First-generation Corvette (C1, 1953–1962)
1953–1962
The first-generation Corvette (C1) launched mid-1953 as a hand-built fiberglass roadster and ran through 1962. It began with a 150-hp inline-six but gained the 265 small-block V8 for 1955, establishing the V8 sports-car formula. Across a decade it evolved from a slow-selling styling exercise into a credible American sports car.
Photo: “1962 Corvette Convertible” by Mustang Joe / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
1953–1962
Overview
The first-generation Corvette (C1) launched mid-1953 as a hand-built fiberglass roadster and ran through 1962. It began with a 150-hp inline-six but gained the 265 small-block V8 for 1955, establishing the V8 sports-car formula. Across a decade it evolved from a slow-selling styling exercise into a credible American sports car.
Milestones
Highlights
- Only 300 cars built in the 1953 launch year, all Polo White convertibles.
- The 265 small-block V8 became available for 1955.
- Fuel injection ('Fuelie') arrived for 1957.
Model years in this generation