OKEMOS, Mich.– American’s love to argue for their loyalties
to particular automakers, but there’s one vehicle that many on both sides of
the debate consider untouchable: the Chevrolet Corvette.
When you consider the impressive design and performance the
modern Corvette showcases, it makes sense why you would love it, but there’s
also something to be said for why the
1953 Chevrolet Corvette should win your attention. Here’s a little history
lesson in honor of Chevrolet’s first Corvette coming off the assembly line on
June 30, 1953, in Flint, MI.
Chevrolet first debuted a concept model of the 1953 Corvette
in January of that year at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, which led to
production a few months later in Flint. However, the idea for the Corvette began
germinating in 1951 when Harley J. Earl, a General Motors designer, decided
Chevrolet should manufacture a low-cost American sports car to compete with
European greats like MG, Jaguar and Ferrari.
According to GM, “Corvette” was a namesake after a “trim,
fleet naval vessel that performed heroic escort and patrol duties during World
War II.” Despite a strong name, from the outset GM struggled to make a case for
why the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette should
win your attention.
Features such as a fiberglass body, six-cylinder engine,
two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, wraparound windshield, whitewall
tires and detachable plastic curtains for windows were unable to sway car
buyers. Even the 1953 Corvette’s ostentatious Polo White exterior and red
interior– much different than the available 2016 Corvette Z06 colors today–
weren’t enough to draw the world’s attention.
The 1953 Corvette’s technology– including a clock, cigarette
lighter and red warning light indicating when the parking brake was applied–
didn’t seem to make up for its average performance of 0 to 60 mph in 11 or 12
seconds, and neither did its price of $3,490.
By 1954, GM was ready to call it quits for the Corvette, despite
Chevrolet beginning mass production of the car at a plant in St. Louis, MO.
Then plans changed when Ford Motor Company debuted the two-seater Thunderbird,
an obvious competitor that GM would essentially be giving up to by
discontinuing production of the Corvette.
Instead of abandoning ship, GM pushed Chevrolet to improve
the Corvette, and in 1955 they found a solution to popularize it: a V-8 engine.
With more power and speed, the Corvette quickly became a pop culture icon and
earned the name “America’s sports car”.
Today the Corvette’s popularity and cultural presence continues to grow,
even serving as the pace car for the 2015 Indy 500. Needless to say,
the Corvette has earned its spot in the hearts of Americans and could easily be
the source of our passion for Chevy Cars and Chevy Trucks like those at our Okemos Chevy Dealership! Come see our inventory and you’ll understand what we
mean.
Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!
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