1953 Chevrolet Corvette
Posted by Gregory Masten
The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette matters now because it was the genesis of America’s iconic sports car. Ironically, though, it took some convincing to matter upon its debut.
Born to Harley Earl, the father of 1950s Motorama concept cars, the little fiberglass roadster had sensational rocket-styled taillights and a snarling grille. In an era when V8s were king, though, the 1953 Chevy Corvette had unimpressive power. Equipped with a 2-speed automatic transmission and a 150hp Blue Flame Six engine, albeit one with three carburetors, consumer interest in the Corvette was limited.
Only 300 Corvettes were built during its initial year, partly due to its perceived performance problem, and partly due to its high price. At $3,734 the car was more than twice the price of a standard 1953 Chevy sedan and didn’t even have windows.
America’s most popular sports car managed to hang on and eventually thrive, though. Switching production from a tiny plant in Flint, Michigan, to St. Louis in 1954 allowed for increased production. The arrival of Chevy’s new V8 in 1955 helped the Corvette outrun its not-so-sporty reputation. A host of enthusiastic backers within GM including Earl, Zora Arkus-Duntov, Ed Cole, and Bill Mitchell, managed to keep the car around long enough for it to outlive its initial reception.
Humble beginnings for one of the world’s most famous automobiles, but it is this story, that makes it one of the most highly sought after Corvettes extant.