Rear view of a Chevrolet Corvette convertable roadster shown at the North West Muscle Car Show, XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, Issaquah
Rear view of a Chevrolet Corvette convertable roadster shown at the North West Muscle Car Show, XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, Issaquah, The first generation is most commonly referred to as a "solid-axle", based on the fact that independent rear suspension (IRS) was not available until 1963. The first generation started in 1953 and ended in 1962. With limited production due to the fact that they were all hand built and assembled, the 1953 Corvette, with a total of only 300 units produced, is the rarest and one of the most sought after Corvette model years. With few changes except for color choices and production numbers, the 1954 is the last Corvette to have a 6-cylinder engine. 1955 saw the introduction of the V8 engine, replacing the underpowered "Blue Flame" straight-6. The first seven '55's off the production line did however feature the in-line 6. Aside from the engine, the 1955 model can be differentiated by its logo—the "V" in Corvette is enlarged and gold colored, signifying the V8 engine under the hood. In 1956 a new body was designed for the car which changed it from a country club style sports car. One noteworthy addition of optional fuel injection in mid-1957 (also available on Chevrolet Bel Air). Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "gullwing" roadster. Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', it nevertheless produced about 290 hp (216 kW) (gross). The number was listed by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp/283 CID () "one hp per cubic inch" slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/CID. Other early options included power windows (1956), hydraulically operated power convertible top (1956), four speed manual transmission (late 1957), and heavy duty brakes and suspension (1957). The 1958 Corvette saw another body freshening and more option
Size: 5050px × 3360px
Location: XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, 98 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA, 98027, USA
Photo credit: © John Gaffen 2 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1950, automotive, chevrolet, convertable, corvette, generation, roadster, solid-axle, transport, vehicle
