Chevrolet has emerged as a popular auto manufacturer. For over a century, the American automaker has produced numerous vehicles – some of them gaining iconic status in the auto industry. Speaking of industry icons by Chevrolet, the Corvette remains a shining example of the brand striking gold. Ever since its introduction, the iconic sports car has made rounds for all the right reasons. The Chevrolet Corvette history has witnessed the vehicle go through some major changes over the years.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see the Chevrolet Corvette generations and history to see how the vehicle has evolved over the years.
Chevrolet Corvette History
Chevrolet, one of General Motor brands, was founded in 1911. The American auto brand has engineered several famous car models to its name – the Corvette being one of them. The iconic model also holds the privilege of being one of the first few American sports cars.
Let’s now check the Chevrolet Corvette history timeline and see the evolution of the iconic model.
FIRST GENERATION: C1 – 1953 TO 1962
The first Corvette was presented as a concept “dream car” at the General Motors Motorama in New York. In June 1953, the first production Corvette was introduced. Called the C1, the model was available as a convertible.
For the first few years, the Corvette was only available with an automatic gearbox and a six-cylinder engine. However, in 1955 Chevrolet introduced V8 engines along with a 3-speed automatic transmission.
The evolution of the Chevrolet Corvette then saw the model go through some notable changes. In 1956, the model came with rolled-up windows, sculpted side covers and exposed headlights. Moreover, factory-installed removable hardtops were also available for the first time.
In 1957, the Chevrolet Corvette history witnessed the introduction of a 4-speed manual transmission. Additionally, in 1960, the model had a redesign with rounded rear car fenders and heavy grilled teeth.
SECOND GENERATION: C2 – 1963 TO 1967
For the second generation, the Chevrolet Corvette was available as a coupe. A split-window design was the highlight of the model. However, one year into production, Chevrolet dropped the split-window design as it intruded with drivers’ rear-view vision.
Moreover, the C2 was offered with both manual and automatic transmission – catering to both preferences. Furthermore, the model was capable of producing about 425 horsepower. The 1967 model year of Chevrolet Sting Ray included the following prominent features:
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Dual master cylinder brake system
- Four-way hazard warning flashers
Moreover, exterior designs experienced changes such as in the fender vents and hoods.
THIRD GENERATION: C3 – 1968 TO 1982
The third generation of Chevrolet Corvette was the C3. Chevrolet strongly focused on redesigns with the new model. Removable T-top roof panels were a prominent feature in the C3. Additionally, the Corvette took some major styling cues from General Motors Mako Shako concept car.
In 1969, Chevrolet presented the 250,000th Corvette model – a gold Convertible. Moreover, a white coupe donning a red interior was introduced in 1977 as the 500,000th Corvette. The year 1982 saw a major change in Chevrolet Corvette history. The model was available as a hatchback – one of the popular car body types in the auto industry.
FOURTH GENERATION: C4 – 1984 TO 1996
The fourth-generation models of the Chevrolet Corvette were aerodynamically superior to their predecessors. The 1984 model had a top speed of 242 km/h – making it the fastest Chevrolet Corvette of that time. In 1986, the convertible body design was back for the first time since 1975.
1971 saw the introduction of driver’s side car airbags in the Corvette ZR-1. The feature was standard in the model. In 1996, Chevrolet introduced two unique models of the Corvette – a Grand Sport and a Collector’s Edition.
The LT-4 engine, combined with a manual transmission, was capable of producing 330 horsepower. Furthermore, Chevrolet worked on the exterior to improve the vertical lines on the C4.
FIFTH GENERATION: C5 – 1997 TO 2004
The evolution of the Chevrolet Corvette saw the introduction of hydroformed side frame rails and rear-mounted transmission. Moreover, for the first time since 1962, the Convertible came with a separate trunk with external access.
One of the interesting Chevrolet facts is that the Corvette remains a popular TV car. The C5.R winning on the Le Mans circuit remains a contributing factor to the model’s popularity. The Corvette Z06, launched in 2001 was capable of producing 405 horsepower and about 544 NM torque.
SIXTH GENERATION: C6 – 2005 TO 2013
The Chevrolet Corvette history witnessed some major design and specs changes in the new generation. The model had a 6.0-litre small block V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. Additionally, exposed headlights made a return.
The Corvette ZR1 made a debut in 2009. The model had a top speed of about 330 km/h. Moreover, the 6.2L V8 engine produced 638 horsepower. In 2012, Chevrolet introduced the Centennial Edition. Available on all models, the major highlights of the edition were unique badges, a specially trimmed interior and Magnetic Selective Ride Control among other features.
The sixth generation was available in automatic and manual transmissions. However, production of the sixth generation came to a halt in 2013.
SEVENTH GENERATION: C7 – 2014 TO 2019
The seventh generation surpassed the Chevrolet Corvette old models in every way. The model was available in different car trim levels – 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. Every model came equipped with a V8 engine – offering different performance specs.
Additionally, aluminium frames were standard for all coupe and convertible models. The production for the 7th generation ceased in 2019. However, the model ended on a high note. The Corvette ZR1 was capable of producing 755 horsepower. Moreover, the model can reach from 0 to 100 km/h in an astonishing 3 seconds.
EIGHTH GENERATION: C8 – 2020 TILL DATE
The eighth generation was introduced in 2019 as the 2020 model. The latest model was the fastest one in Chevrolet Corvette history. The Z51 performance package can reach from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.
The model also held the privilege of becoming the first production mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette. The eighth generation is available in eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Moreover, the convertible features a retractable hardtop – available for the first time in the model.
FAQs
What is the History of the Corvette?
Presented as a ‘dream car’ in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has gone through some major changes. Currently, eight generations of the iconic models have been introduced.
When was the Corvette Invented?
The model was presented as a concept car at the General Motors Autorama in New York in 1953. Till now, eight generations of the iconic models have been released. There are several Chevrolet showrooms in the UAE for the residents to buy the new models of the brand.
This brings us to the end of the Chevrolet Corvette history. Chevrolet Corvette models by years show how the model has gone through some major advancements over the years. The iconic model has played a key role in making Chevrolet one of the most popular American used car brands in the UAE and around the world.
Go through these Chevrolet Corvette facts to learn some interesting things about the iconic car mode. Moreover, to add the model to your car collection, browse through these used Chevrolet Corvettes in the UAE and have your pick.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn about the history of iconic car models and more.
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