1953 – The 1953 Corvette first appeared as a show car for the 1953 General Motors Motorama, on January 17–23 at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The car generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. Chevrolet general manager Thomas H. Keating announced that it was six months to a year away from production readiness. The beginnings of production were on June 30, 1953. Three hundred hand-built Corvette convertibles were produced, all Polo White, for the 1953 model year. The first-year cars were only available in Polo White.

1954 – The 1954 model year vehicles were mostly identical with minor trim adjustments. They could be ordered in Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, Black, or Polo White. 3,640 were built, but the car did not take off as predicted though 3,640 were sold.

1955 – The 1955 model offered a 265 CID V8 engine as an option. The brand new V-8 was an overwhelmingly popular option, with only 6 of the 1955 models produced with the inline-six. In an attempt to disperse the large inventory of unsold 1954 models, GM limited 1955 production to 700 cars. With the new V8, the 0–60 mph time improved by 1.5 seconds. The introduction of the 1955 Ford Thunderbird hindered sales.

NOTE: The 1953 – 1955 model years were the only Corvettes equipped with a 235 CID version of the second-generation Blue Flame inline-six rated at 150 horsepower.

1956 – A new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a new front fascia, moving the headlights into a more common position for U.S.cars. Side scallops “coves” made the car appear more lithe and the tail lamp fins were removed. Side window curtains were gone, replaced by roll-up windows. Power windows, hydraulically operated power convertible top, and a Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking “hybrid” car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors were options.

1957 – The 1957 car was a refined ’56 with more power from a 283 CID V-8. An optional “Ramjet” fuel injection system was made available in the middle of the 1957 model year that produced one HP per cubic inch – a performance milestone shared with the 1956 De Soto Adventurer and the Chrysler 300. 1957 options included heavy duty brakes and suspension and four speed manual transmission.

1958 – In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette adapted to the look of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grilles. The interior and instruments were significantly updated and more driver orientated. Rare options were RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension and the RPO 276 15″×5.5″ wheels. 9,168 Corvettes were produced in 1958.

1959 – The 1959 Corvette was for the most part, a cleaned-up 1958. The false hood louvers and vertical chrome strips on the trunk were removed. The engine choices from 1958 were carried over with no major changes. Options remained the same.

1960 – Stylistically, this Corvette looked very similar to the previous year’s model. On the engineering front, changes were significant – a new rear suspension sway-bar improved the car’s handling. Aluminum cylinder heads and radiator were introduced.

1961 – The Sting Ray racer and Corvette Shark concept car rear deck was adopted this year, along with twin taillights. Engine power output increased for the two fuel-injected engines to 275 and 315 HP. Power ratings for the dual-four barrel engines did not change but this was the last year of their availability. This was the last year for contrasting paint colors in cove areas.

1962 – Significantly, displacement of the small-block V-8 increased from 283 CID to 327 CID, which producing 250 HP in the base V-8. Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the base and optional 300 HP engines, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 HP and fuel-injected 360 HP versions. Dual 4-barrel carburetor engines were no longer available. Rocker panel trim was seen for the first time.

1963 – The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray wasd an all-new design with newfound handling prowess. Production was divided almost evenly between the convertible and the new coupe – 10,919 and 10,594, respectively. Available for the first time was a special performance equipment package the RPO Z06, “Big Tanks” because the package had a 36.5 gallon unit. At The package was only available on coupes because the oversized tank would not fit in the convertible.

1964 – For 1964 Chevrolet made only evolutionary changes to the Corvette. Besides the coupe’s backbone window, the two simulated air intakes were eliminated from the hood, though their indentations remained. Also, the decorative air-exhaust vent on the coupe’s rear pillar was made functional, but only on the left side. Inside, the original color-keyed steering wheel rim was now imulated walnut. The solid-lifter V-8 was now had more aggressive camshaft to produce 365 HP, and the fuel injected engine also gained 15 horsepower to 375 HP.

1965 – The 1965 Corvette Sting Ray further cleaned up style-wise and was muscled up with the addition of an all-new braking system and a larger power palnt. 1965 styling was confined to a smoothed-out hood now devoid of scoop indentations, a trio of working vertical exhaust vents in the front fenders that replaced the previous nonfunctional horizontal “speedlines”, restyled wheel covers and rocker-panel molding. Mid-year the “Big-Block” 396 CID V-8 appeared, producing 425 HP. Four-wheel disc brakes were also introduced in 1965.

1966 – For the 1966 Corvette, the big-block V8 came in two forms: 390 HP and 425 HP. Small-block offerings were cut from five to two for 1966, and only the basic 300 and 350 HP versions were retained. The frontal appearance was mildly altered with an eggcrate grille insertand the coupe lost its roof-mounted extractor vents. Volume rose to 27,720 units.

1967 – This was the last Corvette of the second generation.  New was a single backup light, mounted above the license plate. Slotted six-inch Rally wheels with chrome beauty rings and chrome caps were standard. Interior alterations included moving the handbrake from beneath the dash to between the seats.  The 427 CID V-8 was available with a Rochester 3×2-barrel carburetors delviering 435 HP. The famous L-88 race engine was introduced.

1968 – The Corvette  was completely redesigned. The chassis was carried over from the second generation models. A Turbo Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission replaced the two-speed Powerglide. The car was available in coupe or convertible models, with the coupe a notchback fitted with a removable rear window and removable roof panels. The concealed headlights were vacuum operated system as was the hide-away windshield wipers’ vacuum door. Side vent windows were eliminated. A large round speedometer and matching tachometer were positioned in front of the driver with auxiliary gauges above the forward end of the console. There was no glove box.

1969 – Small block engine displacement increased from 327 CID to 350 CID and all otherpower train choices remained unchanged. All cars featured 8.0″ wide steel wheels. This was the first year for white lettered and the last for red striped tires. “Stingray” script nameplates appeared on front fenders, now one word, in contrast to the “Sting Ray” name used previously. Backup lights were integrated into the inboard taillights. Steering wheel diameter was reduced from 16 to 15 inches This was the last year for the L88 engine and the only year for the all-aluminum ZL1 option.

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1983  – There were no Corvettes produced in this year

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