Corvette: America’s Sports car

In the summer of 1953 history was made in a tiny General Motors assembly shed in Flint, Michigan. On 30th June the first Chevrolet Corvette was driven off the production line. It was a radical departure from GM’s usual products. The brainchild of GM styling giant Harley Earl, and conceived to compete with the influx of British sports cars, the Corvette was to be a compact, sporty two-seater, with a fibreglass body. Over 1.5 million Corvettes later that philosophy survives.

The Corvette has survived challenges and adapted to change throughout its life. A team of charismatic and visionary engineers and designers have ensured Corvette’s survival and integrity. Huge technical advances have been complemented by each generation’s newly designed composite body, all radically different from their predecessors while maintaining unmistakable Corvette design cues.

From the beginning Corvette has competed on the racetrack. Fifty years ago Briggs Cunningham brought the first Corvette team to Le Mans. After a dramatic race, one of his cars finished 1st in class. Corvettes have competed regularly at La Sarthe ever since and this year GM’s all conquering Pratt and Miller team will return for the 11th time, aiming for its 7th class win, ably supported by privateer Corvette race teams.

Today’s Corvette is a true world-class super car. The latest ZR1 makes 638 hp from its supercharged V8 and even the base Corvette’s 5 litre V8 develops 430hp, can get from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, has superb levels of handling and comfort and yet will still deliver 35mpg!

The Corvette has attained a worldwide and classless appeal unlike any other sportscar. The international family of Corvette owners is passionate about the car and the people who have shaped its history. And the men and women working on the latest models still strive to ensure that Corvette remains true to Harley Earl’s original ideals and maintains its status as “America’s Sports car”.

Guest of Honour

Doug Fehan

Corvette Racing Programme Manager