History of the Chevrolet Corvette

When Harvey Earl began designing the Chevy Corvette in 1951, he wanted to create a vehicle that would revolutionize Chevy to become a brand linked with the sports car industry, deviating from the cars they had produced thus far. The first generation Corvette began production in 1953, and 300 vehicles left the production line in 1954. The first set of cars was not impressive by today’s standards, with a 3.9L inline engine that churned out 150 hp and took nearly 12 seconds to reach 60 mph. But it began a line of cars that would become well respected in the sports car industry and rebrand Chevy to be on par with leaders in the sports car segment. It remains to this day a car that made Chevy history. Let’s dive into Chevrolet automobile history to learn more!

Chevrolet Corvette History Benchmarks

Chevy history was made when the first Corvette emerged from Chevrolet factories in 1953-1954. Its first design had some hiccups and performance flaws, but its creators worked to improve the engine and design of the vehicle. With every passing generation, the Corvette has made a name for itself in Chevrolet history.

• 1954: Inspired by GM Designer Harley Earl’s love of the Jaguar XK120, the first Corvette makes its way through the assembly line in St. Louis, MO.
• 1955: A 4.3L V8 engine replaced the original Inline engine, making it capable of 190 hp compared to the 150 hp of the original engine.
• 1962: By the last year of the C1 generation, the Corvette was given a manual transmission, and the engine was optimized to reach 340 hp.
• 1963:The redesigned Corvette Stingray brings the Corvette toe-to-toe with the European sports coupe competition in a real way.
• 1964: The only year the split window design appeared on the market. It was redesigned in 1965 because the split window was said to obstruct the driver’s view out the rear-view window.
• 1967: The L88 big-block cast-iron engine gets fitted under the hood, developing between 540 hp – 580 hp and becoming an instant legend.
• 1968-1982:  T-Tops, convertible and coupe configurations, and further engine options became available in the C3 (generation 3) Corvette.
• 1984-1996: The fourth generation Corvette brought improved handling, a sleeker design, and a digital gauge inside the vehicle. There was lower horsepower available with the Small-Block engine, producing  300 hp compared with 500 hp available in the second generation Corvette.
• 1997-2004: The fifth generation Corvette emerged on the scene with a 5.4L V8 engine with slightly more horsepower than gen 4, reaching 350 horsepower at its peak year. The ZO6 model brought improved handling and refinement to the Corvette, making it easier to drive.
• 2005-2013: For the sixth generation remodel, fixed headlights replaced the pop-up headlights that had been a staple for the Corvette in previous generations. In 2009 the ZR1 emerged on the stage, known as the “Blue devil.” This model was capable of reaching 205 mph with a 630 hp engine.
• 2014-2019: The seventh-generation Corvette had a variety of stylish updates and came with aluminum framing.
• 2020: The C8 Stingray Corvette brings with its innovative technology and features that will take your driving experience to the next level. Chevrolet history continues with the 2020 Corvette at Stingray Chevrolet! Lakeland sports car fans will love the convertible option and driving around town in a sleek new vehicle that hugs the road.

Learn More About Chevy Corvette History with Stingray Chevrolet

If you’re a Valrico driver interested in testing out a piece of Chevrolet automobile history, then come check out our financing options to make that dream a reality! Getting behind the wheel of a Corvette vehicle is the easiest way to take your Brandon drive up a notch. Contact us to learn more about new vehicles and Chevrolet history!