Chevrolet Corvette C1

Chevrolet Corvette C1 group GT (1954)

Manufactured By Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Corvette C1 is the original of the Corvette sports vehicle delivered by Chevrolet. It was presented late in the 1953 model year and created through 1962. It is regularly alluded to as the "strong pivot" age, as the autonomous back suspension didn't show up until the 1963 Sting Ray. The Corvette was hurried into creation for its introduction model year to profit by the eager open response to the idea vehicle, however, desires for the new model were to a great extent unfulfilled. Surveys were blended and deals missed the mark regarding desires through the vehicle's initial years. The program was about dropped, yet Chevrolet would at last finish what has been started. Harley Earl, as leader of GM's Styling Section, was a devoted fanatic of sports vehicles. He perceived that GIs returning in the wake of serving abroad in the years following World War II were bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos. In 1951, Nash Motors started selling a costly two-seat sports vehicle, the Nash-Healey, that was made in the organization with the Italian fashioner Pininfarina and British auto engineer Donald Healey, however, there were scarcely any moderate-evaluated models. Baron persuaded GM that they expected to fabricate an all-American two-seat sports vehicle, and with his Special Projects team started taking a shot at the new vehicle in late 1951. The cryptic exertion was code-named "Project Opel" after GM's German division Opel. The outcome was the hand-constructed, EX-122 pre-creation Corvette model, which was first appeared to people in general at the 1953 General Motors Motorama at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on January 17, 1953. At the point when creation started a half year later, at an MSRP of $3,513, it had developed into an impressively costlier vehicle than the no-frills $2000 roadster Harley Earl initially had as a top priority. The EX-122 vehicle is currently situated at the Kerbeck Corvette exhibition hall in Atlantic City and is accepted to be the most seasoned Corvette in presence.

Corvette Corvair show car, front view

Engineering

GM official Robert F. McLean ordered off-the-rack mechanical segments and utilized the case and suspension structure from the 1949–1954 Chevrolet traveler vehicles. The drivetrain and traveler compartment was moved rearward to accomplish a 53/47 front-to-raise weight dissemination. It had a 102 in (2,591 mm) wheelbase. The motor was a 235 cu in (3.85 L) inline-six motor that was like the 235 motors that controlled all other Chevrolet vehicle models, however with a higher-pressure proportion, three side-draft carter carburetors, mechanical lifters, higher-lift camshaft. The yield was 150 torque (110 kilowatts). Since there was presently no manual transmission accessible to Chevrolet appraised to deal with 150 HP, a two-speed Powerglide programmed was utilized. 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time was 11.5 seconds.

Three-body variations were made. The roadster was worked as the Corvette, the Corvair fastback variation never went underway, and the two-entryway Nomad station wagon was, in the long run, worked as the Chevrolet Nomad. During the last 50% of 1953, 300 Corvettes were to a huge degree, hand-based on a stopgap mechanical production system that was introduced in an old truck plant in Flint, Michigan while a plant was being prepared for a full-scale 1954 creation run. The external body was made out of then-progressive glass fiber strengthened plastic material. In spite of the fact that steel deficiencies or shares are now and again referenced as a factor in the choice to utilize fiberglass, no proof exists to help this. In schedule years 1952 and 1953 Chevrolet delivered about 2 million steel-bodied full-size traveler vehicles and the expected creation volume of 10,000 Corvette for 1954 was just a little part of that.

The Ellis James Premo the body engineer for Corvette. He introduced a paper to the Society of Automotive Engineers in 1954 with respect to the advancement of the body. A few selections feature a portion of the key focuses in the body material decision. A 55 degree raked windshield was made of security glass, while the tag holder was slowed down in the storage compartment, secured with a plastic window. Underneath the new body material were standard segments from Chevrolet's normal vehicle line, including the "Blue Flame" inline six-chamber motor, two-speed Powerglide programmed transmission and drum brakes. The motor's yield, 136 hp (101 kW), was expanded anyway from a Carter triple-carburetor framework elite to the Corvette, however, the exhibition of the vehicle was strongly "dreary". Contrasted with the British and Italian sports vehicles of the day, the Corvette did not have a manual transmission and required more exertion to bring to a stop, however like their British rivalry, for example, Morgan, was not fitted with the move up windows; this would need to hold up until at some point in the 1956 model year. A Paxton divergent supercharger opened up in 1954 as a seller introduced an alternative, enormously improving the Corvette's straight-line execution, yet deals kept on declining.

The Chevrolet division was GM's entrance level marque. Chiefs at GM were truly considering racking the venture, leaving the Corvette to be minimal in excess of a commentary in car history, and would have done as such notwithstanding three significant occasions. The first was the 1955 presentation of Chevrolet's first V8 motor since 1919. Late in the model year, citation needed the new 195 hp (145 kW) 265 little square opened up with a Powerglide programmed transmission, until the center of the creation year when a manual 3-speed opened up, coupled to a 3.55:1 pivot proportion, the just one advertised. The motor was fitted with a solitary 2218S or 2351S WCFB four-barrel (four-stifle) Carter carburetor. The blend transformed the fairly wiped out Corvette into a legitimate if not noteworthy performer. The second was the impact of a Russian émigré in GM's designing office, Zora Arkus-Duntov. The third factor in the Corvette's endurance was Ford's presentation of the 1955 two-seat Thunderbird, which was charged as an "individual extravagance vehicle", not a games vehicle. All things being equal, the Ford-Chevrolet competition in those days requested GM not seem to withdraw from the test. The first idea for the Corvette seal fused an American banner into the structure, however, it was changed well before creation since partnering the banner with an item was disapproved.

Production Years Changes 1953 - 1962

1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1

1953

The 1953 model year was the Corvette's first creation year as well as at 300 delivered it was likewise the most minimal volume Corvette. The vehicles were basically hand-fabricated and systems advanced during the creation cycle with the goal that each 1953 Corvette is somewhat unique. Every one of the 1953 models had Polo White outsides, red insides, and dark canvas delicate tops. Request guides demonstrated warmers and are radios as discretionary, yet each of the 1953 models was outfitted with both. More than 200, 1953 Corvettes are known to exist today. They had autonomous front suspension however included an unbending hub bolstered by longitudinal leaf springs at the back. The expense of the first creation model Corvettes in quite a while $3490.

The nature of the fiberglass body, just as its fit and finish, was inadequate. Different issues, for example, water breaks and entryways that could open while the vehicle was driven, were accounted for with the most serious mistakes revised in resulting units created, however, a few weaknesses proceeded past the Corvette's debut year. By December 1953, Chevrolet had a recently prepared plant in St. Louis prepared to fabricate 10,000 Corvettes every year. In any case, negative client response in 1953 and mid-1954 models made deals dive.

1954 Chevrolet Corvette C1

1954

In 1954, just 3,640 of this model was fabricated and almost a third were unsold at year's end. New hues were accessible, yet the six-chamber motor and Powerglide programmed, the main motor and transmission accessible, were not what sports vehicle aficionados anticipated. It is realized that 1954 models were painted Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black, notwithstanding Polo White. All had red insides, aside from those completed in Pennant Blue which had a beige inside and beige canvas delicate top. Request guides recorded a few choices, yet all alternatives were "required" and every one of the 1954 Corvettes was prepared the equivalent. Two-conditioned shading plans were mainstream in and out (1954)

In the October 1954 issue of Popular Mechanics, there was a broad study of Corvette proprietors in America. The amazing finding was their suppositions in contrast with remote games vehicles. It was discovered that 36% of those taking the overview had claimed an outside sports vehicle, and of that, half of them evaluated the Corvette as superior to their past remote sports vehicle. Nineteen percent evaluated the Corvette as equivalent to their outside games vehicle and 22% appraised the Corvette as sub-par. While many were very much satisfied with the Corvette, they didn't think about it as a genuine sports vehicle. The central grievance of the overviewed proprietors was the propensity of the body to spill broadly during precipitation storms.

1955 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster SVL

1955

Chevrolet appeared its 265 cu in (4.34 L) little square, 195 hp (145 kW) V8 in 1955, and the motor discovered its way into the Corvette. From the start 1955 V8 Corvettes proceeded with the compulsory alternative Powerglide programmed transmission (as did a couple of 6-chamber models assembled), however, another three-speed manual transmission went along later in the year for V8 models as it were. Outside shading decisions were extended to at any rate five, joined with at any rate four inside hues. Indeed, even delicate tops came in three hues and various materials. Regardless of this, lone 700 1955 Corvettes were fabricated, making it second just to 1953 in shortage. Not many six-chamber 1955 models were constructed, and every recorded model is furnished with programmed transmissions. The "V" in the Corvette symbol was broadened and gold-hued, meaning the V8 motor in the engine and 12-volt electrical frameworks, while 6-chamber models held the 6-volt frameworks utilized in 1953-54. Uncommon choice gauge: Manual transmission.

Despite the fact that not a piece of the first Corvette venture, Zora Arkus-Duntov was liable for the expansion of the V8 motor and three-speed manual transmission. Duntov improved the vehicle's advertising and picture and helped the vehicle rival the new V8—engined Ford Thunderbird, and diverted the Corvette from its dreary exhibition into a trustworthy entertainer. In 1956 he turned into the chief of superior vehicle plan and improvement for Chevrolet helping him procure the moniker "Father of the Corvette.

In spite of the fact that the C1 Corvette skeleton and suspension configuration were gotten from Chevrolet's full-size vehicles, a similar fundamental plan has proceeded through the 1962 model significantly after the full-size vehicles were totally overhauled for the 1955 model year. This was because of the consolidated variables of the moderately high re-building and re-tooling costs for this low-volume creation vehicle, the proceeded with potential for crossing out of the vehicle, and the expanded size and weight of the all-new suspension plan for the full-size vehicles, which made it inadmissible for use in the lighter weight Corvette.

1956 Chevrolet Corvette C1

1956

The 1956 Corvette included another body, with genuine glass move up windows and an increasingly generous convertible top. The straight-6 motor was dropped, leaving just the 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8. Force went from 210 to 240 hp (157 to 179 kW). The standard transmission remained the 3-speed manual, with a discretionary Powerglide programmed. Different alternatives incorporated a force helped convertible top, a removable hardtop, power windows, and a sign looking for in part transistorized Delco vehicle radio. An elite camshaft was likewise accessible (as RPO 449) with the 240 hp motor.

1957 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster

1957

Visually the 1957 model was unchanged. The V8 was expanded to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel-infusion turned into an extravagant alternative, and a 4-speed manual transmission opened up after April 9, 1957. GM's Rochester subsidiary's used a constant flow system, producing a listed 290 hp (216 kW) at 6200 rpm and 290 lb-ft 393 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. Discussion keeps on whirling whether this was underestimated by Chevrolet to take into consideration lower protection premiums or give the vehicle a bit of leeway in specific types of dashing as opposed to misrepresented, as was the basic practice at the opportunity to juice deals. In any case, it was promoted as creating "One HP for each cubic inch", permitting it to guarantee it one of the principal mass-delivered motors to do as such.

Pushed toward elite and dashing, essentially by its originator, Zora Arkus-Duntov, who had hustled in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be requested prepared to-race with extraordinary execution choices, for example, a motor natural air/tach bundle, rock-solid dashing suspension, and 15 by 5.5 in (380 by 140 mm) wheels. Deals volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary norm and under 1954's 3,640, making it the third most reduced in Corvette history. Fuel-infused models were hard to come by, yet 1,040 were sold.

1958 Corvette C1 Retouched

1958

In a time of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette adjusted to the vibe of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the uncovered four-headlamp treatment and noticeable grilles, yet a false louvered hood and chrome trunk lances were interesting to 1958. The inside and instruments were refreshed, including setting a tachometer legitimately before the driver. For the 1958 model, an 8000 rpm tachometer was utilized with the 270 hp (200 kW) and 290 hp motors, instead of the 6000 rpm units utilized in the lower pull motors. Discretionary motor decisions included two with twin carburetors counting a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB four-barrels and two with fuel infusion. The force yield for the most elevated evaluated fuel-infused motor was 290 hp. Removal stayed 283. Just because, safety belts were manufacturing plants introduced as opposed to being vendor introduced as on past models. Rare choices were RPO 684 hardcore brakes and suspension (144), RPO 579 250 hp motor (554), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels 404.

1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1

1959

1959 was the latest year for tail lights on the back bumpers for the 1959 model, motors and strength appraisals didn't change. Insides were amended marginally with various instrument designs and the expansion of a capacity canister to the traveler side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with the T handle as standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the main year a turquoise convertible top shading could be requested, and every one of the 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 couldn't be requested with convertible tops due to insufficient space for the collapsing top instrument. Uncommon choices: RPO 684 uncompromising brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (214), RPO 426 force windows (547), RPO 473 force convertible top 661.

1960 Chevrolet Corvette C1

1960

There were fewer and heavier teeth in the barbecue in 1960. The last highlights to show up in the 1960 models included taillamps formed into the back bumpers and overwhelming flame broil teeth. New highlights incorporate aluminum radiators, however just with 270 hp and 290 hp motors. Likewise just because all fuel-infusion motors required manual transmissions. The 1960s Cascade Green was metallic, one of a kind to the year, and the rarest shading at 140 made. Uncommon choices: RPO 579 250 hp motor (100), RPO 687 hardcore brakes and suspension (119), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (246), RPO 473 force convertible top(512), RPO 426 force windows 544.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1

1961

Four taillights showed up in 1961, a treatment that proceeds right up 'til the present time. Motor dislodging stayed at 283 cubic inches, however, power yield expanded for the two fuel-infused motors to 275 and 315 hp 205 and 235 kW. Force evaluations for the double four-barrel motors didn't change (245 hp and 270 hp) yet this was the latest year of their accessibility. This was the latest year for differentiating paint hues in bay zones, and the last two-tone Corvette of any kind until 1978. Likewise appearing in 1961 was another vessel tail structure later utilized on the C2. Uncommon choices: RPO 353 275 hp motor (118), RPO 687 rock-solid brakes and guiding 233, RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels 357, RPO 473 force convertible top 442.

1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Convertible

1962

The 1962 model year was the last Corvette with a strong back pivot suspension that was utilized from the earliest starting point. With two new motors, it was additionally the snappiest. Motor relocation expanded with the presentation of the 327 cu in (5,360 cc) motor, yet double 4-barrel carburetor motors were not, at this point accessible. Pressure driven valve lifters were utilized in the base 250 hp and discretionary 300 hp (220 kW) motors, strong lifters in the discretionary carbureted 340 hp and fuel-infused 360 hp (270 kW) variants. Rocker board trim was seen just because, uncovered headlights for the last, until 2005. This was the last Corvette model to offer a discretionary force convertible top instrument. Uncommon choices: RPO 488 24-gallon fuel tank RPO 687 rock-solid brakes and directing (246), RPO 473 force convertible top (350), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels 561.