Corvette: Year By Year

    

About The Corvette

    

Corvette Specs

    

1953 Corvette

  

1953 Corvette Part Two

Last Built 1953 Corvette

Last Built 1953 Corvette

CloseLast Built 1953 Corvette
1953 Corvette Headlight

1953 Corvette Headlight

Close1953 Corvette Headlight
Right: Corvette headlights featured a stoneguard (or "fencing mask") treatment, part of the "sports car" target image. They were often seen on race prepared cars as a way to prevent broken headlights from debris and rocks. The engineers and stylists both wanted glass covers, similar to what was used on the license plate (below) but the current laws forbid the practice.
1953 Chevrolet Corvette license plate

1953 Chevrolet Corvette license plate

Close1953 Chevrolet Corvette license plate
1953 Corvette Interior

1953 Corvette Interior

Close1953 Corvette Interior
Right: All 1953 Corvettes came with red interiors.
1953 Corvette Interior

1953 Corvette Interior Waterfall

Close1953 Corvette waterfall Interior
Right: A "waterfall" effect was found between the seats as a body piece extended into the interior. This gave a very open feeling to the car. Later generations would pay homage to this technique and incorporate the same design traits in the convertible models. Pressing the button released the convertible top cover.
1953 Corvette Performance Testing

1953 Corvette Performance Testing

Close1953 Corvette Performance Testing
The Corvette reputation as a performance car would have to wait until 1955 when a V8 became available. When equipped with the "Blue Flame" six cylinder, the zero to 60 time was around 11 seconds with 1/4 mile times of about 18 seconds. It's hard to say which was more at fault; the six cylinder motor or the two speed automatic transmission.
1953 Chevrolet Corvette

1953 Chevrolet Corvette

Close1953 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1953 Corvette is probably better appreciated today than when it was new. There are two basic reasons why it will remain a desirable model amongst collectors: 1) 1953 was the first year of production, a strong point in collector car circles. 2) Limited production. At only 300 units it is by far the rarest Corvette model year.
1953 Corvette SIde Window

1953 Corvette SIde WIndow

Close1953 Corvette side window
Right: All 1953-55 Corvettes had removable (as opposed to roll up/down) windows. Black oilcloth bags were used for storage.

Below: Along with the Polo White exterior, all 1953 Corvettes came with a black canvas soft top.

1953 Corvette Black Canvas Top

1953 Corvette Black Canvas Top

Close1953 Corvette Black Canvas Top

1953 Corvette, Part Three
1953 Corvette, Part One

1953 thru 1955 Photos
1954 Corvette
1953 Corvette Options