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Brief Corvette History

Corvette Stingray 454
By: Cristian Bortes

The Corvette is distinctive in the history of automotives. The car has attained over 60 years of production and no other vehicle can match the car’s reputable and powerful two-seater.

Since its 1953 debut, the Corvette has undergone six generations and various designs. Although classic models for instance the Stingray is no longer existent in the assembly line, Chevrolet still manufacturers a wide range of Corvettes that serve different budget and driving needs.

Contemporary corvettes range from fundamental models to the fast, powerful, and speedy ZRI model. If you seek more information on the rarest corvettes, check out this list.

Types of Corvettes

Coupe

This basic model is the most affordable in the group of Vettes. The 2011 model has a 430-horsepower and can move from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds; this is comparable to the capacities of numerous Ferrari models. Additionally, the Coupe has a detachable roof panel that allows for open-air driving.

Convertible

The Convertible has a similar engine, gas and pickup mileage performance as its counterpart, the Coupe. In standard models, top removal is manual and more costly models feature power tops that shift at the touch of a button.

Grand Sport

In 2010, the manufacturer revived this car type for public sale. This type comes in convertible and coupe forms. Although it features a similar engine as basic models, its design is different. Differences comprise a wider body, more powerful brakes, and fender flares.

Z06

The introduction of this model occurred in 2005. Design elements for instance a carbon-fiber floorboards and aluminum frame make this model weigh approximately 140 pounds less than the fundamental corvette.

ZRI

The introduction of the ZO6 model occurred in 2009, and it’s the fastest, most expensive model to date. Furthermore, the car has poor gas mileage performance and this model is twice as costly as a basic corvette.

History of Corvettes

Harley Earl, who invented this car in 1951, drew inspiration from the great European sports vehicles at the time. The term “Corvette” originates from a line of small, quick navy ships that functioned in World War II. Since its introduction, General Motors has maintained the production and has currently produced Six generations some of which include:

C1 (1953-1962)

In 1953, the manufacturer merely produced 300 corvettes and each of them featured red interior. The production of the initial cars comprised a reasonably weak150 horsepower and an automatic transmission.

C2 (1963-1967)

During this era, the production of corvettes increased from approximately 10,000 vehicles annually to roughly 27,000 cars annually. The variety of engines also increased.

C3 (1968-1982)

By far, C3 generations express the biggest generation ever manufactured. This generation of cars began well; however, standards of emissions and GM’s dissatisfaction of the 1970s, depressed collector values and horsepower.

C4 (1984-1996)

During this period, Chevrolet designed a new car. However, the produced prototypes for the 1983 model had vital quality issues. Consequently, the release of the fourth generation took place in 1984. This generation improved in horsepower and quality.

5 Rarest Corvettes

1963 Grand Sport

The car is worth between US 6million and 8million and the production of only five took place before the manufacturer discontinued its production.

Chevrolet Corvette L-88 (1967)

This is the best of the second generation vettes and its value is $1 million.

Chevrolet Corvette

This was Corvette’s first production. The car had poor construction and featured red seats.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The car features a 36-gallon gas intake, beneficial in racing since it decreased fill-ups. Additionally, it featured brakes and performance suspension.

Corvette “Fuelie” (1957)

Fuel injection describes a system, which can enhance a vehicle’s performance and efficiency. The manufacturer offered the car as an option in 1957 initially.

In conclusion, the Corvette is a vehicle that has found its way into racing tracks, American driveways, and pop culture. People purchase it for varied reasons ranging from accessibility to social experience. If you’re unsure whether to consider this car, perhaps you should know more about it.

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