Chevrolet Corvette - C1 (1953 to 1962)

The first generation of Chevrolet 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. A new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a new "face" and side coves; the taillamp fins were also gone. The 1958 Corvette received a body and interior freshening which included a longer front end with quad headlamps, bumper exiting exhaust tips, a new steering wheel, and a dashboard with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver. In 1961, the rear of the car was completely redesigned with the addition of a "duck tail" with four round lights. The light treatment would continue for all following model year Corvettes until 2014. Production of the first generation (C1) Corvette lasted until 1962, when it was replaced by the Second Generation Chevrolet Corvette (C2).