1953-
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1954-
1954 was a hard year for the Corvette. The problem was that GM sports cars suffered an identity crisis. The Corvette had some new features. New removable plastic window curtain and a two speed automatic transmission. People did not enjoy that the shifter was weird and funky. Also people could buy a different sports car for less and a four speed manual transmission. Half way during 1954 the corvette switched camshafts to boost the horsepower from 150 hp to 155 hp. The corvette had a few new colors like peanut blue, Black, and Guardsman Red. Although the majority were still Polo White. All soft tops were beige and the peanut blue offered a beige interior. Dimensions- Wheelbase: 102" Height: 51.5" over windshield length: 167.3" Width: 69.8" Tire Size: 6.70 x 15" Curb Weight: 2,886lbs Fuel Tank: 17.25 gallons |
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1955-
All but seven of the 1955 corvettes were produced with a new, better, bigger engine. This new engine was the V8 engine or known today as the "Chevy small block". This Small block was 531, 41 pounds less than the original six cylinder. All 1955 corvettes that were produced with a V8 engine had an electric windshield wiper. Only 700 1955 Corvettes were produced, making sure they did make the same mistake by overproducing. A few more colors were added " Corvette copper" (like bronze)(15), Gypsy Red(180) and, a Harvest Gold(120). The same colors were still there with peanut blue(45) and most Polo White(325). Dimensions- Wheelbase: 102" Height: 51.5" over windshield length: 167.3" Width: 69.8" Tire Size: 6.70 x 15" Curb Weight: 2,805lbs Fuel Tank: 17.25 gallons |
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1956-
The 1956 corvette would get a new body style. This new body featured out side door handles, roll-up windows and a factory sourced hardtop was available. Power windows and a power top were options too. The interior remained the same. It had a three speed manual transmission, first seen in a Corvette in 1955. Also the corvette introduced coves witch was a significant styling element. The grill and bumpers where untouched between 1955 and 1956. Dimensions- Wheelbase: 102" Height: 51" over hard top length: 168" Width: 70.5" Tire Size: 6.70 x 15" Curb Weight: 2,875lbs Fuel Tank: 16.4 gallons |
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1957-
The 1957 corvette really had some new improvement: Fuel Injection. Also a new four speed manual transmission was introduced. Also available in 1957: RPO 684, a racing suspension intended for serious racers. The cost was $780.10 and was installed on only 51 Corvettes in 1957. The interior was still untouched. Everything else was the same. Dimensions- Wheelbase: 102" Height: 51" over hard top length: 168" Width: 70.5" Tire Size: 6.70 x 15" Curb Weight: 2,849lbs Fuel Tank: 16.4 gallons |
1958-
This new 1958 corvette got a new face to it. With the most eye catching feature being the four headlights. Also a long chrome trim piece ran the length of the fender.The car looked more aggressive. It also was physically bigger, Increasing the width 2.5" and the length 9.2", all this added 100lbs to the car. The hood had a washboard detail to it, and the trunk had two spears witch ran the length of the trunk. The grill was mostly the same, but the vertical bars on the grill went from 13 to nine. The tail light was moved to the top of the fender so it could be seen from all sides, unlike the 1957 witch could only be seen from the rear. Air vents were added to the car giving it a sports car look. The cockpit of the 1958 corvette finial got an upgrade. The center console was home to the radio, heater, and clock. A "grab bar" was installed in benefit of the passenger. Dimensions- Wheelbase: 102" Height: 51" over hard top length: 177.2" Width: 72.8" Tire Size: 6.70 x 15" Curb Weight: 2,849lbs Fuel Tank: 16.4 gallons |
1959-
There were only a few changes to 59' corvette. The "washboard" details on the hood and the two spears on the trunk were gone. The glass was changed from flat to convex to bring down the glare. The interior was offered in black for the first time. Also the door panel was redesigned for more elbow room. Dimensions- Wheelbase: 102" Height: 51" over hard top length: 177.2" Width: 72.8" Tire Size: 6.70 x 15" Curb Weight: 2,975lbs Fuel Tank: 16.4 gallons |
The End of the 50's -
The corvette made some large changes in the 1950's. From the first corvette thrown together as en experiment to 1959 corvette with a new engine and new colors and new design. Over all they had ups and downs, highs and lows, but they still came out on top.
The corvette made some large changes in the 1950's. From the first corvette thrown together as en experiment to 1959 corvette with a new engine and new colors and new design. Over all they had ups and downs, highs and lows, but they still came out on top.