Corvette: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 19671968 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
Part II
Sharp eyed Corvette fans will recognize that the above GM publicity photographs and the brochure images (left and below) 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
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.
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.
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