The Corvette debuted in January of 1953 as a show
car in the GM Motorama. It was a stylish two seat convertible, designed to show
the world
that GM could create a sports car to compete with European car manufacturers
like Jaguar and MG. At the Motorama there was a great response. The production
of the 1953 Corvette Roadster began in June in Flint, Michigan. All 1953 Corvettes
were Polo White with red interiors; and were hand built. They were powered by
the existing Chevrolet 235-cu.-in. 6 ccylinder engine that was modified with
a three carburetor design and dual exhaust to give it more sports car like performance.
The engine generated 150 horsepower, and it was teamed with a2-speed Power glide
automatic transmission. However it didn't live up to the performance of expectations
of sports car buyers. Arkus Duntov -an engineer on the Corvette team since 1954
- was the big man behind the Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet built 3600 but in
that year the only sold 600 of them. In 1955 the sold the rest (although this
was very difficult). In 1955 setting off rumors that Corvette might be a short-lived
automotive experiment. Corvette's had a 265-cu.-in. V8 that generated 195 horsepower
was offered with a 3 speed manual transmission. In 1956 Corvette got it's first
styling update. Most important changes were an new body with "scooped out"
sides, outside door handles, roll-up windows and an optional removable hardtop.
The 283-cu.-in. V8 was modified with fuel injection to produce an unprecedented
283 horsepower, and a new 4 speed manual transmission. In 1957 Chevrolet sold
his "Vette" with a Fuel Injection motor. The 1956 and 1957 were equal.
In 1958 the Corvette body changed a bit. Corvette got dual Head lights and much
more chrome at the front and the back. The base model futures a fuel injected
283-cu.-in. V8 was now producing up to 290 horsepower. Chevrolet removed in
1959 some of the worst chrome elements. They also changed a few little things.
In 1960 for the first time Corvette reached a production of 10,000. In each
year between 1960 and 1962, performance and styling enhancements made it more
and more appealing to a wide variety of buyers. In 1961 they changed the tail
lights into the famous "duck tail" lights. These "duck tail"
lights will stay forever. You can see them also on the 1998 model. Also the
grille changed. In 1962, engine displacement was increased to 327 cu. in. and
top horsepower was up to 360. The scoops weren't available in other colors.
Chevrolet only option was the same color as the whole body. Gary Hathaway's
1957 Convertible has style that will always be "in-style".
In 1963, Corvette introduced its all new Corvette
Coupé and Convertible models called the Sting Rays. This was the very
first time
Corvette was available as a hardtop coupe model as well as the traditional convertible.
Both cars featured an all new body design that was more stylish than the previous
generation. It was also the first year for concealed Head lights. It also features
an all new chassis, that includes an independent rear suspension. The 1963 Sting
Ray Coupe featured a Split rear window design, but it was replaced with a single
piece rear window in 1964 because owners complained about visibility. Chevrolet
had to build second assembly plant in St. Louis, Missouri to keep up with demand,
and dealers reported owners waiting months for their cars to be built. At the
end of 1964 Corvette produced more than 20,000 units. In 1965, The Corvette
had a 396-cu.-in. "Big Block" V8 under the hood. It delivered 425
horsepower. New was the four wheel disc brakes that become standard, The body
didn't change at all. In 1967, the limited production L88 Corvette was officially
rated at 430 horsepower, although some Corvette historians believe that figure
was artificially low. Only 20 of the L88 Corvettes were built. George McDowell's
1964 Convertible is perfection in progress - a totally "Cool" machine.
In 1968 Corvette was totally different in appearance
from any other Corvette. This models where resemblance of the "Mako Shark
II" concept vehicle. The Corvette 
changed
a lot in different ways. First it's the totally new bold and aerodynamic body.
This basic body design would continued for the next 15 years. It also features
hidden windshield wipers, removable T-Tops. There was an option for the luggage
rack on Coupé models. The 1970 were a time of great change for Corvette.
First there came the oil embargo and increasing government regulations about
the fuel. These two major outside forces were having a lot of impact on Corvette
performance. The original high-performance LT1 engine, a 350-cu.-in. "Small
Block," was introduced in 1970. It generated 370 horsepower. That year,
the "Big Block" displacement was increased to 454 cu. in., and was
rated at 390 horsepower in the LS5 version. In 1971, a special purpose "Big
Block" V8 was available that produced 425 horsepower. But 1971 was the
last year for "gross" horsepower ratings. The industry changed to
a "net" rating system that accounted for the exhaust system, vehicle
accessories and other components. It provided a truer measure of an engine's
performance and is still used today. In 1973Chevrolet introduced the "soft
nose". In 1974the front and back chrome bumpers were removed. And this
was the last year that the Corvette had a Big Block motor. 1975 was the last
year that Corvette produced a convertible. In 1977, Corvette produced over 1/2
million Corvettes. When the 500,000th car rolled off the assembly line, Leather
seats were standard for the first time. From this type there were build 49,213
units. In 1978 Corvette celebrated its 25th anniversary and. For this event
the Corvette was selected to be the official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500.
Two special
models were produced for public sale a Pace Car edition and a special Silver
Anniversary paint package. The Pace Car had a standard interior the normal Corvettes
not. The "round" back window was introduced. In 1979, Corvette production
hit 53,807 units -- a record that still stands today. This year the interior
of the Pace Car from last year became a standard interior for all models. In
1980 the Vette got a new styled hood, back and nose. In 1981 Chevrolet produced
a "lighter" version of the Corvette especially for California. This
was because of the tight emission rules. This was also the first year that there
was a computer management on the Vette. 1982 Chevy introduced a new cross fire
engine. The new injection system was standard on all models. There was only
one motor that Chevy build in the Vette. To celebrate the end of the "shark
generation" (the 3rd generation) the produced a collectors edition with
specials colors and a tail window that you can open. There were no 1983 Corvettes
produced for public sale. True to form John Crowder's 1972 Convertible is the
cleanest and meanest Stringray in the Mid South.
Chevrolet introduced in 1984 the first all new Corvette
since 1968. They produced 510000 Corvettes. It featured an all new body design.
This was a totally different body design. It also features a double wishbone
front suspension and five link independent rear suspension
teamed with Goodyear Gator back unidirectional tires. The suspension was very
strong. This 84-er drive very stiff. Inside, the cockpit surrounded the driver
and featured advanced electronic instrumentation. For 1986 Chevy build a Tuned
Port Injection in the motor. For 1987 , the Corvette Convertible was back! To
celebrate the convertible's return, Corvette again paced the Indy 500 and all
convertibles were designated Pace Car replicas. The evolution of Corvette as
a world class performance car also continued with the addition of new standard
4 wheel ABS, an increase in maximum horsepower to 230 from its 5.7 Liter V8
and continued suspension fine-tuning. The PASS-Key theft deterrent system was
also added as standard equipment. Because of the rules that all cars must have
an 3rd tail light it became a standard for the Vette too. In 1988 Corvette celebrated
his 35th anniversary. It produced a all white Corvette with better handling.
And it made great strides with the Performance Handling Package along with new
17 inch wheels and tires. This pack was not standard; the normal model had 16"
wheels. The Selective Ride Control adjustable suspension system was also introduced;
allowing drivers to choose between three different operating modes: "Touring,"
"Sport" and "Performance." A new 6 speed manual transmission
was also offered, giving drivers added ability to maximize the Corvette power
range. ZR-1 roared to life in 1990 with an all new 375 horsepower LT5 engine
under its hood. Designed in a cooperative effort between General Motors and
Lotus, the LT5's dual overhead cam, 32 valve design made Corvette the talk of
the automotive world. To help distinguish the appearance of the ZR-1 from standard
Corvette Coupes, it was given an all new convex rear fascia and quad rectangular
tail lights. All Corvettes received a new cockpit design that included digital
readouts and 
analog
gauges as well as a driver air bag. The maximum horsepower of the standard L98
engine was increased to 250. Corvette received styling refinements for 1991
that included wrap-around front parking/corning lamps, new side panel louvers
and a ZR-1 style convex rear fascia on all models. To help differentiate the
look of the ZR-1, its center high mounted stop lamp remained on the roof, while
it was integrated into the rear fascia on both Coupe and Convertible. Corvette
performance continued to grow in 1992 with the introduction of the second generation
LT1 -- putting a 300 horsepower engine back in the standard Corvette. The engine
was designated LT1 because it was the first Chevy "Small Block" to
surpass the horsepower of the original LT1 in 1970. The Acceleration Slip Regulation
(ASR) system and Goodyear GS-C asymmetrical tires were also introduced as standard
equipment. ZR-1received a ZR-1 badge on the sides of its clam shell hood. The
one millionth Corvette was built on July 2, 1992 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
For 1993, LT5 output was boosted to 405 horsepower, and a special 40th Anniversary
package was available on all models. Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) was also added
as standard equipment. The cockpit of Corvette was transformed for 1994 with
a new single piece instrument panel, a front passenger air bag, and new door
panels. Both the standard and Sport seats were also re styled, and leather seats
became standard equipment. The most noticeable change on the 1995 Corvette was
the revised gill panel design. This also marked the last year for the ZR-1.
Corvette served as the Official 1995 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. Two distinctive
Corvettes are part of the 1996 lineup: the Grand Sport and Collector Edition.
Both celebrate the rich heritage of the Corvette, and mark the end of the current
style. The new optional LT4 engine is introduced (required on Grand Sport).
Special Note: Johnny Biffle has the "Badest" ZR-1 on the road - so
watch out!!
The new 1997 is totally different from the fourth
generation.
A start-from- scratch aluminum push rod V-8. it's lighter, more powerful, more
fuel efficient than theV-8 it replaces (1996). The V-8 delivers 344 horsepower.
A sophisticated process called hydroformingcreates frame rails from a continuous
steel tube. It makes the '97 sturdier and stiffer. The interior is roomier and
the cockpit is handier. The frame takes up less room so it's easier to get in
and out. The most desirable of the C5's is Doug Turner's 1998 Fairway Green
- one of only 123 made - with a throaty sound from zero to 175 that will raise
the pulse of anyone within ear shot.
Above history borrowed from T H E C O R
V E T T E P I T S T O P
More
standard equipment, like 'magnetic ride control,' boosts 2003 sticker prices.
May 1, 2002: 8:40 AM EDT
By Jim Mateja, CNN/Money Contributing Writer
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - If you're holding out for the 2003 models to buy that
Corvette you've always dreamed of, be prepared to pay more. Prices haven't been
set yet, but the '03 Chevrolet Corvettes will sport sticker prices considerably
higher than this year's.
On the other hand, you'll see a much fancier mix of standard equipment on the 2003s to justify those bigger stickers. Corvette brand manager Rick Baldick said the '03 will come with fog lamps, power passenger seat, dual-zone air conditioning, sport seats and parcel net and luggage shade (on the coupe) as standard, and the 50th Anniversary edition also will add magnetic ride control to the standard active-handling suspension.
Magnetic ride control is designed to isolate and smooth the action of each tire to keep the car flat in corners and turns.
"With the flip of a switch, you can change
ride character so that it performs like a luxury sedan or performance coupe.
It differs from the current active handling suspension system in that the soft
(touring) setting is softer, the firm (sport) setting is firmer," Baldick
said.
Despite more equipment, the '03s won't have a power top on the convertible. "Owners have asked for a power top and we've gotten a lot of requests, but we are looking at one for the next generation," Baldick said.
Some things you won't see
But the next generation Corvettes, the 2004 models, won't have a power retractable
hardtop, he added, because buyers don't ask for them. And they haven't asked
for clutchless manuals and paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel either,
he said, so don't look for those features.
For 2003 Chevy will produce the Corvette coupe, convertible and high-performance Z06. All will carry 50th anniversary badges to commemorate Corvette's 50th anniversary in 2003.
In addition to badges, you'll also be able to order your '03 coupe or convertible, but not Z06, with a 50th anniversary package, which comes only in a new metallic Anniversary red.
While the 50th Anniversary model won't be available
until later in the summer, three have already been decked out to serve as pace
cars for the Indy 500 race in May. The pace cars are only coupes, and there
will be no replicas in showrooms.
2002 Corvette sticker prices
• Coupe: $41,680 USD
• Convertible: $48,205 USD
• Z06: $50,430 USD
Standard Options
Interior Standard Equipment
Air bags - Driver and passenger (Always use safety belts and proper child restraints,
even with air bags. See the Owner’s Manual for more safety information.)
Air bags - Passenger air bag shut-off switch
Air conditioning - Manual
Console - Center, lockable, with integral cupholder, ashtray, coin holder, cassette
and CD storage
Cruise control - Electronic with resume speed
Defogger - Rear and side windows
Door locks - Power
Floormats - Front
Glass - Tinted, Solar-Ray
Glass - Rear window for Convertible
Headlamps - On reminder
Instrumentation - Electronic, analog with multi-language Driver Information
Center
Keyless entry - Remote, active, with panic button and hatch/trunk release
Lights - Courtesy interior, cargo, console and glovebox
Mirrors - Inside rearview, manual day/night with integral map light
Mirrors - Dual, illuminated visor
Parcel net
Seats - Leather-trimmed seating surface bucket with lateral support and back
angle adjustment
Seats - Driver, power, 6-way
Sound systems - AM/FM stereo, CD player, electronically tuned, seek-and-scan,
auto-tone control, digital clock, TheftLock and speed-compensated volume
Sound systems - Bose speaker and amplifier system
Steering wheel - Leather-wrapped rim, Tilt-Wheel
Storage - Lockable glovebox, center console and 3 rear, covered compartments
(covers on Coupe and Convertible only)
Theft-deterrent system - PASS-Key II, with horn alarm
Turn signal - On reminder
Warning light - Low oil level
Windows - Power with driver and passenger express-down feature
Windshield wipers - Intermittent
Exterior Standard Equipment
Antenna - Power
Body panels - Corrosion-proof
Body structure - Uniframe design with corrosion-resistant coating
Convertible top - Manual with heated glass rear window
Exhaust - Chrome-plated tips
Headlamps - Power-operated retractable halogen
Headlamps - Daytime running
Induction system - Outside air
Mirrors - Dual, body-colored sport, electric remote control, heated
Paint - Basecoat/clearcoat
Tire pressure monitoring system
Tires - P245/45ZR17 extended mobility, Eagle F1 GS, front
Tires - P275/40ZR18 extended mobility, Eagle F1 GS, rear
Trunk - Rear with interior remote release
Wheels - 17" x 8.5" aluminum 5-spoke in the front and 18" x 9.5"
aluminum 5-spoke in the rear (Tire chains should not be used. They may cause
damage. See Owner's Manual.)
Mechanical Standard Equipment
Active handling and traction control - Improves traction and enhances vehicle
stability
Brakes - 4-wheel anti-lock, front and rear disc
Engine - 5.7L V8 with SFI (350 HP)
Engine access - Rear opening hood with underhood lamp
Exhaust systems - Stainless-steel (aluminized stainless-steel at rear of catalytic
converter)
Ignition system - Distributorless opti-spark
Steering - Power, rack-and-pinion, speed-sensitive variable-assist
Suspension - Fully independent with transverse fiberglass leaf springs
Tire pressure monitoring system
Traction control - 2.73 limited slip (the 3.42 limited slip is std. on MN6 manual)
Transmissions - 4-speed automatic with brake transmission interlock