Named after a warship, the Chevrolet Corvette has been the dream car of many car lovers for six generations. First produced in 1953 out of GM’s Flint, Michigan plant, the original model was designed and named by Harley Earl, an industrial designer and the first Vice President of Design at General Motors. The Corvette has enjoyed a number of body styles in it long rich history including the coupe, convertible, t-top coupe, and targa. This car has the unique distinction of being the only American sports car to celebrate a 50th anniversary in 2003 which is a testament to the car’s enduring hold on the country’s imagination.

The first generation Chevrolet Corvette was produced from 1953-1962. In the first year, 300 white, polo Corvettes were built by hand which makes them the rarest and most valuable of the entire 50+ year old fleet. In 1955, Chevy introduced the V8 engine into the line. The Corvette experience several design changes which ended in a complete overhaul in 1961 put a duck tail on the back of the car and a redesigned light treatment. The wraparound style windshield ended in 1962. The second generation of Corvette was produced from 1963-1967 and were designed based on a concept car called the Q Corvette. The first Corvette couple was produced that year. Named the Sting Ray, this car had hidden headlamps, hood vents, and an independent rear suspension. 1965 saw the entry of four wheel disc brakes, side exhaust pipes and the 425bhp 396cu big block engine.

The third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette was produced from 1968-1982. This generation was styled after the Mako Shark II concept car. Monikers were introduced and in 1978, Chevy celebrated the Corvette’s 25th anniversary by producing a two tone Silver Anniversary Edition of the car as well as an Indy Pace Car replica. It was also the first year that Corvette was used as a Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500. The fourth generation of Corvette was manufactured from 1983-1996. The company completely redesigned the Corvette in 1984. They used a 4+3 transmission system to help the car meet US fuel economy standards. In 1987 a twin turbo option became available from the company and 1988 saw them celebrate their 35th anniversary with specially marked badges mounted next to the gear selector. The fifth generation was produced from 1997-2004 and had a top speed of 171mph. Cars in this generation contained the company’s new LS1 small block which included a distributor less ignition and new cylinder firing order. This allowed the C% to achieve 28mpg fuel efficiency on the highway.

The last generation started production in 2005 and featured more seating for passengers and a redesign that is meant to appeal to the European market. The Chevrolet Corvette is a leading edge vehicle that has gained a number of awards throughout its 50 years. Automobile ranked the Sting Ray as #1 on their 100 Coolest Cars list and Car and Driver put the Corvette on its annual Ten Best lists fifteen times. It’s true what they say. Classic never goes out of style.