History of the Corvette

When the Chevrolet Corvette debuted as a concept “dream car” in 1953, there’s no way anyone could’ve dreamed of the success the model would enjoy over the ensuing decades. Today, the Chevy Corvette enjoys its place at the top of the luxury sports car market, thanks to the fans and enthusiasts who’ve loved this car from the beginning.

In this post, we’ll take a trip down memory lane to enjoy the history of the Corvette, from its humble beginnings in Flint, MI, to its supercar status today.

Corvette C1: 1953–1962

Following the success of the 1953 debut at GM’s 1953 Motorama show in NYC, production moved to St. Louis. The Corvette had a slow start, but after a 1956 redesign featuring exposed headlights, rolled-up windows, sculpted sides, and a removable hardtop, sales began to pick up for this stylish sports car.

In 1960, the ‘Vette was restyled again, this time with taillights formed into rounded rear fenders and a bold grille with “teeth” that turned heads all over the country.

Corvette C2: 1963–1967

The C2 debuted with a total design overhaul modeled after the Sting Ray race car. This Corvette featured a distinctive design with folding headlights, a long front end, and a split rear window. In 1965, the Big Block V8 engines capable of 425 hp rolled out, and the 1967 model featured dual master cylinder brakes, hazard lights, and more.

Corvette C3: 1968–1982

Another redesign in 1968 marked the Chevy Corvette’s third generation. This generation pulled design elements from the Mako Shark II concept, notable for its unique and bold style, like chrome bumpers.

In 1969, the 250,000th Corvette was produced, which GM celebrated with a gold Corvette Convertible. In 1981, the Corvette’s production moved to its current home in Bowling Green, KY.

Corvette C4: 1984–1996

Chevrolet offered drivers ultimate performance with a 24% more aerodynamic body on the 1984 Corvette and a top speed of over 150 mph. In 1990, the Corvette ZR-1 featured driver’s side airbags as standard, and in 1992, the millionth Corvette was made to match the very first ‘Vettes of 1953.

Corvette C5: 1997–2004

Standout features of the fifth-generation Corvette include hydroformed side frame rails and a rear-mounted transmission. This generation also introduced a separate exterior trunk, and the horsepower reached an impressive 405 in 2002.

Corvette C6: 2005–2013

The sixth generation of the Chevy Corvette introduced updated styling, improved technology, and an upgraded suspension. It also reintroduced exposed headlights and a power top option for the first time since 1962.

In 2006, Chevy introduced a small-block V8 engine, bringing the Corvette’s power to a staggering 505 horsepower.

Corvette C7: 2014–2019

This generation of the Corvette brought back the iconic Stingray name, with cars that featured a more muscular and angular front end as well as distinctive taillights.

An aluminum frame and Michelin tires were standard for this generation, and in 2019, the Corvette ZR-1 offered a 6.2L V8 capable of generating 755 hp!

Corvette C8: 2020–present

The newest and greatest iteration of this iconic car, the Corvette C8, is available in both coupe and convertible configurations and is the first Corvette with a rear mid-engine configuration. You can find Corvette C8 models on our lot at Ron Tonkin Chevrolet, so come by to take one for a test drive today!

The Future of the Corvette

While we don’t know what GM has in store for the future of the Chevy Corvette, we can bet that it’ll be at the top of its segment in terms of looks, power, and style! Come to Ron Tonkin Chevrolet for a test drive of a new or used Corvette today!