The first year for the Corvette and one of the rarest with only 300 built. Corvette # 1 and # 2 are still unaccounted for and could still be out there today.

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

Chassis Data

VIN Numbers

Serial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair and on the driver-side door post on Corvette). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number, the production sequence number, the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code.

First Symbol - Engine Type V - V-8 Six Cylinder Vehicles Did Not Have A Letter

Second Symbol - Model A - 150 D - Sedan Delivery B - 210 E - Corvette C - Bel Air

Third & Fourth Symbol - Model Year 53 - 1953 54 - 1954 55 - 1955 56 - 1956

Fifth Symbol - Assembly Plant (A) Atlanta, Georgia (L) Los Angeles, California (B) Baltimore, Maryland (N) Norwood, Ohio (F) Flint, Michigan (O) Oakland, California (J) Janesville, Wisconsin (S) St. Louis, Missouri (K) Kansas City, Missouri (T) Tarrytown, New York

Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence Started at 1001

1953 Chevrolet Corvette Options

1953 Chevrolet Corvette Engine Options

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