Few vehicles have stood the test of time quite like the Chevrolet Corvette. This sports car was first introduced decades ago, but you can still find it at dealerships where it's ready to impress with its potent engines and incredible performance. If you've ever been curious about the history of this iconic vehicle, here's what you need to know before you take it for a test drive at Keyes Chevrolet.
The Introduction of the Chevy Corvette
The Chevy Corvette was first developed in the 1950s, under the title of “Project Opel,” an American take on the kind of British sports cars that were popular at the time. Just 300 were made for the 1953 model year, but their lack of power made the car a slow seller. This changed in 1955 when the model gets a new manual transmission and a V8 engine installed under its hood, increasing the output to 195 horsepower.
Continued Success
Things would change in the 1956 model year, with a new look, a boost to 200 horsepower under the hood, and a 7.5-second zero-to-60 time. Every succeeding generation would bring further refinements, including the legendary “Stingray” with its 360-horsepower V8 engine.
While major changes would come in 1968, 1984, and 1997, the Chevrolet Corvette took on its modern form with the Chevy Corvette Coupe in 1999. Stiffer and lighter, it paved the way for the high-performance Z06 model in 2001, with even more updates added in the intervening years.
A New Generation
The next-generation Chevy Corvette, currently available at our Chevy dealership near Los Angeles, takes a winning formula several steps further with a new mid-engine layout, advanced infotainment technology, and cutting-edge safety features. For all that, it’s still the same classic at heart, and still boasts the same appeal for the demanding driver. Why not visit Keyes Chevrolet and build your dream car today?