16May 2023 by controllers
Unlock the Secret of Harley Earl, Watkins Glen, Corvette, and Le Sabre

Unlock the Secret of Harley Earl, Watkins Glen, Corvette, and Le Sabre

1953 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information, Corvette History, Corvette Information, Corvette News and Archives Category
Harley Earl, Corvette, Watkins Glen, and the Le Sabre: What's the Connection? Discover the little-known story of how one man's visit to Watkins Glen forever changed the American auto industry. Learn how Harley J. Earl and the Le Sabre concept car left a lasting impression on the village and inspired the creation of the iconic Corvette. Read on to learn the history. By Kip Zeiter, Coordinator of Visitor Services and Outreach, Intranational Motor Racing Research Center Photos courtesy of Richard Earl - Grandson of Harley Earl, Bill Green, and the International Motor Racing Research Center Archives Harley J. Earl – the Corvette – and Watkins Glen The history of racing in Watkins Glen is long and colorful. It’s a story of one man’s desire to race his MG on the…
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09May 2023 by controllers
Nostalgia on Wheels: How 1953 Corvette Ads Made Automotive History

Nostalgia on Wheels: How 1953 Corvette Ads Made Automotive History

1953 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information, Corvette History, Corvette Information, Corvette News and Archives Category, Vintage Corvette Advertisements
Back in Time: Discovering the Roots of Corvette Advertising through 1953 Corvette Ads The 1953 Corvette Ads marked a pivotal moment in automotive history. These 53 Corvette ads were the first to showcase this iconic American sports car. In a time before television, the internet, and social media, magazine and newspaper advertisements were the only way to reach consumers. This powerful new marketing tool would shape the future of the automotive industry. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these 1953 Corvette Ads made automotive history with the first true American Sports Cars. The first print advertisements for the C1 1953 Corvette were groundbreaking for their time, showing off the vehicle as an embodiment of the American Dream. Featuring in popular magazines and newspapers, these ads spread the car's fame…
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17Apr 2023 by vettevues
C1 Corvette (53-62) – THE HISTORY OF BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS

C1 Corvette (53-62) – THE HISTORY OF BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS

1953 Corvette Information, 1954 Corvette Information, 1955 Corvette Information, 1956 Corvette Information, 1957 Corvette Information, 1958 Corvette Information, 1959 Corvette Information, 1960 Corvette Information, 1961 Corvette Information, 1962 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information, Corvette Features, Corvette History
C1 Corvette History of Body Kits and Dress-up This is the first re-post of six-part series that looks back at the various custom modifications that could be installed by an owner, contracted to a shop, or purchased as turn-key vehicles. This re-post presents additional photos to those who were selected for print in VETTE VUES. At the end of the article are links to the rest of the series or Corvette Body Kits by generations. In this series, VETTE VUES presents a photographic summary of the major trends in customization, as it has evolved through the various year groups. The treatment for each year group follows a set format. Examples of kits (or parts) that were offered in that actual time period will be presented first, followed by various retro-themed…
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02Apr 2023 by vettevues
1953 Corvette Brochure: The Thrilling New Chevrolet Corvette – The American Sports Car of the Future!

1953 Corvette Brochure: The Thrilling New Chevrolet Corvette – The American Sports Car of the Future!

1953 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information, Vintage Corvette Brochures Category
Discover the history in the 1953 Corvette brochure and the making of America's sports car of the future! Learn about its production and specs in this article. We are looking at a 1953 Corvette brochure that was used to promote the new C1 Corvette. The first-generation Corvette was in its first year. The title of the 53 Corvette brochure is The Thrilling New Chevrolet Corvette - The American Sports Car of the Future! As we look at the 1953 Corvette brochure, we want to look back at a few specifications and a little history. 1953 had a total production of 300 Corvettes. The base price was $3,498. All 1953 Corvettes were Polo White with a black soft top and red interior, and all 53 Corvettes were convertibles. Because the 53…
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25Dec 2022 by vettevues
Check Out Dave Kindig’s 1953 CF1 Corvettes At SEMA 2022!

Check Out Dave Kindig’s 1953 CF1 Corvettes At SEMA 2022!

1953 Corvette Information, Corvette Features, Corvette News and Archives Category
Today we are looking at four of Dave Kindig's 1953 CF1 Corvettes at the SEMA 2022 event. The 1953 CF1 series of Corvettes was Dave Kindig's first venture into a "series-built" car. Dave wanted to make his version of the 1953 Corvette, which would have more internal space to accommodate the evolving (larger) driver and would also have up-to-the-minute vehicle dynamics. His car would capture the essence of the 1953 Corvette, but it would look better and drive better. And it had to have his signature wheels and stance. Read on to learn more. In an effort to provide wider dissemination of the stories we have collected for VETTE VUES subscribers, we are posting excerpts of the original articles, complete with additional photography. If you enjoy our added coverage, please…
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C1 Corvette Overview: The Making of America’s Sports Car

C1 Corvette Overview: The Making of America’s Sports Car

Discover the impact of the C1 Corvette on America's car culture by exploring its rich history and legacy. From its solid-axle design to the fuel-injected V8 engine, the C1 Corvette has remained a classic part of American culture. Let's dive into the details! How The C1 Corvette Was Made: See The Car's Evolution We are looking at the C1 Corvette's history in our overview of the first-generation Vettes. Although the C1 Chevrolet Corvette ran from 1953 through 1962, its legacy lives on in cars from more recent generations. Let's explore the significance of the Chevrolet Corvette C1's impact on America's car culture by going back and understanding the details of its history. Chevrolet created the C1 Corvette and called it the solid-axle Corvette due to the independent rear suspension that…
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04Nov 2021 by vettevues
Dave Kindig 1953 Corvette Concept Debut

Dave Kindig 1953 Corvette Concept Debut

1953 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information, Corvette Features, Corvette News and Archives Category
Dave Kindig 1953 Corvette Concept that Debut at SEMA 2021 The 2021 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center was November 2-5, 2021, and there were some of the most awesome cars in the world on display. Today on the Vette Vues’ blog, we are looking at the One-Of-A-Kind Dave Kindig 1953 Corvette Concept that made its Debut. Make sure you check out the video at the end, where Dave Kindig gives us a tour of his custom 1953 Corvette C1. Dave Kindig 1953 Corvette Concept that Debut at SEMA 2021 side shot photo. Carbon fiber body designed by KINGDIG-IT DESIGN and manufactured by Doug’s Performance Corvettes. Photo Credits Gary Rosier David Kindig and his talented team have been designing some of the best cars on the planet.  But Dave…
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09May 2019 by vettevues
1953 VIN 003 Cutaway Corvette Donated to the NCM

1953 VIN 003 Cutaway Corvette Donated to the NCM

1953 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information, Corvette News and Archives Category
Car Revealed as part of National Corvette Museum's Gateway Remodel Gateway Exhibit at the National Corvette Museum A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held during the National Corvette Museum’s annual Michelin NCM Bash, introducing the more than 1,500 Corvette enthusiasts in attendance to the newest exhibit area of the Museum. Thanks to the generosity of donors to the 2018 giving campaign, visitors to the Museum will now be greeted by a welcoming admissions area leading to the completely revamped Gateway exhibit. A surprise announcement was made as part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Ed and Teresa Foss of Roanoke, Indiana, owners of the 1953 Corvette Chassis #003 (the earliest existing Corvette chassis) donated their educational cutaway utilizing the chassis to the Museum. The fully functional vehicle was built explicitly for educational and display…
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11Dec 2017 by vettevues
1953 Chevrolet Corvette Goes to Auction

1953 Chevrolet Corvette Goes to Auction

1953 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information, Corvettes at Auction
This 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Goes to Auction is the 30th of 300 produced and goes to auction in January 2018.  In this article, we look at several 1953 cars that were in the Motorama that year. MOTORAMA MEMORIES: From the DeAtley Collection come four shining General Motors dream vehicles Article Courtesy of Barret-Jackson and written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen Fine examples from the very first GM Motorama in 1953: a Buick Skylark (Lot #1353), Cadillac Eldorado (Lot #1353.1), Oldsmobile Fiesta (Lot #1353.2), and Chevrolet Corvette (Lot #1353.3) – all selling at No Reserve at the 2018 Scottsdale Auction. The American auto industry after World War II reflected both the unflappable optimism of our nation’s population and the enormous capabilities of the manufacturing sector. There was no dream too…
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30Jun 2017 by vettevues
The Rare 1953 Corvette: Specs, Colors, Production Stats and More!

The Rare 1953 Corvette: Specs, Colors, Production Stats and More!

1953 Corvette Information, C1 Corvette Information
Discover the rarest year of the iconic American sports car: the 1953 Corvette. Learn about its history, specs, production statistics, and more. Only 225 still exist today. In 1953, only 300 Corvettes were produced - two of which were destroyed as engineering test cars - making it the rarest model year of the iconic American sports car. Estimates suggest that approximately 225 of these classic Corvettes still exist, and we can examine the specs, colors, facts, production statistics, and history. 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…
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