1953 Chevrolet Corvette

Masterminded by legendary GM Styling chief Harley Earl, the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette was intended not only to liven up Chevy’s image but as GM’s reply to the small but intense interest in sporty two-seaters. The first Corvette rolled off a makeshift assembly line in Flint Michigan on June 30, 1953, a mere six months after the debut of the concept car at the GM Motorama. The Corvette was both sporty and unique, only available as a two passenger convertible in Polo White with a red interior. All Corvettes were built by hand and its attractive and original body was constructed out of fiberglass, not steel. Boasting excellent handling and exceptional looks the Corvette rode on a 102 inch wheelbase touting the “Blue Flame Special”. The new Corvette engine was an upgraded version of the 235 cid Chevrolet six. Producing 150 hp with use of a higher lift cam and special alloy steel valves fitted with double springs and an 8.0:1 compression ratio and triple Carter downdraft carburetors on a cast aluminum intake manifold with dual exhaust. Only two Regular Production Options (RPOs) were available, a heater and an AM radio. First year production included just 300 built.

1953 Chevrolet Corvette Production Numbers

Model Number	Body/Style Number	Body Type & Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Total Production
Corvette - Six-Cyl
E	2934	2 Dr Roadster	$3,498	2,705 lbs	300

Chassis Data

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Lenght	Width	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Corvette	102 in	167 in	70.5 in	57 in	58.8 in	6.70 x 15

1953 Chevrolet Corvette Options

Code	Description	Price
101A	Heater	$91.40
102A	Signal Seeking AM Radio	$145.15
290B	6.70 x 15 White Sidewall Tires	$27.00

1953 Chevrolet Corvette Engine Options

Location Of Engine Code: Stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.

Letter Code	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Transmission	Carburetor
F54YG	6-235.5	150	223	Powerglide	3 - 1 BC