CORVETTE PARTS
The history of American classic
muscle cars starts in 1953 with the first production of the
Chevrolet Corvette. These cars
produced in a time where money came easy for American’s in a post World War
Two Economy. The population was
waiting for a car that would combine power and luxury that everyone longed
for. In 1953 the Chevrolet Corvette delivered.
In 1953 the 300 produced Corvette was the most sought after American
car in 1953. All 300 of the cars were hand built and each had great features
and specific Corvette parts that started a car revolution in the middle of
the fifties. The standard engine for the first corvette was a “Blue Flame”
straight or in-line 6-cylinder. An engine that produced about 150
horsepower. As for the transmission it was a powerglide 2- speed automatic.
An interesting feature was the
three side-draft carburetors.
The corvette craze went on in
1954 where little changed in body style and and power changes. The biggest
change in 1954 was they produced quite a few more of them. Also, the added a
new colors to the line up, including a great looking red.
It was now time for Corvette to make
history in 1955 when Chevy released the first V-8 corvette. An interesting
change was the larger V added to the emblems signifying the new much larger
engine and a new standard for American made cars.
The standard
engine was 265 cubic inch motor.
Also, Chevy added a new three-speed manual to the 1955 line-up of corvettes.
A great style change was the vertical grille that added more great looking
chrome to the Corvette. The 1956 and 1957 the corvette was virtually the and
came with a lot of updates and new corvette parts from the previous years.
The first change was the the new 283 motor which offers 283 horsepower which
started the slogan, "one horsepower per cubic inch.” Something that was
showing corvette’s change from a luxury car to a true American muscle car.
Another styling change was the much sleeker body update showing corvette as
more of a sports car than a country club car. Other early options included
power windows in 1956, hydraulically operated power convertible top in 1956,
four speed manual transmission in late 1957, and heavy duty brakes and
suspension in 1957. Also, a new fuel injection system was offered.
In 1958 the transformation from luxury car to sports car was finally complete. A much sportier look was a new American standard and the new corvette was the envy to all car manufactures. To really make a statement the 1958 had the most chrome of the C-1 generation. The upgraded the suspension and kept to there, "one horsepower per cubic inch” promise. With great changes that gave chevy great sales in 195 the Corvette was left basically unchanged for 1959 and 1960. They got rid of some of the chrome and increased horsepower with the release of the 283 cubic inch motor, that supplied a maximum of 300-320 horsepower. A huge amount of power in the late 1950’s in comparison with other models. With this great power corvette stayed dominant in the race scene.
A full body style change in 1961 made the new corvette a great looking sports car and offered a car that with great style and power. With the new rear end nicknamed, “the boat tail” the new corvette not only looked great but, also had great new options and corvette parts. Like a new 327 cubic inch motor that supplied about 345-360 max horsepower. A great amount of power that thrust corvette to the top of the race scene.
In the 1962,
the end of the C-1 generation of corvette the car stayed pretty much the
same from the year before. Getting ready for the new Sting Ray or C-2
generation. Chevy now had a great car that had made a name for it’s self and
corvette could be produced in the future with confidence. As for the C-1
generation many features and corvette parts were discontinued. Including,
Curved windshield, solid rear axle, convertible only, 4 wheel drum brakes,
open headlights only (brought back for the C-6), A trunk, until 1998. This
great car was started on an idea that every deserves a chance to drive a
great car with plenty of power at a low price. That is still true today as
corvette continues to strive to be the best Americana made muscle car.