The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the Corvette SPORTS car produced by Chevrolet. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year, and produced through 1962. This generation is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Stingray. The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled. Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car's early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet decided to make necessary improvements. To keep costs down, GM executive Robert F. McLean mandated off-the-shelf mechanical components, and used the chassis and suspension design from the 1949–1954 Chevrolet passenger vehicles. The drivetrain and passenger compartment were moved rearward to achieve a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. It had a 102 in (2,591 mm) wheelbase. The engine was a 235 cu in (3.85 L) inline six engine that was similar to the 235 engine that powered all other Chevrolet car models, but with a higher-compression ratio, three Carter side-draft carburetors, mechanical lifters, and a higher-lift camshaft. Output was 150 horsepower (110 kilowatts). Because there was currently no manual transmission available to Chevrolet rated to handle 150 HP, a two-speed Powerglide automatic was used. 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time was 11.5 seconds. Three body variants were created. The roadster was built as the Corvette, the Corvair fastback variant never went in production, and two-door Nomad station wagon was eventually built as the Chevrolet Nomad. The 1953 model year was not only the Corvette's first production year, but at 300 produced it was also the lowest-volume Corvette. The cars were essentially hand-built and techniques evolved during the production cycle, so that each 1953 Corvette is slightly different. All 1953 models had Polo White exteriors, red interiors, and black canvas soft tops. Order guides showed heaters and AM radios as optional, but all 1953 models were equipped with both. Over two hundred 1953 Corvettes are known to exist today.[21] They had independent front suspension,[1] but featured a rigid axle supported by longitudinal leaf springs at the rear. The quality of the fiberglass body as well as its fit and finish was lacking. Other problems, such as water leaks and doors that could open while the car was driven, were reported with the most severe errors corrected in subsequent units produced, but some shortcomings continued beyond the Corvette's inaugural year.[3] By December 1953, Chevrolet had a newly equipped factory in St. Louis ready to build 10,000 Corvettes annually. However, negative customer reactions in 1953 and early 1954 models caused sales to fall short of expectations.With a new larger engine the 1962 model year Corvette was the quickest to date. Displacement of the small-block V8 increased from 283 cu in (4,640 cc) to 327 cu in (5,360 cc), which produced 250 hp (190 kW) in its base single 4-barrel carburetor version.[31] Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the standard and optional 300 hp (220 kW) engines, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 hp (250 kW) and fuel-injected 360 hp (270 kW) versions. Dual 4-barrel carburetor engines were no longer available. 1962 saw the last solid-rear-axle suspension, that had been used from the beginning. Rocker panel trim was seen for the first time, exposed headlights for the last, until 2005.[23] This was the last Corvette model to offer an optional power convertible top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 488 24-gallon fuel tank (65), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (246), RPO 473 power convertible top (350), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (561). 

The Chevrolet Corvette, known colloquially as the Vette, is a SPORTS car manufactured by Chevrolet. The car has been produced through seven generations.[1][2] The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after the type of small, maneuverable warship called a corvette.[3] Originally built in Flint, Michigan andSt. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette is currently manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky and is the official SPORTS car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.