Categories: Uncategorized

June 30, 1953 – The first production Corvettes leave the factory

The automotive industry changed forever when the first production Chevrolet Corvette rolled out of a General Motors’ assembly facility in Flint, Michigan, on this day in 1953. The Corvette, a dream vehicle designed by Harley Earl, first met the public in January 1953. The prototype fiberglass bodied sports car debuted at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City during GM’s annual Motorama. The response from the crowd was enough to warrant putting the vehicle into production.

Above: Video of 1953 Corvette production
Top: The first Chevrolet Corvettes leave the factory (GM)

Just 300 handbuilt 1953 Corvettes left the assembly line that first year. Each was a white convertible with red interior and a black canvas top. The fiberglass body hid a mild drivetrain that consisted of Chevy’s Blue Flame six-cylinder, a two speed Powerglide transmission and drum brakes. In 1954 production grew to 3,640, but they sold very slowly. The disappointing sales were attributed to the car’s under performance. This led GM executives to consider dropping the vehicle from the Chevrolet lineup. 

The introduction of the two seat Ford Thunderbird for 1955 provided Chevrolet officials with the push they needed to revamp the Corvette and keep it on the sales lot. A V8 finally became available in 1955. However, because there were still many unsold 1954 models sitting at dealerships, only 700 examples were built for 1955. Thankfully, sales grew right alongside available horsepower. It’s late blooming success cemented the Corvette as America’s sports car.

The 2020 Corvette is the first mid-engine production version of the car.
By Don DeBold – CC BY 2.0
Brian Corey

Recent Posts

October 31, 1957 – The Chevrolet Impala is announced

After debuting an Impala show car at the 1956 GM Motorama, Chevrolet used the name…

5 days ago

October 30, 1911 – Little Motor Car Company is founded, later becomes part of Chevrolet

The Little Motor Car Company, founded on October 30, 1911, in Flint, Michigan, is a…

5 days ago

October 29, 1932 – Safarikar builder Bruce Mohs is born

Bruce Mohs with his Opera Sedan following its restoration. (autobild.de) Perhaps you've heard of the…

1 week ago

October 28, 1977 – Tokyo Motor Show opens

First generation Daihatsu Charade. By Charles01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 The annual Tokyo…

1 week ago

October 27, 1937 – Second generation Cadillac V-16 is introduced

1940 Cadillac V16 90 Town Car To build the ultimate automobile, Cadillac began development of…

1 week ago

October 26, 1966 – Toyota introduces what will become the best selling car ever, the Toyota Corolla

1966 Toyota Corolla debut (Toyota) The Toyota Corolla, one of the most iconic and enduring…

1 week ago