Quick Guide: C1 Corvette Specs
Quick Guide: C1 Corvette Specs
For the enthusiast geared towards the statistics, we wrote up a basic essential reference guide for each Corvette, starting with the C1!
The C1 Corvette represents America’s first serious take on a svelte, lightweight sports car. Designed by Harley Earl in the early 50’s, the C1 met with initial skepticism and poor sales figures. But through persistence, marketing, and refinement, the C1 formed the basis on which GM developed its most dominant racing platforms of the time. Even today, C1s remain highly sought-after for their performance, reliability, and elegant, striking appearance.
Need more information?
For a deeper, historical dive into the C1 Corvette, check out PART 1 (Origins) and
PART 2 (Small-block Chevy & Solid Axles) of our Corvette History series!
C1 Corvette Specs
Production Dates
- June 1953 – July 1962
Initial Price
- $3498 (September 1953), $38,815.48 in 2022.
- $4,038 (July 1962), $39,614.65 in 2022.
Engines
- 235c.i. (3.9L) “Blue Flame” I6 | 1953-1955 | 150hp to 155hp
- 265c.i. (4.3L) “Turbo Fire” V8 | 1955-1956 | 195hp to 240hp
- 283c.i. (4.6L) V8 with carburetor | 1957-1961 | 220hp to 270hp
- 283c.i. (4.6L) V8 with Rochester fuel injection | 1957-1961 | 250hp to 315hp
- 327c.i. (5.4L) V8 with carburetor | 1962 | 250hp to 340hp
- 327c.i. (5.4L) V8 with Rochester fuel injection | 1962 | 360hp
Transmissions
- 2-speed Powerglide (1953-1962) Optional starting in 1956 model year.
- 3-speed manual (1955-1962) Introduced in late-1955 model year. Most never received the option. Became standard equipment in 1956 model year.
- 4-speed close-ratio manual (1957-1962) Introduced mid-cycle 1957.
Chassis
- Frame: Box-girder with crossmember reinforcement.
- Front suspension: Independent coil-spring, knee-action, stabilizer bar.
- Rear suspension: Solid axle, leaf spring, nitrogen-bag shock absorbers.
- Brakes: Hydraulic 11” drum brakes with rear wheel parking brake.
Performance Figures (1962 with 360hp 327ci, 3-speed manual)
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 5.5s. 0-100 in 13.1s. ¼ mile in 14.1s.
- Speed: 147 mph claimed theoretical top speed. 0-140 in 45.2s.
C1 Corvette Quick Facts
- 1953: Corvettes produced only in Polo White with Sportsman Red interior and Jet Black top with 2-speed Powerglide and “Blue Flame” straight-six. At 300 units, the 1953 model year is the rarest regular-production Corvette model to this day.
- 1954: Chevrolet adds Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black to exterior colors and Beige to interior and soft-top colors.
- 1955: First V8 and manual transmission offered.
- 1956: First facelift. Roll-up windows installed. Straight-six dropped.
- 1957: Fuel-injection added, first car to boast 1 horsepower per cubic-inch.
- 1958: Second facelift. Quad-headlight configuration introduced, along with a new grille. First Corvette to offer seatbelts standard.
- 1960: Automatic transmissions dropped on fuel-injected models. Top-range engine rated at 315 horsepower, the first Corvette to pass the 300 mark.
- 1961: Final facelift. Twin circular taillights adopted. Final year for contrasting two-tone paint. New grille design.
- 1962: Final production year. Dual 4-barrel carburetors dropped. 327 the only engine offered. Rocker panel trim added.
Why It’s Important
The C1 Corvette represents the beginning of the Corvette dynasty as well as a valuable test-bed for performance technology. Because it debuted as the first practical small sports car in America, the C1 was integral in popularizing circuit-based motorsport across the country. While produced in low numbers, the nameplate commanded a respect on par with the likes of famed European automakers of the period. The Corvette also played a fundamental role in the birth of the Muscle Era. In the process of essentially writing automotive history, the C1 also garnered legions of followers in the period. Various owners and press extolled the C1 as America’s first true exotic as well as a formidable racer thanks to its lightweight construction and powerful, reliable powertrain.
Sources
- Acceleration table from: Automobile Catalog.
- All images from Chevrolet Corvette sales brochures, copyright Chevrolet.
