the changes during this period were aesthetic. However, these changes seemed to pay off as the Corvette finally became profitable.
The 1958 model received a significant facelift with the introduction of the split-headlight design and new chrome accents. Interior upgrades included a new instrument cluster that moved the tachometer from the center of the dashboard to directly behind the steering wheel and below the speedometer, in the driver’s line of sight.
Aside from a one-off turquoise soft top, changes for the 1959 model year were minimal. Other new features included optional sun visors and a new gearbox handle.
In 1960, Chevrolet also produced 140 Corvettes in Cascade Green, the rarest factory paint color option to date. Coming across one of these ‘Vettes today is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most.
Second Generation: 1963-1967 Corvette C2
Nicknamed the “Sting Ray,” the C2 Corvette introduced some significant changes away from the last generation. Where the C1 had exposed round headlights, the C2 opted for hidden folding lights, which became a mainstay of the line until the C6 of the early 2000s.
The 1963 fiberglass coupe body ended in a new split-window design, but future models used a one-piece rear window instead. The 1963 model year was the only Corvette produced with that iconic split window, which is why it’s one of the most sought-after models in existence. Original Sting Rays in good condition sell for nearly $150,000 on average, according to market data.
The C2 cabin was also much roomier than the previous generation’s, providing a more comfortable ride.
1963: Regular Production Option (RPO) Z06
Chevy knew the Corvette would appeal to the racing community, so it offered customers a special racing package for the 1963 model year.
To apply the Z06 package, the customer first had to equip the 360-horsepower V-8 engine and a four-speed manual transmission, which was the most powerful combination available. Some key features of the Z06 configuration included:
- Dual master cylinder
- Larger shock absorbers
- Vacuum brake booster
- Power drum brakes
- More robust front anti-roll bar
Only 199 Z06 Corvettes sold that year, but the car’s impact on the racing community remained for generations to come.
Third Generation: 1968-1982 Corvette C3
Chevy modeled the early C3s after two iconic concept cars — Larry Shinoda’s Mako Shark II (XP-755) and Bill Mitchell’s 1968 Manta Ray.
The Mako Shark II won the hearts of auto enthusiasts everywhere after its debut at the 1965 New York International Automobile Show. After a few years on tour, GM refabricated the Mako Shark II into a new concept car deemed the Manta Ray. With dramatic, sweeping roof lines and a sharp front splitter, the Manta Ray was a dazzling creation. You can see its influence in the C3’s new design.
1968
The 1968 C3 revolutionized the Corvette design with a sleek, streamlined body and a removable roof panel. Removing the original rear storage area allowed for a shorter back end, which became a staple of the Corvette silhouette for multiple future generations.
A new three-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous two-speed system, though the powertrain remained basically the same as the C2.
1969-1972
Although Chevrolet began to move away from the Sting Ray name at the start of 1968, the company decided to keep the name by the end of the year. The 1969 Stingrays — now one word — came with an improved 5.7-liter V-8 engine.
Chevy also added power to their LS5 big-block engine, upgrading the stroke from 7.0 liters to 7.4 liters. At its max, the engine could generate up to 390 horsepower.
Due to public safety concerns over lead in gasoline, the U.S. introduced unleaded fuel and reduced octane requirements in 1970. Although this shift meant gasoline would be better for your health, it also meant the 1971 Corvette was less powerful than its predecessors.
1978-1982
The 1978 Corvette received an exterior design update that created a new fastback rear end and a little more interior storage space. Chevy tapped this car to pace the Indy 500 and produced 300 replica pace cars in commemoration.
In 1981, Chevrolet shut down its aging Saint Louis plant and moved Corvette production to its new factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
1982 was a poor year for sales, marking the end of the C3. This final model only came with a 5.7-liter engine capable of 200 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Fourth Generation: 1984-1996 Corvette C4
After the poor performance of the 1982 model, Chevrolet opted to release the next generation of the Stingray in 1984. The C4 moved away from the highly stylized Stingray design for a simpler, more futuristic exterior.
While earlier generations used a body-on-frame assembly, the C4 used a uniframe. Unlike body-on-frame construction, where the car’s body is placed on top of a frame, the uniframe welds critical car elements into one connected unit.
1984
While the new C4 had a lower center of gravity, it provided much greater ground clearance. It also offered new in-car amenities, such as a digital instrument cluster.
The 1982 C3’s small-block L83 engine carried over to the 1984 C4, providing a maximum of 205 horsepower. It also featured the same throttle-body Cross-Fire fuel injection system, which critics strongly disliked due to its less-than-stellar performance.
Drivers had the choice between a four-speed automatic transmission and the new “Doug Nash 4+3,” a four-speed manual transmission with an automatic overdrive on the first three gears. This option remained available until 1989, when the ZF six-speed manual transmission replaced it.
1985-1987
The C4 continued evolving throughout the ’80s, with a more powerful L98 V-8 engine and a better fuel injection system being added in 1985. In addition to being more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, this new engine could generate up to 230 horsepower and a max speed of 150 mph.
Additionally, Chevy brought back the convertible option for the 1986 model year after not offering it for more than a decade. They based this new model on the convertible pace car from that year’s Indy 500, installing a special commemorative plaque on the car.
1990-1995: The Corvette ZR-1
The ZR-1 was only available in a fastback coupe configuration, but it did include a removable roof panel for those who longed for the convertible experience. Its dual-overhead-cam 5.7-liter engine and ZF six-speed manual transmission could generate 375 horsepower. The car’s top speed was 175 mph, breaking speed records and creating one of the brand’s most iconic collectibles.
Chevrolet produced 84 ZR-1 Corvettes for the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, but the car wasn’t publicly available until 1990. It was available until 1995.
Fifth Generation: 1997-2003 Corvette C5
The C5 softened the C4’s sharp design with rounder edges and an all-new frame. Internally, it improved on many of the earlier generations’ pain points, creating what critics consider one of the first “everyday” Corvettes.
1997
The 1997 C5 introduced a new LS1 5.7-liter engine that could generate as much as 354 horsepower. The transmission moved further back near the rear differential. Customers could choose between a four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.
Additionally, this model featured a longer wheelbase and wider tire tracks, which reduced the car’s weight by approximately 80 pounds.
2001: Return of the Z06
In 2001, GM brought back the original racing package from 1963 with a few performance updates. First, they reduced the car’s weight by choosing thinner glass and titanium mufflers.
They also tweaked the engine for more speed. The 2002 Z06 model was even more powerful with a maximum output of 405 horsepower.
Sixth Generation: 2004-2013 Corvette C6
The C6 made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2004. This generation was faster and lighter than the C5, with some significant design changes.
One of the most notable appearance changes was on the front end of the car. The 2005 C6 was the first Corvette in four decades to return to exposed front lights, a move that drew criticism from fans.
Another important release was the Corvette 427 Convertible, which hit the market in 2013. While the Z06 was popular, it only came in a coupe body. To remedy the situation, Chevy took the Z06’s 505-horsepower LS7 engine and inserted it into the standard Corvette droptop frame to create a high-performance convertible.
Seventh Generation: 2014-2019 Corvette C7
The Corvette C7 introduced an all-new aluminum frame with a more aggressive design that appealed to younger customers. Chevy also returned to the Stingray name for the first time since the release of the C3. After the success of the mid-engine C8, the C7 was likely the last front-engine Corvette.
The 2014 release came with the option of a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed manual transmission, but the 2015 model year replaced the six-speed with an eight-speed automatic.
2019: Return of the ZR-1
Chevy brought back the ZR-1 in 2019 with a new supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine capable of producing up to 755 horsepower.
A seven-speed manual transmission came standard on the 2019 ZR-1. However, when equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission, this Corvette offered excellent fuel economy.
Eighth Generation: 2020-2023 Corvette C8
Chevy took an even more dramatic move away from tradition with its most recent Corvette generation, the C8. The most aggressive body styling so far, the C8 increased the size of the air intakes and sharpened the frame’s edges.
This generation is also the first to use a mid-engine layout since the C1. Moving the engine further back in the car opened up additional storage space in the front
The C8 offers three trim options:
- 1LT: The 1LT trim offers an enjoyable ride with a 10-speaker Bose sound system and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s also equipped with an HD rearview camera for safety. Customers can choose between three interior color options — red, black or gray.
- 2LT: The 2LT is available in several more colors and offers more safety features than the 1LT, including a frontview HD camera, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. It also offers maximum comfort with a heated steering wheel and temperature-controlled memory seats.
- 3LT: The 3LT takes all the standard features of the 2LT and adds some aesthetic enhancements, like genuine leather accents and two upholstery options.
Interestingly, GM also produced right-hand drive (RHD) C8s in-factory for international markets. The C8 was the first Corvette to receive this treatment since the original C1 — all other generations were manufactured as left-hand drive vehicles and modified upon arrival for the new market.
2020
The 2020 C8 came with a naturally aspirated engine capable of generating 490 horsepower and 465 foot-pounds of torque. Due to a lack of interest in a manual transmission, only an eight-speed automatic transmission was available.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production for 2020 Corvettes stopped until 2021. People who had purchased a new 2020 C8 had to wait an additional year to receive it — and they often had to pay the 2021 price as well.
2023: An All-New Z06
Chevy brings back the Z06 for 2023 with its most powerful configuration yet. With a 5.5-liter V-8 redline engine, a dry sump oil system and variable valve timing, this race-ready Corvette can generate up to 670 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque.
Unlike previous Z06 generations, the 2023 model is available in both coupe and convertible configurations.
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