Chevrolet Corvette Models & History (Nat Geo History) (Nat Geo History)

The first generation of Corvette was introduced late in the 1953 model year. Originally designed as a show car for the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show it generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. First production was on June 30 1953.
This generation was often referred to as the solid axle models the independent rear suspension was not introduced until the second generation. 300 hand-built polo white Corvette convertibles were produced for the 1953 model year.
The 1954 model year vehicles could be ordered in Pennant Blue Sportsman Red Black or Polo White. 3640 were built and sold slowly.
The 1955 model offered a 265 cu in 4.34 L V8 engine as an option. With a large inventory of unsold 1954 models GM limited production to 700 for 1955. With the V8 0-60 mph time improved to 1.5 seconds.