It is astonishing that Chevrolet Corvette has been with us for almost 70 years. From its humble beginnings in the early ‘50s until today’s high-tech approach, Corvette has traveled a long way but still remained relevant, fast, and cool for all those years. With unique characteristics, specific design, and engineering approach, Corvette managed to combine American V8 power with sharp handling and precise steering of European sports cars, making a genuinely world-class automobile. Being the best of both worlds, making it globally popular and equally successful on the race tracks and one of the very few American cars that ever won a 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, amongst many qualities, there was one more that is often forgotten. Corvettes were always designed as classless sports cars, which meant that they were more affordable than similar Porsches or Ferraris, but often more powerful and faster. So, let’s see how this impressive sports car legend stayed relevant for so long and evolved over time.
Chevrolet Corvette C1 (1953 to 1962)
Before the Corvette, European cars like Jaguar XK120 or Maserati 3500 GT dominated the American sports car market. Chevrolet realized the gap and decided to offer a sleek, two-door roadster built on standard chassis with a six-cylinder engine. The first 1953 Corvette was praised for its design and use of fiberglass construction – the first in the industry and a feature that will become one of Corvette’s signature features. However, enthusiasts demanded more power at the same time since the six-cylinder only delivered about 150 hp, and a 2-speed automatic didn’t help the performance either.
Fortunately, in 1955 with the help of legendary Zora Arkus Duntov, the Corvette lineup received a V8 and 4-speed manual transmission, which transformed it into a proper sports machine. All of a sudden, Corvette became a winner on the street and the track and managed to outrun all European competitors. By the late ‘50s, Corvette gained a fuel-injection option that also promoted it as one of the most advanced cars in the world.
Chevrolet Corvette C2 (1963 to 1967)
The legendary C2 generation produced for just five years is probably the most iconic of all Corvette shapes. Its striking lines are now considered to be the finest moments of GM’s design department and gave the Corvette a recognizable appearance. However, the C2 Corvette, also known as a Stingray, didn’t just look good; it was also very advanced. Even though the fuel injection was gone, the independent rear suspension was part of the package and the rear disc brakes.
With all the improvements in the chassis and handling department, the C2 was one of the key players in the crazy muscle car era of the 60s. The engine size and power grew to incredible heights, and by 1967, Corvette could be ordered with a 427 V8 big block engine with 435 hp, which provided the sub 5 seconds 0 to 60 mph times. Even today, those numbers demand respect from car fans.
Chevrolet Corvette C3 (1968 to 1982)
With sexy “Coke Bottle” styling, the third generation of the Corvette was instant ‘70s icon. Even though the chassis and most of the engines were carried over from the C2, C3 continued to sell well and have considerable success on the race tracks on both sides of the ocean. However, after a few years, recession, tightening emission, and safety laws reduced the power and displacement and forced styling changes.
In the early 80s, the Corvette C3 has been around for over ten years, and both its design and technology have been outdated. However, the worst thing was the lack of power, and at one point, Corvette delivered only 180 hp, which was a far cry from late ‘60s power outputs. Chevrolet realized that something had to be done and started investing in the development of the brand new model.
Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984 to 1996)
Many enthusiasts claim that Corvette C4 was the most crucial model which saved the breed from extinction in the early 80s. A product of a lengthy development process, the C4 was a completely new car with state-of-the-art chassis, interior, design, and features and immediately caught the attention of the sports car world. It was advanced, sleek, fast, and immensely capable and once again promoted Corvette into a proper competitor to the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus.
Despite retaining a classic small-block V8 engine, the advanced fuel-injection system added power and race-tuned suspension provided much-needed improvement in driving dynamics. The C4 was a big hit with the buyers and the basis for the incredible ZR1 model, which featured a Lotus-engineered engine, utterly new suspension, and 405 hp rating, making it as fast as supercars of the day.
Chevrolet Corvette C5 (1997 to 2004)
The C4 was a tough act to follow, and the Corvette team worked hard to refine and improve the package. Even though it looks similar, the C5 was a far better sports car with more power in base trim and some crucial construction improvements.
The long-lasting small-block was replaced with a more modern LS V8, and for the first time, Corvette gained a transaxle gearbox which significantly improved handling and weight balance.
With 350 hp in base trim and up to 405 infamous Z06 model, the C5 Corvette was a competent car that proved to be equally successful on the track. Buyers loved its comfortable interior, great features, composed handling, incredibly smooth power delivery, and convincing real-life performance. The C5 Corvette is a proper future classic.
Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2005 to 2013)
The C6 was the first Corvette to have that feature with exposed headlights since the 1962 model. It also was much improved, especially in the interior, with new levels of comfort and almost GT manners. The C6 was well-prepared for fighting the competitors with improved handling, more power in base trim, brand new suspension settings, and impressive performance.
The C6 will be remembered for its remarkable racing success and two very special models. The Z06 was the last of legendary 7-liter Corvette models with a massive V8 and 505 hp. The other was the incredible ZR1 model, which came with a factory supercharger, 638 hp, and performance equal to most expensive European supercars.
Chevrolet Corvette C7 (2014 to 2019)
The 7th generation Corvette retained the same basic layout as the predecessor but introduced a brand new design, engines, and suspension. The C6 was criticized for low-quality interior materials and dull interior styling. However, the C7 had a much-improved driver’s environment, far better materials, and improved ergonomics and tech.
Under the hood, a 6.2-liter V8 engine was offered in various power levels, from base 420 hp to insane, fire-breathing ZR1 model with 756 hp on tap. However, during the production of the C7 model, Chevrolet announced that the next generation would feature something that Corvette never had before. Still, it was considered even in the days of Zora Arkus Duntov.
Chevrolet Corvette C8 (2020 to today)
If the C4 saved the Corvette from demise, the C8 made it a proper 21st-century sports car. It is also the most controversial Corvette ever made and the most technologically advanced one. Facing the fact that the front-engine layout is simply no longer capable of handling that much power, the Corvette team turned to a radical solution – moving the engine to the middle of the car and unlocking a whole new world of performance, handling capabilities, and design solutions.
Yes, the Corvette purists protested and claimed that their favorite model had lost one of its characteristics. But, what the C8 gained is so much more valuable. The latest Corvette is an incredibly fast, capable, and advanced car, making European competitors very nervous. Once again, this is a performance bargain with fantastic looks, lightning-fast performance, and a thunderous V8 with a glorious soundtrack.
