Corvette: The First Generation 1953-1962

1953 Only 300 cars built All cars Polo White/Red interior Black canvas top	1954 3640 cars built Most cars Polo White Pennant Blue exterior added Gypsy Red exterior added Black exterior added (rare) All Beige canvas top All interiors red except beige w/blue ext. All wheels red	1955 Only 700 cars built (Over 1000 '54 leftovers delayed production of '55s). Copper exterior added Gold exterior added Blue dropped spring '55 Tops & int white, beige, dark green Wheels red, bronze or yellow to match	1956 3467 built New body style adds door handles, roll down windows repl side curtains Two tone paint on new styling with recessed cove on sides	1957 6339 built Body same as 1956 Fuelies have Corvette crossed flags and "Fuel Injection" emblems in cove
235 c.i. 150 h.p. Blue flame 6 cyl 3 single side draft carbs 2 speed Powerglide Auto Brake and fuel lines outside frame 6 volt electrical system	235 c.i. 155 h.p. Blue flame 6 cyl 3 single side draft carbs 2 speed Powerglide Auto Cam change added 5 h.p. Brake and fuel lines inside frame 6 Volt electrical system	Std 235 c.i. Blue flame 6 cyl (only several built) Optional 265 c.i. 195 h.p V8 (in virtually all cars) 2 speed Powerglide Auto Optional 3sp manual (added end of year, about 80 cars) 12 Volt electrical system	Std 265 c.i. 210 h.p V8 Optional 265 c.i. 225 h.p V8 (2 4 bbl carbs) 90% built Optional 265 c.i. 240 h.p. V8 (2 4 bbl carbs, hi lift cam) 3 speed manual std Optional 2 sp Powerglide	Std 283 c.i. 220 h.p. V8 Opt 283 c.i. 245 h.p. V8 Opt 283 c.i. 250 h.p. V8 Fuel Inj. Opt 283 c.i. 270 h.p. V8 283 c.i. 283(+) h.p. V8 fuel injection close ratio 4sp added spring '57 (only 665 cars) Positraction and 3 axle ratios available
Early models - Bel Air dome hubcaps Late models - Corvette hubcaps Plexiglass side curtains Built in temporary plant Flint, Michigan Serial numbers E53F001001 thru E53F001300	Built in new plant St. Louis, Missouri	V8 models had enlarged "V" in CheVrolet on fender Last year of "morotrama" style (protruding tail light headlights in rounded fenders)	Tail lights recessed in rounded fender Fixed headlights raised out of fender First factory optional removable hardtop Only year of hardtop anodized front trim Optional Power soft top Optional power windows Provision for dealer installed seat belts	Optional RPO684 avail only with 270 or 283 h.p. option. upgraded front/rear springs & shocks heavy duty front anti-roll bar quick ratio steering, metallic brakes, finned drums, air ducts to rear brakes, "elephant ear" scoopes on front fenders, positraction, 4 sp manual. Optional wider wheels Provision for dealer installed seat belts