The Chevy Corvette has a hallowed place in American automotive history. First appearing in the 1950s and running all the way up to today, the Corvette has captured the imaginations of sport car enthusiasts for years now. With its incredible performance and affordable price, it's no wonder the Corvette has held its place as America's sports car over the decades.

Over the 60-year history of the Corvette, there have been significant changes. To get a clearer sense of how the Corvette has evolved over the years, check out this overview of the primary features and notable changes of Corvette models by generation.

Table of Contents

• The Corvette Origins
• First Generation Corvette
• Second Generation Corvette
• Third Generation Corvette
• Fourth Generation Corvette
• Fifth Generation Corvette
• Sixth Generation Corvette
• Seventh Generation Corvette
• Eighth Generation Corvette
• Corvette FAQs
• Shop for Corvettes at Volo Museum Auto Sales

The Corvette Origins

Before America's sports car was born, it had to start with an idea. In the 1950s, Chevrolet was suffering from faltering sales and needed something new to generate some enthusiasm for the brand. Thomas Keating, the brand manager for the company, knew they needed something fresh. To contrast the cars of the past, Keating decided they needed to build a sports car. 

This new sports car was code-named "Project Opel." Unlike the popular British sports cars, Chevrolet's sports car was going to be distinctly American. This sports car under the Project Opel name would be an open two-seater with fiberglass panels. At the General Motors (GM) 1953 Motorama show in New York City, Chevrolet first showcased their sports car to a positive reception. From here, the car would go on to production and sale, becoming the first generation Corvette we know today.

First Generation Corvette

The first generation of Corvettes, otherwise known as the C1s, first debuted in 1953 and ran until 1962. Below you can find an overview of how these cars changed over their first generation:

1953

The 1953 Corvette made history, as it was the first mass-produced car built with a fiberglass body. Due to this fiberglass construction, they were faster and more lightweight than their steel counterparts. The fiberglass also gave the designers the flexibility they needed to give the car a curvy shape and craft an exciting look to draw potential buyers.

As the car's performance went, the Corvette wasn't the most powerful, sporting 150 horsepower and running on the six-cylinder "Blue Flame" engine. It had rear-wheel drive, and the engine was in the front. It also featured a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission and independent front suspension. When drivers put the pedal to the metal, it took a whopping 11.5 seconds to make it to 60 miles per hour (mph), coming far behind other popular sports cars of the era.

The 1953 Corvette was only available with one color scheme, but it was bold and striking. The car came in Polo White for the exterior, red for the interiors and black for the soft tops.

Chevrolet built a total of 300 1953 Corvettes in Flint, Michigan. The car went on sale and received a lukewarm reception, selling only 183 of the original 300. The six-cylinder engine and the automatic transmission didn't appeal to sports car enthusiasts, especially those who prized performance over appearance.

1954 and 1955

Despite the 1953 Corvette's middling sales performance, the car persevered. For the 1954 Corvette, the company switched from producing the car at a tiny assembly line in Michigan to a larger manufacturing plant in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Though the new factory could produce 10,000 Corvettes a year, the company wasn't quite ready to go all-in on the car, with the factory only putting out 3,640 units for the 1954 model. This new Corvette came with an upgraded camshaft that gave the car five more horsepower. It also had more color options. The exterior could be painted blue, red or black, and a tan top replaced the original black top.

These upgrades to the Corvette didn't equal an explosion in sales, as the company still struggled to sell the car at a high volume. Of the 3,640 cars produced, about a third of them went unsold.

To get the car to start appealing to the performance-driven sports car crowd, Chevrolet built the 1955 Corvette with greater power and performance. Instead of the six-cylinder engine of the previous Corvettes, the 1955 Corvette offered versions of the car with a V-8 engine. Later in the model year, the vehicle also received a three-speed manual transmission.

These two major upgrades finally gave the car a true sports car feel and the performance it needed to compete. However, enthusiasm for the car was still low, and Chevrolet only produced 700 1955 Corvettes.

1956 and 1957

Though the 1955 Corvette started to show the Corvette's potential for power, the 1956 and 1957 models fully realized it. Chevrolet no longer offered Corvettes with six-cylinder engines, as a 265 cubic inch V-8 engine became the standard option. With this new engine, the car provided power ranging from 210 to 240 horsepower. Gone was the standard automatic transmission, with the standard transmission for the 1956 Corvette being a three-speed manual. Those who preferred automatic transmissions could choose an optional Powerglide automatic.

Besides the performance options, the Corvette also received glass roll-up windows and a new body. Buyers could add power windows, a car radio, a power-assisted convertible top and a removable hardtop. The Corvette's new body had an adjusted front end similar to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL coupe. In addition to the revised front end, the car also received a unique look, with designers adding brand new scalloped sides.

The 1957 Corvette kept the visual look of the 1956 model but continued to improve the car's performance. Chevrolet enlarged the V-8 to 283 cubic inches, which meant the vehicle could generate an eye-popping 283 horsepower. Additionally, buyers could purchase a fuel-injection system for even more outstanding performance.

1958–1960

1958 through 1960 saw many new changes to the vehicle. For example, in 1958, the Corvette got a fresh dual-headlight design to update the front of the car. Buyers saw the interior change as well, with the tachometer moving from its place at the center of the car's dashboard to an area below the speedometer, right in the driver's sight.

Alongside these cosmetic changes, the power of the Corvette continued to rise. The Corvette's engine at this time had 270 and 290 horsepower options.

1961 and 1962

To end the first generation of Corvettes, designers added a new quad-taillight configuration to the redesigned rear. The 1962 Corvette could achieve 360 horsepower at the car's highest-rated state. This new level of power was made possible due to the 327 cubic-inch V-8 engine installed in the vehicle.

Second Generation Corvette

Running from 1963 through 1967, the second generation of Corvette started by releasing the all-new Sting Ray model. The String Ray design took inspiration from two previous GM projects: Bill Mitchell's racing Sting Ray and the Q-Corvette. Below you can find some of the major changes and milestones of the C2 Corvette:

1963 and 1964

The 1963 Corvette was smaller than the first generation's offerings, coming with a coupe body style and independent rear suspension. It still drew from the past, as its body was built with fiberglass. The first Sting Ray model came with a three- or four-speed manual gearbox and an option for an automatic transmission. It looked different too, with a longer nose, short tail and peaked fenders to give it an eye-catching design. The 1963 Corvette had a unique split-window feature as well. 

Alongside the base Sting Ray, Chevrolet offered a Z06 package for the 1963 Corvette to appeal to racers. Unlike the standard 250 horsepower V-8 engine, the Z06's V-8 engine reached a top horsepower of 360. This package also included power drum brakes, a dual master cylinder, a larger front anti-roll bar, a bigger shock absorber and a vacuum brake booster.

Chevrolet didn't make a lot of changes to the 1964 Corvette. The 1964 Sting Ray had some minor cosmetic changes, like the removal of simulated air intakes from the car's hood. There were also some improvements to the suspension, and one of the fuel-injected engine offerings brought the car's horsepower up to 375 horsepower.

1965

Coming into 1965, Chevrolet faced criticism of their use of drum brakes. To improve the brakes and address the complaints, the 1965 Sting Ray model had four-wheel disc brakes come standard. Alongside the new brake improvements, the 1965 Corvette also had a new optional big-block V-8 engine available. This optional engine gave the Corvette 425 horsepower, making it an absolute monster of a car to drive.

1966 and 1967

The updated big-block V8 engines for the 1966 Corvette Sting Ray came with two horsepower options: an engine that could produce 390 horsepower or one that produced 425 horsepower. In contrast to the 1965 Corvette, 1966's 427 cubic-inch V8 engine packed a great deal more torque, showcasing a max torque of 460 pounds per foot.

To close out the second generation, the 1967 Corvette added a 427 cubic-inch big-block V8 engine. This engine added 10 more horsepower to the Corvette, getting it to a top horsepower of 435. The visual changes to this Corvette weren't major. It received a backup light placed under the license plate, new flat finish rockers to give the car a more sleek appearance and a handbrake mounted between the seats instead of beneath the dash.

Third Generation Corvette

The third generation of Corvettes ran from 1968 through 1982, with the name subtly changing to "Stingray" rather than "Sting Ray" in 1969. The following describes how the Corvette changed in this period:

1968–1972

The C3 Corvette started strong, differentiating itself from the previous generation with a new style derived from the Mako Shark II concept car. The car was available in both convertible and coupe models, with the coupe no longer offering a rear storage area. The Corvette also featured new hidden headlights that moved into position with a vacuum system. 

The powertrains for the few years of C3s were mainly carried over from the previous generation. However, the Corvette did replace the older two-speed automatic transmission with a new three-speed automatic one. In 1969, the Corvette's standard V-8 had a larger displacement of 5.7 liters.

In 1970, the company added a new V-8 engine, which generated 370 horsepower. At the same time, Chevrolet's V-8 big-block engine went from 7.0 liters to 7.4 liters and was named the LS5. This LS5 engine was perfect for those who loved having a powerful car, with the 454 cubic-inch engine producing 390 horsepower. 

In 1971, the new octane requirements and the country's transition to unleaded fuel caused the car's power to begin to fall. The standard Corvette models only produced 270 horsepower, with an upgraded model achieving 330 horsepower. Due to the increasing regulations, the 1972 Corvette small-block engines only had 200 horsepower and 255 horsepower models available to consumers.

The big-block engines in this era continued to provide drivers with the extra power they wanted. However, they still saw a decrease in power, much like their small-block counterparts. For example, in 1970, there was a 460 horsepower engine, and, in 1971, a slightly reduced 425 horsepower engine was available. By 1972, the only big-block engine offered a paltry 270 horsepower, showing a noticeable reduction of power.

1973–1977

Alongside the outside forces causing the Corvette to lose power, the new era of C3s also saw federal regulations change the design of the Corvette. To meet federal safety regulations, Chevrolet added a new urethane bumper cover in 1973. This new bumper cover added 35 pounds to the car but could prevent damage to the vehicle's safety and light features from impacts of up to 5 mph.

Continuing the power trend of the previous Corvettes, the standard 1973 Corvette only offered 190 horsepower. In the same year, the big-block engine delivered 275 horsepower. In 1974, Chevrolet added a new body-color rear bumper to the vehicle. 

The big-block engines ended entirely in 1975, with small-block engines becoming the only engine available to consumers. The Corvette also lost its convertible option, with a coupe the only body style available. The standard small-block 5.7-liter V-8 engine's horsepower went down even further to 165 horsepower. Those who wanted more power could upgrade to a 205 horsepower engine.

To squeeze more power out of the engines, the 1976 Corvette featured an upgraded intake, making it possible for the car to hit 180 horsepower or 210 horsepower, depending on the engine. With this new intake, the 1976 Corvette earned the title of the fastest American car. 

1977 saw some minor changes to the car, with the horsepower staying the same. This version of the car had the steering column positioned 2 inches closer to the dashboard, and a leather seat trim was standard.

1978–1982

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Corvette, Chevrolet added a fastback rear end to the 1978 model. This new rear end allowed a rear luggage area to return. In 1979, Chevrolet improved the performance of the car, with the top-performing engine reaching 225 horsepower. By 1982, the engine options for the car were reduced, with consumers only able to buy the Corvette with a 200 horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 engine featuring a four-speed automatic transmission.

Fourth Generation Corvette

The fourth generation of Corvette began in 1984, as Chevrolet decided not to add a new model in 1983, and ran until 1996. This Corvette would be the first version of the car since 1963 to be completely redesigned. Check out some of the major changes to the C4 Corvette below:

1984 and 1985

The redesigned Corvette came with more ground clearance. For the 1984 Corvette, the only available engine available was a 205 horsepower, 350 cubic-inch V-8 engine. Buyers could choose a four-plus-three manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission. In 1985, the Corvette received some tweaks, such as upgrading to a 230 horsepower engine.

1986-1989

The Corvette models between 1986 through 1989 saw only one major change — the convertible droptop returned in 1986. Overall, there weren't many revisions, with the horsepower slightly increasing to 240 horsepower in 1987 for standard models. The 1988 and 1989 auto coupes with a 3.07 rear would get a slightly upgraded engine, reaching 245 horsepower.

1990

In 1990, Chevrolet took the C4 to the next level with the ZR-1 model that would continue to be sold until 1995. The LT5 engine introduced with the ZR-1 was designed by Lotus, with General Motors taking advantage of their recent acquisition of the performance car manufacturing firm, Group Lotus.

This new model featured a dual-overhead-cam 5.7-liter V-8 engine that boasted 375 horsepower, with its top speed of 175 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, blowing the more recent Corvettes out of the water. The vehicle also received new rear body panels, doors and 11-inch wide rear wheels. The ZR-1 got a positive reaction from the press, even beating out the Porsche 911 Turbo.

1991–1995

After the success of the ZR-1 Corvette in 1990, Chevrolet decided to alter the Corvette's appearance in 1991 slightly. They added reimagined side louvers and new rear and front fascias to make the car look more modern. In 1992, the Corvette received a new 5.7-liter V-8 engine with 330 pounds per foot of torque and 300 horsepower. From 1993 to 1995, the Corvette had two available engines — the LT5 and the LT1. The LT5 hit 405 horsepower, while the LT1 reached 300 horsepower.

1996

To close out the fourth generation, Chevrolet released an optional LT4 engine, which was only available for 1996. This engine was only paired with a six-speed manual transmission and had 330 horsepower.

Fifth Generation Corvette

The fifth generation of Corvettes started in 1997 and lasted until 2004. It was a completely redesigned Corvette and was widely respected by the automotive press. This redesigned car featured several innovations that made it one of the most impressive sports cars of the era. Some of these innovations included active handling, decreased weight, a 0.29 drag coefficient and a 50/50 weight distribution.

Below you can find out more about how the C5 evolved:

1997 and 1998

Kicking off the fifth generation of Corvettes, Chevrolet released the newly redesigned 1997 model with a new LS1 engine. The 5.7-liter engine featured 345 horsepower and paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. These transmissions were installed at the back of the car close to the rear differential, which was different from the Corvettes of the past.

Besides the changes to the engine and transmission, the Corvette also received some design changes. With a wider rear and front track, the Corvette became much more stable and had more space than the models of the C4 generation. It also added a trunk to the coupe, which hadn't been offered since 1962. The 1997 Corvette was also 80 pounds lighter than its predecessor. In 1998, Chevrolet introduced a new Corvette, though it was very similar to the previous year's model.

1999

With the convertible and hatchback Corvette models in place, Chevrolet added a fixed-roof coupe in 1999. This new fixed-roof coupe was 80 pounds lighter and noticeably stiffer than the hatchback coupe of 1997. This Corvette was also less expensive compared to other models, making it more affordable to consumers. This body style would be available for the rest of the C5's run.

2001–2004

After continuing to make more convertible, hatchback and fixed-roof coupe Corvettes, Chevrolet decided to take its game up a level with the debut of the Z06. This high-performance Corvette came with increased power, running on a V-8 engine that put out 385 horsepower. The Z06 was even lighter than the fixed-roof coupe, weighing 54 pounds less due to its inclusion of titanium mufflers and thinner rear and front glass.

With the improved horsepower and upgraded power-to-weight ratio, this Corvette could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. In 2002, the Z06 reached greater heights, with its horsepower going up to 405. To end their fifth generation of Corvettes, Chevrolet released a Z04 Commerative edition in 2004, which came with a carbon fiber hood, polished aluminum wheels, improved handling and shock damping turning.

Sixth Generation Corvette

The sixth generation of Corvettes premiered in 2005 and ran until 2013. Instead of trying to redesign the new Corvette totally, Chevrolet built the C6 off of the C5. Learn more about how the C6 changed:

2005

The 2005 Corvette came packaged with a revised LS-series engine dubbed the LS2. This new engine gave the Corvette 400 horsepower and a top speed of 190 mph. Like past Corvettes, this version offered a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The bodywork was also revised, with an upgraded suspension geometry, bigger passenger compartment and exposed headlamps. The standard C6 models offered convertible and Targa-style top models, with the coupe body style reserved for the Z06 and ZR1 models.

2006-2008

In 2006, the Z06 returned with a fastback coupe body style, while also receiving a light aluminum frame. The 7.0-liter V-8 engine included in this vehicle was the LS7, and it produced a monstrous horsepower of 505. This power got the Z06 to 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds.

In 2008, the Corvette would get the LS3 engine. Due to this new 6.2 liter V-8 engine, the horsepower went up to 430. From 2008 on, the car had better shift linkage. It also received wheels with a five-spoke design, and the steering was revised for a better feel.

2009

Upping even the performance of the Z06, the ZR1 came back to the Corvette's lineup. The ZR1 had a supercharger attached to its 6.2-liter V-8 engine, allowing the car to hit a max speed of 205 mph and reach 638 horsepower. The vehicle also had larger front and rear wheels when compared to the Z06. Additionally, carbon fiber was used extensively throughout the car's body.

2010-2011

The Grand Sport replaced the previous Z51 option in 2010. This version of the Corvette used the powertrain of the standard Corvette with the wide-body stance of the Z06. Manual transmission Grand Sport coupes also featured the handbuilt LS3 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Chevrolet released a new carbon edition Z06 in 2011, which received active suspensions, carbon fiber aerodynamic pieces and carbon-ceramic brakes.

2013

To close out the sixth generation, Chevrolet celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Corvette with the Corvette 427 convertible. This car received the 505 horsepower engine from the Z06, which allowed it to go to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

Seventh Generation Corvette

The seventh-generation Corvette reigned from 2014 to 2019, with the 2014 Corvette bringing some major changes. Find out more about these changes below:

2014

For starters, the 2014 Corvette had a new LT1 6.2-liter V-8 engine that got up to 460 horsepower with an optional exhaust. Buyers also had the choice to choose between a seven-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. This new Corvette revived the Stingray name. It also received a removable roof panel and carbon-fiber hood.

2015

In 2015, the Z06 hit the stage again, boasting 650 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. The body style for the Z06 came with either a convertible or coupe models. Additionally, buyers could choose between an eight-speed automatic transmission or a seven-speed manual transmission.

2017

2017 saw the Grand Sport make a comeback once again due to its popular wide-body. This version of the Corvette came with an LT1 engine offering 460 horsepower. Like the Z06, the Grand Sport had a seven-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission available to buyers.

2019

To close out the seventh generation and the decade, Chevrolet released a brand-new Corvette ZR1. Like ZR1s of the past, this vehicle had incredible power. The supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine made an incredible 755 horsepower. This Corvette also had a seven-speed manual transmission come standard, with an eight-speed automatic transmission available for those who wanted it.

Eighth Generation Corvette

The eighth-generation Corvette is still in its infancy, having just started in 2020. In a controversial move, Chevrolet moved the engine from the front to the middle. This mid-engine is now located between the rear axle and the passenger compartment, stunning some who had become accustomed to the front engine Corvettes.

Chevrolet also placed an LT2 6.2-liter V-8 engine in the standard Corvette Stingray model. This base model had no manual transmission available to consumers, with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission the only option. Buyers purchasing the performance exhaust option received 495 horsepower.

Corvette FAQs

With Corvette's long history, it's no wonder people have questions about the American sports car. Whether you want to know what the most popular color for the Corvette is or which Corvette is fastest, you should check out some of the answers to common questions below:

What Is the Fastest Corvette?

To date, the fastest production-made Corvette is the Corvette C7 ZR1. This Corvette features 755 horsepower, a top speed of 212 and the ability to hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The ZR1 is also the most powerful Corvette due to its outstanding horsepower.

What Is the Most Popular Corvette Color?

The most popular Corvette color has varied by generation, with sales data clearly showing which colors were most popular per generation. The C1 saw Ermine White, a shade of white first offered in 1960, reach the top spot for most popular. Following the C1, buyers for the C2 moved away from white, with most purchasing second-generation Corvettes in Nassau Blue. During this generation, buyers placed 12,122 orders of Nassau Blue Corvettes.

The C3 brought with it the reemergence of the color white. In this generation, buyers ordered 43,681 Classic White Corvettes. After the C3's run ended, the Corvette would see a major shift in buyer preferences regarding color, with the C4 and C5 both receiving shades of red. The C4's top seller was Bright Red, with 60,922 ordered, and the C5's top seller was Torch Red, with 51,136 Corvettes ordered.

Tastes changed once again, with the color black being the most popular for the C6. In the C6's 2005 to 2013 run, black Corvettes were ordered 46,508 times. Red hadn't entirely gone out of fashion, however, as Victory Red Corvettes received the second most number of orders, with 32,817 orders total. The C7 saw a return to classics, with 35,936 of Arctic White Corvettes ordered between 2014 though 2019.

As for the C8, the battle for which color will take the top spot is still raging, as the C8 just launched in 2020. Currently, red is sitting at the top spot, with 25% of orders being Torch Red. Arctic White comes in at 15% and Black at 12%. For now, Torch Red is king, but we'll have to wait until the generation runs its course before declaring a new winner.

What Was the Worst Year for Corvette?

While the worst year for Corvette cars is mostly subjective based on taste, one of the most disappointing years for Corvette enthusiasts was 1975. The year saw the Corvette lose its big-block engine, and its standard output dropped down to 165 horsepower. Compared to the 1953 Corvette, the 1975 Corvette only had 15 more horsepower and was 827 pounds heavier. Everyone agreed this new Corvette was slow. As such, this model takes the number one spot for the worst Corvette year.

What Is the Best Year of the Corvette to Buy?

What year is the best Corvette? The answer depends on who you ask. Some will argue for the early generation models, while more contemporary Corvette lovers might say the new mid-engine is the best. Really, the best Corvette comes down to the one that provides you with the look, feel and power you prefer.

What Are Old Corvettes Worth?

Corvettes definitely hold their value. Old Corvettes range in value, but many are worth quite a bit of money. For example, the 1953 Corvette, the oldest Corvette consumers can purchase, is worth around $300,000, much higher than the original price of $3,490. At the highest end of the value spectrum, the incredibly rare 1963 Grand Sport Corvette is worth somewhere between $6,000,000 to $8,000,000.

What Year Did the Corvette Body Style Change?

Each generation of Corvette brought with it changes to the body style. 

What Is the Rarest Corvette Ever Made?

The rarest Corvette ever made is the 1969 Corvette ZL1, with Chevrolet only building two of them.

How Much Did the 1953 Corvette Cost New?

The 1953 Corvette debuted at the price of $3,490.

View Other Guides on Chevrolet Vehicles:

• History of the Chevy Bel Air
• History of the Chevy Camaro
• History of the Chevy Chevelle
• Guide to the C8 Corvette 

Love Corvettes? Shop for Them at Volo Museum Auto Sales

With the Corvette's long history of being America's sports car, many car enthusiasts love to collect them. If you have a passion for Corvettes and want to purchase one, Volo Museum Auto Sales is a go-to destination for many Corvette buyers. We have Corvettes from many generations and a team dedicated to providing a pressure-free buying process for potential Corvette owners. Our extensive inventory of Corvettes makes it easy for you to find the car of your dreams.

Browse our selection of classic Corvettes for sale today. Have any questions? Our Corvette experts will be happy to help.