The first generation of Corvette was designed as a show car for the1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show. It generated enough interest for GM to make a production version to sell to the public. 

 

Three hundred hand-built polo white Corvette 

convertibles were produced for the 1953 model year.

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The 1954 model year vehicles could be ordered in Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, Black, or Polo White; 3,640 were built, and sold slowly.

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The 1955 model offered a 265 cu in (4.34 L) V8 engine as an option. With a large inventory of unsold 1954 models, GM limited production to 700 for 1955. With the new V8, the

0–60 mph time improved by 1.5 seconds.

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The second generation introduced the Sting Ray model in 1963 featuring a distinctive tapering rear deck, split rear window, hidden headlamps, non-functional hood vents, and independent rear suspension.

 

The "Stingray" name (originally spelled "Sting Ray" on 1963 to 1967 models and "Stingray" from 1969 to 1976), last used in 1976. The 1963 Sting Ray was the first Corvette offered as a fully enclosed coupe, though the two-seat roadster remained in the lineup. Neither version had a trunk, the space instead housing the Corvette’s fuel tank.

 

Four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965, as was a "big block" engine option: the 396 cu in (6.49 L) V8. Side exhaust pipes were also optionally available in 1965, and continued to be offered through 1967.

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Corvette Z06

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The Z06 Special Equipment Competition Package was offered as options for '63 and '64 models.  It included just about everything needed for visiting the winner’s circle, most notably in the braking department.

 

While power brakes and sintered metallic linings were available as separate options, the Z06 package featured oversized, finned steel brake drums with internal fans and a unique dual-circuit, vacuum-boosted master cylinder.

 

Elephant ear brake-cooling ducts directed under-car air to the front binders. The multi-segment brake shoes themselves were lined with a material known as Cerametalix–a different compound than found on the regular sintered-lining option.

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To improve handling, engineers designed an independent rear suspension that featured a rear axle with separate,

U-joint-connected half shafts and a transverse leaf spring. Seeking to enhance the rigidity of the fiberglass-reinforced plastic body, a new hidden steel frame supported both roadster and coupe bodies. The main perimeter frame was redesigned to allow the engine and driver to be a bit farther back and lower in the car, resulting in improved balance and handling.

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Between the suspension and brake upgrades, Chevrolet created a car that could compete with Europe’s best on the road courses, while the potent fuelie engine helped it reach into the 14s on the quarter-mile.

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A profitable vehicle for Chevrolet, the Corvette remains in production today.

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