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1953-2001 Corvette info

C1 & C2 Corvette's

The new 1953 Corvette had a fiberglass body, chromed-framed grill with 13 heavy vertical chrome bars, rounded front fenders with recessed headlights, no side windows or outside door handles, a wraparound windshield and protruding fender integrated taillights. The interior featured a floor mounted shifter, Powerglide 2 speed automatic transmission and a full array of gauges including a tachometer. Each 1953 Corvette was virtually hand built and a lot of minor changes were made during production run. The first Corvette was built on June 30th, 1953 at the Flint, Michigan plant. All '53 Vettes were painted white and had red interior.
For the most part the 1953 and 1954 were the same. Minor changes were made to the window storage bar, air cleaners, starter and location of the fuel and brake lines. Unlike the previous year's model, the '54's were available in Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red and Black in addition to Polo White. The soft top was only available in beige. 80% of '54's were painted white. 16% were painted blue.
Styling remained the same as last years model. The big news was the availability of a V-8 engine. An enlarged gold V in the word Chevrolet on the front fenders was a quick way to tell V-8 powered cars from the 6 bangers. The V-8 cars were 12 volt and the 6 cylinder cars still had a 6 volt electrical system. With the newly introduced V-8 the 0-100 times dropped from 41 seconds to 24 seconds. Harvest Gold exterior finish was introduced along with Gypsy Red and Corvette Copper. Tops now came in white, dark green, or beige. Red, yellow, light beige and dark beige interiors were now available.
There were a few styling changes for the 1956 Corvette. Although the same basic grille was kept, there were new front fenders with chrome rimmed headlights, external door handles, chrome outlined concave side body sculpturing (coves) and sloping taillight integrated rear fenders. The dash layout remained the same as in the past. Upholstery colors were limited to beige or red, but six exterior colors were available. Onyx Black, Polo White, Venetian Red, Cascade Green, Azte Copper and Arctic Blue. Corvette gained even more power resulting in a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds and a 0-100 time of 19.9 seconds.
The Corvette looked the same as last years model. The big news was the availability of a 283 horsepower 283 cubic inch V-8. Among the standard features were: dual exhaust, all vinyl bucket seats 3 spoke steering wheel, carpeting, outside rear-view mirror, electric clock and tachometer. It was available in 7 colors this year. Onyx Black, Polo White, Aztec Copper, Artic Blue, Cascade Green, Venetian Red or Silver. White, silver, and beige were optional colors for the cove. Only 43 Corvettes were equipped with the RPO 579E 283 horsepower engine. That option cost $675 in 1957. With that option the Corvette could now reach 60mph in an amazing 6.4 seconds and 100mph in 15.2 seconds.
There were a few styling changes for 1958. There were now 4 chrome rimmed headlights with a fender length chrome strip running between each pair of lights. Fake louvers were placed on the hood. The grill had four fewer vertical bars. Three horizontal chrome strips were added to each cove. Two vertical chrome bars decorated the trunk. The wraparound front and rear bumpers were larger. The interior changed dramatically. The guages were clustered together. A center console and passenger sissy bar were added. Upholstery was available in red, charcoal, or blue-green. The coves could be had in silver or white. 11% of Corvettes for 1958 were sold with the 290 horsepower FI engine. The FI actually increased gas milaege. The standard 230 horsepower Covette would do 0-60 in 9.2 seconds. One with the 290 horsepower motor would do it in 6.5 seconds.
The 1959 was basically a cleaned up '58. The hood louvers and vertical chrome strips on the trunk were removed. Interior changes included redesigned bucket seats, door panels and a fiberglass package tray under the sissy bar and concave gauge lenses. 7 exterior color choices were available. Black, white, cream silver, red, blue and Crown Sapphire. Thoe cove could be had in either silver or white. Interior color choices included blue, red, turquoise and black. A 290 horsepower fuel injected '59 could go from 0-60 in 6.4 seconds and from 0-100 in 15.7. Slightly slower this year due to an almost 150lb weight increase.
The 1960 model was pretty much the same as last years. A new rear suspension swaybar improved the cars handling. Aluminum heads and radiator were introduced but later withdrawn. Standard equipment included
The Corvette received totally new styling for '63. The headlights were hidden in an electrically operated panel. This was more than a gimmick as it added to the cars aerodynamic design. Front fender louvers, vents on the roof side panels and ribbed rocker panel molding were styling features used on the sides of the new Corvette. The interior had circular gauges with black faces. There was storage space under the seats. Among the standard equipment was: Windshield washer and defroster, cigarette lighter and safety belts. Seven exterior colors were offered: black, white, silver, silver blue, Daytona Blue, red, and tan. Only 1.3% this year were optioned with A/C. 83.5% came with 4 speeds. Seven colors were available: Black, white, silver, silver blue, Daytona blue, red, and tan. An L84 equipped 1963 Corvette could do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.
The styling was cleaned up a bit for 1964. The distinctive rear window divider of '63 was replaced by a solid piece of glass. The fake hood vents were also eliminated. 7 colors were available for the exterior finish: Black, white, tan, Daytona Blue, silver blue, silver, and red. 11.9% were sold with automatics, 3.2% sold with 3 speeds and 85.7% were sold with 4 speeds. An L84 equipped '64 would go from 0-100 in 14.7 seconds.
Three functional vertical front fender louvers, a blacked out horizontal bar grill and different rocker panel molding were the main styling changes for 1965. Standard equipment included: tachometer, safety belts, heater and defroster, windshield washer, outside rearview mirror, dual exhaust, electric clock, carpeting, manually operated soft top and sun visors. Eight exterior colors were available- Black, white, yellow, red, blue, green, silver and maroon. 89.6% of 1965 Vettes had the 4 speed. 8.6% had a Power glide 2 speed automatic. 69.5% came with tinted glass, 10.3% had A/C, and 13.7% came with power steering. The big block was put into the Corvette for the first time this year in 396 cubic inch form. An L78 would go from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and 0-100 in 13.4 seconds.
An eggcrate grill, ribbed rocker panel molding, chrome plated exhaust bezels, spoke style wheel covers, vinyl covered headliner and the elimination of roof vents separated the '66 from the '65. Those equipped with the new, awesome 427 came with a power bulge in the hood. Ten lacquer choices were offered for the exterior: Black, white, Nassau Blue, Laguna Blue, Trophy Blue, red, green, maroon, yellow and silver. The big block was bumped up to 427 cubic inches this year rated at 390 and 425 horsepower. Only 2% were sold this year with 3 speed manuals. 89.3% came with a 4-speed, 13.2% had a tilt steering wheel and 20.2% came with power steering. An L72 eqipped Vette would reach 100 miles per hour in an amazing 12.9 seconds.
Some consider the '67 the best looking vette of all time. It's styling, although basically the same, was cleaner and it had five functional front fender louvers. Minor changes were made to the interior. The most noticable was the relocation of the parking brake from under the dash to the center console. Standard equipment included- rally wheels, odometer, clock, carpeting, wheel trim rings, tachometer, and all vinyl, foam cushioned bucket seats available in black, white, teal blue, saddle, bright blue, and green. 88% of 1967 Vettes came with the 4 speed. 20.8% had power brakes, 16.5% had A/C, 10.5% had tilt steering and 25.1% came with power steering. The base 300hp engined '67 would go from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds and 0-100 in 23.1 seconds. An L71 equipped 1967 Corvette would do 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and reach 100mph from a standstill in just 12.9 seconds.

The first major restyling since 1963. The fastback was replaced by a tunneled roof coupe. It featured a removable back window and a two piece detachable roof section. The convertibles optional hard top had a glass rear window. The front end was more aerodynamic than previous Vettes. As before, the headlights are hidden, but now they were vacuum operated rather than electrically. The wipers now disappeared when not in use. Conventional door handles were replaced with pushbuttons and depression plates. The blunt rear deck contained four round tail lights with the word
After a years absence, the Stingray name (now spelled as one word reappeared on the front fenders. The backup lights were integrated into the center taillights. The ignition was now on the steering column and the door depression button used in 1968 was eliminated. A key lock was put in it's place. Front and rear disc brakes, headlight washers, center console, wheel trim rings, carpeting and all vinyl upholstery were standard. The majority of 1969 Vettes, 59.2% came with power steering, 78.4% had four speed transmissions and 25% had power windows. The base engine was bumped up to 350 cubic inches. Vettes with this base motor and auto tranny took 8.4 seconds to reach 60mph from a standstill. 100mph came by at 21.7 seconds.
Refinements were made to the basic styling used since 1968.
If you liked the 1970 Corvette, you'd like the 1971. They were virtually the same car. A new resin process (that supposedly improved the body) and a different interior were the major changes. Under the hood, compression ratios were lowered to enable Corvette engines to run on lower octane fuel. Slightly over 1/3 of 1971 Corvette's had a tilt steering wheel, 53.9% had a four speed manual, 82.1% had power steering, 52.7% had A/C and 28.4% had power windows. A
The 1972 Corvette was basically the same as the 1971. Among the standard equipment were: a posi-traction rear axle, outside rearview mirror, tinted glass, flo-thru ventilation system, front and read disc brakes, electric clock, wheel trim rings, vinyl upholstery and anti-theft alarm system. Ten exterior color choices were offered. The convertible top could be ordered in only white or black. Over 1/3 came with power windows, 46.1% had the 4 speed, 88.1% had power steering, 63.8% had A/C, 48.1% had tilt/tele and only 1% had the LT-1 engine.
There were predictions in the automotive industry that Chevrolet would introduce a mid engined Corvette this year. However, nothing that radical came to be. Major changes included a new domed hood, body color urethane front bumper and a fixed rear window which added a little more trunk space. Radial tires became standard in an effort to reduce road noise. Leather interior was available in black, medium saddle, and dark saddle. 70.8% of '73 Corvettes were sold with A/C, 41.2% had a 4 speed, 91.5% had power steering, 79.3% came with power brakes, and 46% had power windows. The Corvette continued to get heavier, less powerful and slower. An L-82 equipped '73 Corvette went from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and 0-100 in 17.9.
A restyled sloping rear end and the elimination of the conventional rear bumper with a body color urethane plastic bumper substitute were two noticeable changes for 1974. The power steering, seat belts and radiator were improved. The alarm system activator was relocated. Buyers had their choice of 10 exterior colors: Medium Blue, Gray, Bright Yellow, Dark Green, Medium Red, Orange, White, Dark Brown, Silver and Mille Miglia Red. Most 1974 Corvettes, 95.6%, had power steering, 88.3% had power brakes, 63.1% had power windows, 72.9% had tilt wheel, 77.7% had A/C and 33.7% had a 4 speed manual transmission. The 1974 Corvette was heavier, more expensive and slower than any previous Corvette except for the early 6 cylinder models. Sadly, this was the last year of the big block for the Corvette.
Most of the changes for 1975 were hidden. The bumpers were improved but looked the same. This was the first year for the catalytic converter on the Corvette as well as HIE ignition. On the inside, the speedometer included kilometers for the first time. This was the last year of the convertible until 1986. The 454 was dropped this year. This was one of the slowest Corvettes ever made. Even with the L-82 option it took almost 8 seconds to get to 60mph. Quarter mile came in at 16.1 seconds and top speed was 129mph. Zora Arkus Duntov retired this year and was replaced by David R. McLellan.
Two V-8's were offered once again. The base motor was up to 180 horsepower. The optional L-82 produced 210. It had different heads with larger valves and impact extruded pistons. The standard Corvette used a new lighter weight TH-350 auto tranny. The old tranny came with the optional engine but with a revised torque converter. The convertible was no longer available, but the coupe had removable roof panels. Of the ten body colors, 8 were Corvette exclusive. The included red, silver, Classic white, bright yellow, bright blue, dark green, buckskin, dark brown, mahogany, and orange flame. A total of 5,368 Corvettes came with the FE7 Gymkhana suspension. 5,720 had the L-82 and 2,088 had the close ratio M-22 four speed installed. Cast aluminum wheels were installed on 6,253 Corvettes this year. Vinyl interior's came in black, dark firethorn, light buckskin, and white. Leather interiors were available in 7 colors. 1976 was a record year for Corvette sales so far.
To mark Corvette's 25th anniversary, the 1978 model got a major aerodynamic restyling with large wraparound back window and a fastback roofline. The optional L82 was up to 220 horsepower due to a dual snorker air cleaner and better exhaust. Glass roof panels became new this year as well as 60 series radials and a CB radio. A total of 15,283 Vettes had the two-tone anniversary paint job. For a lot more money, buyers could purchase the Limited Edition Indy Pace Car with distinctive black over silver paint and red striping. Equipment in this package (RPO Z78) included special silver interior with new lightweight seats, special front/rear spoilers, 255-60-15 tires on alloy wheels and glass roof panels. Special decals also came with this Corvette. This car was in such a demand in 1978 that despite its 13k sticker price, people were paying up to $75,000.
For 1979 the base engine received the L82's air cleaner which resulted in 10 more horsepower. All Corvettes now had the lightweight high back bucket seats introduced in last years pace car edition. Only one new exterior color for this year (dark green metallic). Seats were available in cloth or leather. The aircraft type console held a 7000 rpm tachometer, voltmeter, oil pressure and temperature, and fuel gauges. An AM/FM radio was now standard. Only 8447 Corvettes this year had a manual transmission.
Corvette lost close to 250 pounds this year. Hood and doors were lightened, glass was thinner. Roof panels were made of lightweight glass beads. The differential housing and supports were now made of aluminum. The engine now had an aluminum intake manifold. New emblems included and engine identifier on the hood of L82 models. Automatic tyrannies added a lockup torque converter. Corvettes sold in California could only be had with a 305 and automatic. New standard equipment for 1980 included power windows, A/C, and tilt/telescopic steering column. Body color choices were: black, silver, red, yellow, white, dark green, dark blue, dark claret, dark brown, and frost beige. Interior colors came in: black, red, oyster, claret, dark blue, and doeskin. There were now only two storage bins behind the seat were there were once 3.
Automatic equipped Corvettes this year had a new fiberglass rear spring that weighed only 8 pounds compared to 41 pounds of the old steel spring. Side glass was also thinner in Chevy's attempt to lighten the Corvette. Computer Command Control was introduced this year. It controlled fuel metering as well as torque converter lock up. This was the first time in years that Californian's could have a stick shift. Body colors this year were: black, white, red, yellow, beige, and five metallic- silver, dark or bright blue, maroon, and charcoal. Four two-tone colors were also available. Interiors came in black, red, silver, rust, camel, and blue. Corvette buyers had a choice of cloth/vinyl or leather vinyl upholstery. Of the total output this year, 8,995 Corvettes came out of the new plant at Bowling Green, Kentucky which began producing Vettes in June 1981.
For the first time since 1955 no stick shifts were available in the Corvette. They all came with a new 4 speed automatic with overdrive. There was something new under the hood also. Electronic fuel injection known as

The eagerly awaited new generation Corvette missed the 1983 model year, but arrived in Spring 1983 as a 1984 model. There was a completely new aerodynamic exterior with a 64 degree sloped windshield. There was now a one piece removable roof panel instead of two tops. Sole engine was once again the L83 with Crossfire fuel injection equipped with stainless steel headers and magnesium air cleaner and valve covers. A new Doug Nash 4+3 overdrive manual transmission was available. Body colors were: red, black, white, and seven metallic: gold, light and medium blue, light bronze, dark bronze, silver or gray. Standard interiors came in graphite, blue, bronze, saddle or gray cloth. Optional leather came in graphite, saddle, bronze, dark red and gray. Corvettes standard equipment included an advanced anti-theft alarm with starter kill. Other standard equipment included: A/C, electronic am/fm stereo, reclining bucket seats, leather wrapped tilt/tele steering wheel, luggage security shade and side window defoggers. Car and Driver called the new Corvette
There were two ways to tell an 85 from last years model on the exterior. A Tuned Port Injection badge on each side of the car and straight exhaust pipes at the rear. The venerable 350 received Tuned Port Injection this rear resulting in better gas milaege and more power. 230 horsepower and 330 ft/lbs of torque was now on tap. 0-60 times were now 6 seconds flat, and top speed was up to an awesome 150mph. The Z-51 suspension option now included massive 9.5 inch wide wheels at all four corners. To keep the Corvette light, GM used over 400 lbs of aluminum on each car starting in 1984. A total of 14,802 1985 Vettes came with the Z-51 suspension option. Only 9,576 had the manual transmission. 16 1985 Corvettes were sold with a CB radio
For 1986 Chevrolet brought back the convertible. It was the first one since 1975. It was $5000 more than the coupe. Also new for this year was anti-lock brakes and aluminum heads. The Corvette also paced Indy this year so of course a pace car model was available to the public. All pace cars were convertible and packaged with Indy decals but were not mounted. 12,821 corvettes this year came with the Z51 suspension package and only 6835 had a manual transmission.
New for the 1987 Corvette was roller rockers in the aluminum heads. 99.9% of the car was carry over from 1996. 0-60 times were down to 5.7 seconds. Quarter mile times were 14.6 and top speed was 150mph
New for the 1988 Corvette was roller rockers in the aluminum heads. 0-60 times were down to 5.7 seconds. Quarter mile times were 14.6 and top speed was 150mph. New for 1988 were monster 17 inch wheels and tires that greatly improved road holding.
A new six speed manual was introduced this year replacing the 4+3 Doug Nash tranny. 0-60 times with the 6 speed were in the 5.6 second range. 84 ZR1's were built this year, but none were sold to the public.
The awesome ZR1 option went on sale to the public this year. It developed 375 horsepower and went from 0-60 in less than 5 seconds. Top speed was over 180mph. List price for the ZR1 was an astounding $59,495. There were 3049 ZR1's sold in 1990. The motor was designed by GM and Lotus and built by Mecury Marine. The ZR1 had unigue bodywork in the rear to accomodate massive 315-35-17 tires on 17X11 wheels. All corvettes this year received a totally redesigned interior. Gone was the 80's Star Wars style dash. The new wrap-around dash was much more ergonomic and less prone to rattling like the previous interior.
The 1991 Corvette received some new body work this year. There was a new front nose with wraparound headlights, the side fender louvers were now horizontal intsead of vertical. A new rear bumper that was similar to the ZR1's was now installed on all Corvettes along with new turbine style 17 inch wheels. There were 2044 ZR1's sold this year. Only 5875 Corvettes were sold with the 6 speed transmission, 6894 with the FX3 adjustable suspension, and only 733 ZO7 Corvettes were sold. This was the last year of the great L98 Tuned Port Injection motor. It had been in use since 1985.
Big news this year was the new LT1 engine. Horsepower was up to 300 from last years 250 along with better gas milaege. 0-60 times were about the same as last year, but quarter mile times were down to the high 13's and top speed was now an incredible 170mph. The 1 millionth Corvette rolled of the production line this year. ZR1 production was down to only 502 units this year. A total of 915 convertible's were sold with the auxiliary hardtop, and only 5487 had a manual transmission.
Model year 1993 marks the 40th anniversary of the Corvette. To commemorate that fact, Chevrolet had a 40th anniversary model. It was available only with a ruby red exterior and interior. There were 40th anniversary emblems on the hood, deck and fenders. There were also color keyed wheel centers and special headrest embroidery. 6479 cars came equipped with the option. Only 448 ZR1's were built this year and only 5330 Corvettes came with the 6 speed manual transmission. Horsepower and torque figures were up for the ZR1 to 405 horsepower and 385 ft-lbs respectively.
On September 2, 1994 the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky opened it's doors after years of planning. The 94 was essentially a carry over from the 93's, but 2 new colors were added: Admiral Blue and Copper Metallic. A new option was extended mobility tires. They would drive up to 500 miles with zero air pressure. This option was installed on 2781 Vettes. 682 convertibles came with the auxiliary hardtop, 448 had the ZR1 option, and only 6012 had a manual transmission.
The 1995 Corvette was basically the same as the 94's. The side fender gills were slightly redesigned and there was a Pace Car model. This would be the 3rd time there was a Corvette Indy Pace Car. It was a two-tone plum and white convertible. Only 527 were built. This was the swan song year for the mighty ZR1. It's reign as King of the Hill was now at an end. 448 were sold. R.I.P. One new option for the year was a spare tire delete option. Only 418 cars came that way. 3783 1995 Corvette's came had extended mobility tires, 459 had an auxiliary hardtop, and 4784 were built with the 6 speed manual transmission.
The last C4 was built on June 20, 1996. To commemorate, there were to special editons for this year. The Collector's edition was painted Sebring Silver and had special trim and silver 5 spoke wheels. There were 5412 built. There was also a Grand Sport model. It had the 330 horsepower LT4, Admiral Blue paint with a white center stripe and special trim. Interior was either black or red/black. Black 5 spoke wheels were used with 275-40-17 tires in front and 315-35-17 tires out back. Fender flares were installed in the rear to accommodate the massive tires. A total of 6359 LT4 equipped Corvettes were built. 0-60 times with this motor was under 5 seconds.
The all new C5 has finally arrived. It was first scheduled to premier in 1993, but financial problems and production delays kept it from being produced until January 1997. The new Vette only has 3000 parts, 1462 fewer than the model it replaced. To improve front/rear weight distribution the transaxle was rear mounted for the first time in Corvette history. The whole structure and frame is now 4 1/2 times stiffer than the 96. Wheelbase has increased more than 8 inches, and track has increased 4.4 inches in the rear and 2.9 in the front. The new LS1 engine is all aluminum and powers the 1997 Corvette from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.3 at 107 mph. Top speed is now 173mph. The new body comes in at a world class .029 Cd. Cargo capacity has increased to over 25 cubic feet, more than double last years Corvette. 17 inch wheels were used in the front and 18 inch wheels in the back.
After a one year layoff, the convertible Corvette is back. Base price is a whopping $6429 over the coupe. 1998 marks the fourth year that Corvette was the official Indy Pace Car. To commemorate, Chevrolet added a Pace Car option to the option list. RPO Z4Z added $5039 to the list price and was available only on the convertible with the active handling package. They were all Radar Blue with yellow graphics and yellow wheels. There are 1158 of scheduled to be built. The 1998 Corvette remained essentially identical to last years model with a modest $500 increase in list price.
For 2001 The all new Z06 Name is introduced the "Z06" Package included 385 Horsepower complimented by an array of slight cosmetic changes including an air intake by the rear wheel well, front grill's and Z06 Badges on the front fenders. The Z06's List price was set at slightly over $49,000 (US). The 2001 Z06 will go down as one of the "Bad Boys" among Corvettes for sure, right along with the 67's and ZR-1's.
Just what was expected Chevrolet upped the ante once again, the new Z06 would now have 405 Horsepower and 405 Torque, this freshly upgraded Vette would rocket from 0-60 MPH in 3.9 seconds and cover the 1/4 mile in a blink over 12 seconds. Could things get any better?