Corvette: Year by Year

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964
1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Modest
Beginnings

Interior,
Manufacturing

Specifications

EX-122
Prototype

1953 Corvette Part 2

Sharp eyed Corvette fans will recognize that the GM brochure images (above) are of prototype Corvettes. The big give-aways include the "Corvette" script on the front below the badge, the downward pointing spear on the fender behind the front tire and the air intake scoops on top of the fender. None of these items appeared on 1953 Corvettes, although the air intake scoops did show up on future models.

Corvette brochures courtesy Skip Marketti of The Nethercutt Collection

Left: Corvette headlights featured a stoneguard (or "fencing mask") treatment, part of the "sports car" target image. They were often seen on race prepared cars as a way to prevent broken headlights from debris and rocks. The engineers and stylists both wanted glass covers, similar to what was used on the license plate (right) but the current laws forbid the practice.

All 1953 Corvettes came with red interiors. Left: Image from a 1953 brochure. Right: A "waterfall" effect was found between the seats as a body piece extended into the interior. This gave a very open feeling to the car. Later generations would pay homage to this technique and incorporate the same design traits in the convertible models. Pressing the button released the convertible top cover.

The Corvette reputation as a performance car would have to wait until 1955 when a V8 became available. When equipped with the "Blue Flame" six cylinder, the zero to 60 time was around 11 seconds with 1/4 mile times of about 18 seconds. It's hard to say which was more at fault; the six cylinder motor or the two speed automatic transmission.

Photo Courtesy GM

The 1953 Corvette is probably better appreciated today than when it was new. There are two basic reasons why it will remain a desirable model amongst collectors: 1) 1953 was the first year of production, a strong point in collector car circles. 2) Limited production. At only 300 units it is by far the rarest Corvette model year.