The EX122 Motorama Experimental Prototype Corvette is at Kerbeck Corvette, making this the oldest Corvette in the World. It was first shown to the public at the 1953 General Motors Motorama at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on January 17, 1953. It was six months before the first 1953 drove off the assembly line on June 30, 1953.
The first Corvette came off the assembly line on June 30, 1953. There were 300 Corvettes produced. The first two were destroyed… they were engineering test cars. This is still the rarest of all model year production Corvettes. It is estimated that about 225 1953 Corvettes still exist.
This radically different sports car was made of an all fiberglass body. Produced was in a temporary GM facility. The entire 1953 production took place in Flint, Michigan, in the back of a customer delivery garage.
The C1 Corvette Model years ran from 1953 through 1962. It was assembled in Flint, Michigan in 1953 and early 1954 when it was moved to St Louis, Missouri.
For those who like color choices, this 1st generation Corvette (C1) was only available in white with a red interior.
Powered by the 150 hp Blue Flame Six engine backed up by a Powerglide transmission, performance was less than startling.
1953 Corvette Specs, Colors, Facts, Production Statistics
There were only two options for the 1953 Corvette.
The base Corvette Roadster CODE #2934 retailed at $3,498.00.
- You could also order Option #101A… a heater for $91.40.
- The AM Radio, signal seeking was option 102A for another $145.15.
All three hundred Corvettes had all the options.
- The 1953 Vehicle numbers were: E53F001001 through E53F001300
- Prefix: 1953 Engine code LAY
- Head: 3836066 235 Cubic Inches 150 H.P
- Length 167.3 in (4,250 mm)
- Width 69.8 in (1,770 mm)
- Height 51.5 in (1,310 mm)
- Curb weight 2,886 lb (1,309 kg)
Here are some other blog posts you might enjoy:
We have a 1953 promotional video that details the design and engineering of the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. It was created prior to the introduction of the production car.
More than 1.4 million visitors the Motorama. Motorama’s opening day in New York drew 45,000 visitors. There was a revue, with orchestra, singers, and dancers, and all the General Motor cars were beautifully displayed. Here are a couple of ads for the Motoramas which traveled around the country.
In this article, we will look at the history of the 1953 Corvette Postage Stamp. The US post office came out with 5 commemorative stamps in 2005: “America on the Move: 50s Sporty Cars.” Corvette historian and author, Noland Adams’ 1953 Corvette was on one of these United States Postage Stamps.
Check out the 1953 Corvette Brochure: The Thrilling New Chevrolet Corvette – The American Sports Car of the Future!
Learn about the history of Corvette manufacturing in St. Louis Missouri.
Do you enjoy going to Corvette events and auctions? You find a list of Corvette events all over the United States on our Corvette Event and Car Show Listings.
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Vette Vues Magazine is jammed packed with Corvette information covering C1 to C8. Each monthly issue has features, reviews, tips, restorations, clubs, events, racing, auction results, model cars, classifieds, products, services, and more. Enjoy the latest Corvette news, as well as some great historical facts.
