Corvette Generations:
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8
Corvette: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 19631964 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 2025
Corvette Generations Explained
C1
1953 - 1962
The first generation of Corvettes are affectionately known as "Straight Axle" Corvettes, in reference to their simple rear suspension arrangement. Although the chassis remained essentially the same, there were distinct body styles. The 1953 - '54 (left) had the rocket tail lights and the headlights set in the fender with a fashionable stone guard. The 1956 - '57 introduced the Cove as a styling element. The design was stepped up a notch with the quad headlight treatment in 1958 (above right). 1961 and 1962 were the transitional years, (right) in which the rear of the upcoming C2 convertible body was used.
C2
1963 - 1967
Also known as the "mid year" Corvettes, the C2 is probably the most sought after Corvette. They were the first to use an independent rear suspension (see The Chassis) and featured one of the most admired body styles in the history of performance automobiles.
Although the C3 was a new body style, the chassis was inherited from the C2. The new body set the standard for Corvettes for many years to come. The subsequent generations of Corvette would have a strong resemblance to the C3, all the way to the C7 introduced in 2014.
When introduced in 1983 as a 1984 model, the C4 Corvette was an all new body style and chassis. The front was given a styling update and the rear bumper was changed from concave to a convex shape in 1991.
The C5 continued the styling theme introduced with the C3. It was the first Corvette that featured an all new body style, chassis and drivetrain.
The C6 was not a major change especially when compared to the C5; some of the Corvette faithful thought that C5.5 would have been a more accurate designation. One significan change was the open headlights.
The C7 was a major upgrade; the body, chassis and engine were all new for 2014.
The C8 generation introduced the mid engine Corvette.
Note: Clicking on an image with this symbol () will lead to a larger image.
Add Comment
Insert Bullet List
Please enter at least one item.
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Insert Numeric List
Please enter at least one item.
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Insert Link
Please enter the link of the website
Optionally you can add display text
Insert Email
Please enter the email address
Optionally add any display text
Insert Image
Please enter the link of the image
Insert YouTube Video
Please enter the link of the video
Privacy Policy
This policy contains information about your privacy. By posting, you are declaring that you understand this policy:
- Your name, rating, website address, town, country, state and comment will be publicly displayed if entered.
- Aside from the data entered into these form fields, other stored data about your comment will include:
- Your IP address (not displayed)
- The time/date of your submission (displayed)
- Your email address will not be shared. It is collected for only two reasons:
- Administrative purposes, should a need to contact you arise.
- To inform you of new comments, should you subscribe to receive notifications.
- A cookie may be set on your computer. This is used to remember your inputs. It will expire by itself.
This policy is subject to change at any time and without notice.
Terms and Conditions
These terms and conditions contain rules about posting comments. By submitting a comment, you are declaring that you agree with these rules:
- Although the administrator will attempt to moderate comments, it is impossible for every comment to have been moderated at any given time.
- You acknowledge that all comments express the views and opinions of the original author and not those of the administrator.
- You agree not to post any material which is knowingly false, obscene, hateful, threatening, harassing or invasive of a person's privacy.
- The administrator has the right to edit, move or remove any comment for any reason and without notice.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in being banned from submitting further comments.
These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time and without notice.
{"commentics_url":"\/\/corvettestory.com\/commentics\/","page_id":17,"enabled_country":true,"country_id":0,"enabled_state":true,"state_id":0,"enabled_upload":false,"maximum_upload_amount":3,"maximum_upload_size":5,"maximum_upload_total":5,"captcha":true,"captcha_url":"http:\/\/corvettestory.com\/commentics\/frontend\/index.php?route=main\/form\/captcha&page_id=17","cmtx_wait_for_comment":"cmtx_wait_for_comment","lang_error_file_num":"A maximum of %d files are allowed to be uploaded","lang_error_file_size":"Please upload files no bigger than %.1f MB in size","lang_error_file_total":"The total size of all files must be less than %.1f MB","lang_error_file_type":"Only image file types are allowed to be uploaded","lang_text_loading":"Loading ..","lang_placeholder_country":"Country","lang_placeholder_state":"State","lang_text_country_first":"Please select a country first","lang_button_submit":"Add Comment","lang_button_preview":"Preview","lang_button_remove":"Remove","lang_button_processing":"Please Wait.."}
{"commentics_url":"\/\/corvettestory.com\/commentics\/","auto_detect":false}
Comments (5)
I have a 75 coupe deluxe int/pwr st/4spd. I've owned it since 85. Is it possible Chevy fudged the hp rating of 165? I have oversized tires and still get chirp in 4th. Recently I've taken all the pollution off, added Holly 650 Avenger, high rise intake, Thumper cam kit, headers, serpentine belt & bigger radiator. New paint, adding a stinger hood, all new interior. Next week it goes on the dyno. I'm curious what the hp will be now..
If the hp was truly 165, I'll know what I've gained.
Thoughts?
you forr providing this information.