The Best Models

First Year 1953

HISTORY
1953

First year only 300 models were made - all by hand. Available only in Polo White with red interior. Fiberglass body.

Price Delivered:$3850

1956 Model (small changes)

BEST MODEL CHOICE

1963

1957

One of the first cars to feature a fuel-injected V8 with 4-speed manual trans. 283 Horsepower, indented "Coves" on sides, prominent headlights & square fenders. Delivery Price $3902.

1958

283 cu -in V8, produced up to 290 horsepower.Body now has 4 headlights & interior factory-installed seat belts. This Corvette wins the Sebring Grand Prix of endurance, GT class. Delivered Price: $3722.

1963

"Sting Ray" title debut. First and only year a split window coupe is available, making it a prized collectible. Other new features include concealed head lamps and an independent rear suspension. Delivered price: $4037.

1967

L88 Corvette still carries the appearance of the previous years models, but under the hood hides a 427 cu-in engine that, on paper, delivers a horsepower of 430. In actuality, it roars with over 500 horses. Prices start at $4241. for the convertible and $4093 for the Coupe.

1969

Name changed to Stingray Has 350 bored-out engine giving it 400 hp. Has special racing cam, seat-belts, transmission and rear-end. Carb is a 750 double-pumper. Reaches speeds of 140-160 in 10 seconds (0-100). Removable "T"- tops & rear window are self-storing. There is no muffler on this model, replaced by twin-straight pipes. With all improvements at today's prices, this 1969 would sell upwards of $30,000! This is also the first year the car was renamed

"STINGRAY"

1978

In recognition of the 25th Anniversary, the 1978 Corvette is chosen as the Official Pace Car of the Indy 500. Black & silver paint job is a special. The Fastback rear window returns - absent since 1967. Priced at $14,000.

1993 Corvette For its 40th Anniversary model a one-year-only Ruby Red color is used for both the exterior and interior. The ZR-1 engine's HP rating rises to 405. Passive keyless entry is added as standard equipment. Prices range from $27,000 -$32,000.

1997
Dubbed the C5, the '97 is the first Corvette truly designed from the ground up as a Corvette. Hi-tech innovations include black lights in the instrument panel, composite intake manifold & windshield wipers that sweep in the same direction. $38,060.

2003
50th Anniversary Corvette. Selected for the 5th time as the Pace Car for the Indy 500. A special "Anniversary Red" exterior conceals a 350 hp, 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine. (Price unavailable & probably untouchable!)

For more Corvette images visit the National Corvette Museum