Chevrolet Corvette 1959

1959 Corvette

For the 1959 Corvette, styling chromium ocupado'58 was dropped considerably. The often Clouded decklid false hood louvers and chrome bars now can be found anywhere. Otherwise, there are few changes from the previous model year.Interior alterations are so small and so effective. There were replacement armrests and door handles, added a shelf underneath the bar to grab passengers extra space for stowing small item, and reformed at least seats now offer sheets lateral support. Sunvisors adds a new option, and instead of concave lenses flat instrument (to reduce reflections) were added to the instrument panel, a T-handle lock for the manual transmission was included to prevent accidentally a driver's participation back off.

Powertrain options were again unchanged, but in 1959 introduced a less tillage of the major benefits: In addition to the rear-trailing Radio bars that helped contribute to a walk a little softer and considerably less extreme rear direction on uneven surfaces. The bars also helped to counteract the rear axle-windup, which was an unfortunate byproduct of a problem with the explosive torque produced by the most powerful engines, and the RPO 684 heavy brakes and suspension option was even stiffer springs - all of which For better management.

Most Corvettes can shoot through the quarter mile in less than 15 seconds, and 0-60 mph times of less than eight seconds were typical. Road & Track clocked a 290-hp engine fuelie of 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and the quarter mile mark in 14.5 seconds to 96 mph. Top speed is listed at 128 mph 4.11:1 with the short end of the transmission.

Brakes also received some attention, with new optional sintered metal coating (RPO 686) developed by GM-Delco Moraine division. A price of $ 26.90 a simple, the choice of three pairs of lining segments that are riveted to the primary shoes and five pairs of segments a little thicker for secondary shoes. Drums were finless with this option, but flared at the ends open for improved cooling. The sintered brake linings become less hard Cerametallic the necessary material and much less for heating to provide maximum braking.

At this point about Honda is working on a new and even more radical concept of America's sports car - the so-called Q-Corvette. This was a much smaller and lighter two-seater coupe with very simplified style, independent rear suspension, and a rear transaxle derived from being developed for the new Chevy engine rear-compact, 1960 Corvair. Unfortunately, the model-Q would be another bad start on the road toward a truly new second-generation Corvette.

The total production of 9670 units for the 1959 model year, a slight increase over the previous year. Chevy was still not make a lot of money in Corvettes, but is not losing any property. The sales continued their steady if modest increase for 1960, above the psychologically important 10,000-unit level exactly 261 cars.



Here are the specifications for the Corvette 1959:

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Among axes, 102.0 inches
Length, in.
177.0
Width, in.
73.0
Track inches
Front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, in.
52.0
Stopping weight, pounds
3,080

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
Front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, unequal length wishbones, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Live axle semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers tubular trailing Radio bars

Wheels / tires
6.70x15

Brakes
Front: 11 inch drum
Rear: drum 11 inches

Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
4-speed manual (opt)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)

Standard axle ratio
3.70:1

Specifications Engine

Ohv Type V-8 ohv V-8 ohv V-8 ohv V-8 ohv V-8
Scrolling, liters / cu inch 4.6/283
4.6/283 4.6/283 4.6/283 4.6/283
Bore x stroke, 3875 inches x 3.00 3875 x 3.00 3875 x 3.00 3875 x 3.00 x 3.00 3875
Fuel Management 1 x 4-bbl. 2 x 4-bbl. The fuel injection of 2 x 4-bbl. Fuel Injection
Horses force of 230 rpm @ @ 4800 245 @ 5000 250 @ 5000 270 @ 6000 290 @ 6200
Par @ rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3000 300 @ 3800 305 @ 3800 285 @ 4200 290 @ 4400

Published performance numbers

Acceleration
250 hp, 4-sp man.
290 hp, 4-sp man.
0-60 mph, SEC
7.8
6.8
0-100 km / h sec
NA
15.5
1/4-mile SEC @ mph
15.7 @ 90
14.9 @ 96

Production of vehicles and base prices

Type Car
Production
Price
2-door convertible
9,670
$ 3,875.00

Chevrolet Corvette 1957

1957 Corvette

The 1957 Corvette included a larger V-8 and, as mid-year, in addition to the list of options, a four-speed manual gearbox that has long been requested by the fans. The appearance of the Corvette has not changed - it is not necessary that - unless the bodyside "coves" now might be finished in a contrasting color as an option for $ 19.40.

The 283-cid V-8 has become one of the most revered Chevy engines - the final small block embodied by a generation of car enthusiasts and collectors all that followed. It is essentially the current engine 265 that had been bored with 1/8-inch (3875 inches; stroke remains a short 3.00 inches). Chevrolet passenger cars in the 283 delivered 185 hp in base form, but the standard version Corvette with a four-barrel carburetor developed 220 hp at 4800 rpm. Dual four barrels meant to 245 and 270 hp, and the redevelopment of the GM "Ramjet" fuel injection system yielded 250 or 283 hp. The last one was the magic "of a horsepower per cubic inch" threshold, and Chevy ads blared the news. (This was not the first, though, Chrysler has actually exceeded that goal last year with its 355-hp 354-cid V-8 hemi in the 300B.)

The fuel injection is an alien concept - literally - to the automobile manufacturers in Detroit in 1950. Chevrolet resorted to technology as a way of gleaning added performance of its two years of the V-8 while their competitors were preparing the new eight-cylinder their own power. Engineers provided a page from the European car manufacturers carrying out books and settled in obtaining more horsepower through a more precise measurement of the fuel system carburetor allowed, ie the fuel injection . Year 1957 is closing fast, so that a development team is formed - and citizens.

In a relatively short period of time, the engineers develop a fuel injection system that appeared to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and promised significant power gains. However, the evidence showed the initial test "fuelie" not to be more powerful than a motorcycle double V-8. So it was back to the laboratory for further research.

Ultimately Chevrolet and GM's Rochester carburetor division emerged with a workable system that not only increased production of high-end, but the spread of energy in a wide range rpm. Reliability problems emerged quickly, which together with the option of high price - $ 500 - the fuel injection, making a scarce commodity. Facilities ran just 240 in a total of 6339 Corvettes los'57 production. Estatorreactor fuel injection was reduced from Chevy other lines of cars after 1958, but remained as an option through Corvette 1965.

Despite its problems, fuel injection provided the necessary implementation capacity. "Fantastic!" It began with an announcement that a photo Corvette being unloaded from a freighter, an average that includes Ferrari only visible in the background. "Even in Turin, nobody has fuel injection!" Ironically, in view of the hubbub about "1 hp per cu. Pulg," the top fuelie actually delivered about 290 hp - more than the advertised 283. This was achieved in the 10.5:1 compression, shared with the dual carbohydrate 270 hp engine. The slightest of 250 hp fuelie ran a lighter 9.5:1 squeeze, the same as that of the CV-245 dual unit carbohydrates. Some historians believe that, in their eagerness to promote Ramjet, Chevrolet deliberately underestimated the power of the engines twice carbohydrates.

The engine 283-cid/283-bhp was sold as an option for $ 484.20, which led the order and the code should not be confused with the version SL career, which in 726.30 dollars, to be sold as a package complete with column-mounted tachometer and a soda-air induction system. Chevy warned potential buyers that the option was not MT of the street and, in fact, he refused to include in heaters cars equipped with the package career.

In the long run, four option of manual gearbox speed is probably more important than the fuel injection for the Corvette's overall performance aura. A price of only $ 188.30, regulate production Option (RPO) 685 was essentially to triple transmission speed Borg-Warner and reversing tailshaft moved to the house to make room for a fourth forward speed. Relations were again closely spaced: 2.20:1 (1 st), 1.66 (2 °), 1.31 (3 meetings), and 1.00 (4 meetings). "Positraction," Chevy's new limited-slip differential, it was an option available with four different end of the unit to assist ratios make the most of the new engine and gearbox in every driving situation or the competition.

For the 1957 Corvette - to respond to previous generations' complaints about handling and braking deficiencies - Chevrolet also issued RPO 684. This was a $ 780.10 "heavy racing suspension" package that includes heavy-duty springs, a front anti-thick bar of influence, Positraction, most piston with valveing firmer shock absorbers, a direction faster that the reduction of turns lock to lock 3.7 to 2.9, ceramic and metal brake linings finned drums ventilated. Add fuelie the 283-hp V-8, and he had a car that was ready to go racing right off the showroom floor.

In almost any form, el'57 Corvette issued certifiably amazing performance. Motor Trend clocked 250-hp fuelie in just 7.2 seconds in the 0-60-mph sprint. The 283-hp version is even more formidable, Road & Track running the same test on a four-speeds with the short end of 4.11:1 transmission in just 5.7 seconds, which breezed through the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds to more than 90 Mph and sailed on more than 132 mph. Motor Trend took a version of the engine with 283-hp, dual exhaust, live special, strong and lifting all the way up to 134 mph.

Here are the specifications for the Corvette 1957:

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Among axes, 102.0 inches
Length, in.
168.0
Width, in.
70.5
Track inches
Front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, in.
51.1
Stopping weight, pounds
2,985

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
Front: Independent; unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Live axle semi-elliptical leaf springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers

Wheels / tires
6.70x15

Brakes
Front: 11 inch drum
Rear: drum 11 inches

Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
4-speed manual (opt)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)

Standard axle ratio
3.70:1

Specifications Engine

Ohv Type V-8 ohv V-8 ohv V-8 ohv V-8 ohv V-8
Scrolling, liters / cu inch 4.6/283
4.6/283 4.6/283 4.6/283 4.6/283
Bore x stroke, 3875 inches x 3.00 3875 x 3.00 3875 x 3.00 3875 x 3.00 x 3.00 3875
Fuel Management 1 x 4-bbl. 2 x 4-bbl. The fuel injection of 2 x 4-bbl. Fuel Injection
Horses force of 220 rpm @ @ 4800 245 @ 5800 250 @ 4800 250 @ 4800 283 @ 6200
Par @ rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3000 300 @ 3000 305 @ 3800 305 @ 3800 290 @ 4400

Published performance numbers

Acceleration
250 hp, 4-sp man.
0-60 mph, SEC
5.7
0-100 km / h sec
NA
1/4-mile SEC
14.3

Type Car
Production
Price
2-door convertible
6,339
$ 3,176.32

Chevrolet Corvette 1955

1955 Corvette

The 1955 Corvette seemed to be only a repetition of the 1953-54 Corvette, but it was much improved in many aspects. The biggest improvement is the magnificent Ed Cole small-block V-8, which, for an extra $ 135 was adjusted to all but six of the 55 "models sold this year, which was identified only by the outside exaggerated gold "V's" coating on the Existing "Chevrolet" name on the bottom front defenses. Chevy ads heralded as "The V-8, which is like a V-2," a comparison of the eight cylinders Corvette to a "guided missile".

One of the many interesting innovations that made the 265 such critical development is the lack of a common shaft rocker. Each rocker arm is completely independent of the other, so that the deformation of one had no effect on the rest. Each was mounted on a valve stem and pushrod hired by a fulcrum ball and lock nut. Whether mechanical or hydraulic lifts were used, valves were hit by rotating the locking nut. In addition, the reciprocal agreement with the reduction in weight, which allowed higher rpm and reduce raw materials.

Other features include an intake manifold that offers a water outlet common to the two chiefs, who were issued with dying integral valve guides and are completely interchangeable. A short stroke meant short rods were used, which is another way to achieve maximum rpm. Under pressure in the piston-pin eliminated the need to split bars and bolt lock. Five main bearings of equal diameter carried the maximum load in their lower halves.

Engine weight was saved by the oil flowing through hollow pushrods, splash provide lubrication to the rocker arms and valve stems, eliminating the need for separate and costly power lines oil. Pistons were modern slipper type "autothermic" aluminium, with three units of the Rings, an expander circumferential ring for the sole oil always axial and radial force to control the burning of oil. Instead of iron, steel crankshaft is forged, because of their increased weight and the elastic modulus.

The V-8 certainly did wonders for the performance of Corvette in 1955. Although it is essentially the same engine that was only in that year optional passenger Chevys, the Corvette version ran a tree cam raised 33 horsepower over the melody - a total of 195 hp at 5000 rpm. Replacing the finicky many carbohydrates Rochester was only one version of four barrel. Calculation end of the unit stood at 3.55:1, but the V-8 higher rev led to a revision of the limit of 6500 rpm tachometer redline. Because the engine is lighter, pre / post improvement in the distribution of weight, though the benefit is small (currently set at 52/48 percent).

There was no question of the V-8 of the performance improvement - is nothing short of impressive. The reference point of 0 to 60 mph sprint now occupies only 8.5 seconds, the quarter-mile walk only 16.5 seconds. Maximum speed was up to nearly 120 mph. Despite this, the gas mileage is actually better. Road & Track, for example, showed 18-22.5 mpg with Powerglide, about 2-3 mpg better than the standard six-cylinder engine.

Other changes made to accommodate the V-8 includes an automatic choke for the first time since the Motorama show Corvette and a modern 12-volt electrical system, but the biggest six-volt configuration was chosen, about six-cylinder Corvettes built that year. The vacuum of the previous drive motor wiper led to a power unit and a foot operated cleaner returned. Tyres changed tube type to the tubeless variety of both white and blackwall versions.

For a time, remains the only Powerglide transmission. But later in the model run, about 75 cars were built with the Corvette of the first manual gearbox. It was a new relationship close three speeds manual, which went through a stem stubby chromium from the side of the transmission tunnel, topped with a small white ball and surrounded by a boot that was anchored in the soil by a ring of bright metal shows the pattern of change. End transmission was shortened to 3.7:1, which combined with the gearbox and lighter than powerful V-8 to make this the fastest Corvette yet.

As in 1953-54, the Corvette received several changes in operation during 1955 production. Shortly after the launch, the option blue Pennant was replaced by Harvest Gold, in contrast with the green cutting and a dark green top, which became a popular combination. The copper metal is also provided, and Sportsman Red Cross was replaced by Roma. The latter comes with the interior vinyl white, red chair sewing, and so up and carpeting. What is more, had built los'55s soft bodies of the sections slightly thinner than the models 1953-54. Fit-finishing and tidier and more stringent. The first hoyos'55s stay within lanes for the assembly of the six-cylinder engine, but these will soon be connected once they realized they had probably never be used again. Moreover, the X-brace at the bottom of the bell was replaced by a lateral brace to erase the V-8's air cleaner.

Overall, 1955 was a great step forward for the engineering Corvette, but not even true high-performance, improvement of labour, and refine details about the same time the car could not fortunes, at least not immediately. Sales actually dropped to only 700 units for the model year. Chevy still struggling with the problems that keep productions to be either efficient or how significant, and the market remains uncertain and elusive. 1955 Despite the big improvement, the package is still not completely right. "

Here are the specifications for the Corvette 1955:

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Among axes, 102.0 inches
Length, in.
167.0
Width, in.
72.2
Track inches
Front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, in.
51.3
Stopping weight, pounds
2,910

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
Front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Live axle semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers tubular

Wheels / tires
6.70x15

Brakes
Front: 11 inch drum
Rear: drum 11 inches

Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)

Standard axle ratio
3.55:1

Specifications Engine

Ohv Type V-6 ohv V-8
Scrolling, liters / cu inch 3.85/235.5
4.34/265.0
Bore x stroke, 3.56 cm x 3.00 x 3.95 3.75
3 Fuel Management Carter sidedraft
Carter 4-BBL.
Horses force @ rpm 150 4200 195 5000
Par @ rpm, 223 lb-ft @ 2400 260 @ 3000

Published performance numbers

Acceleration
195 HP, Powerglide
0-60 mph, SEC
8.7
0-100 km / h sec
24.7
1/4-mile SEC
16.5

(Source: Road & Track)

Production of vehicles and base prices

Type Car
Production
Price
Convertible 2-door, six-cylinder
700 *
$ 2,774.00
2-door convertible, V-8

2,909.00

* 700 combined production

Chevrolet Corvette 1954

1954 Corvette

Not surprisingly, the 1954 Corvette model differs little from 1953, although there were improvements in operation throughout the model year. For example, the 1953 Corvette had two short stainless steel exhaust outlets inboard defenses protruding from the back. When it was found that the turbulence of the air tends to suck the exhaust gases back against the car, the dirt of the painting, outlets are lengthened and routed below the body. But even this change does not solve the whole problem that would continue until 1956 redesign, when the tips moved to the rear fender limbs.

In addition, gas and the brake lines are better protected by that moved inboard of the right-hand main frame rail, and worktop and top plates changed from black to tan. The storage bag to carry the side curtains in the trunk was slightly refurbished and newly-introduced colour on the inside.

Some were also overcame initial disadvantages in the 1954s. For example, the original two-handle external latch bell was replaced with a more manageable one mechanism to handle after the first 300 or more units were built. The choke control moved from right to left of the steering column, exchanging places with wiper switch. This eliminates having to get through or through the steering wheel to operate the choke with the left hand while turning the ignition key with the right. Moisture in the rear plate recess tended to cause its plastic cover of fog, so Chevy include two small bags of desiccant material to keep the area dry.

Beneath the bonnet, a new tree cam gave the Blue Flame six extra five horsepower, boosting the total to 155 hp, although the increase was not announced until the following year. Other changes include a new-style rocker arm cover (about 20 per cent of which were finished in chrome - the serial numbers 1363 through 4381), a tidier cables, and more plastic insulated cable ( replacement tissue). In addition, the three bullets in the form of cleaner air is replaced by a period of two pots setup after the first 1900 cars rolled off the line.

Another problem dealt with the 1954 model related to the convertible top mechanism. By early cars, the main plate was looming through the grooves in the mold of chromium behind the seats and ceiling with fins spring. Starting with the serial number 3600, the plates were redesigned with a dogleg way that allows them to slip between the body and seat. Unfortunately, this led to another nuisance - irons at the top rubbed against upholstery. From the above preferred folding procedure was not particularly evident, the factory began pasting stickers explaining the bottom of the upper deck.

For 1954, the Corvette finally came in a choice of colors: Blue Pennant, coupled with a tan interior, accounted for about 16 percent of production. Sportsman Cross, the sale at around four percent, and the original Polo White, at about 80 percent, joined with red interiors. A very small number of cars - just six - painted black and red interior. 1954 Some owners claim to have original paint colors other than these four, but are not reflected in factory records. However, the pain bulletins are known to have listed a cash and a green metal Bronze.

Here are specifications for the 1954 Corvette:

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Among axes, 102.0 inches
Length, in.
167.0
Width, in.
72.2
Track inches
Front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, in.
51.3
Stopping weight, pounds
2,890

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
Front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Live axle semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers tubular

Wheels / tires
6.70x15

Brakes
Front: 11 inch drum
Rear: drum 11 inches

Transmission
2-speed Powerglide

Standard axle ratio
3.55:1

Specifications Engine

Type OHV V-6
Scrolling, liters / cu inch 3.85/235.5
Bore x stroke, 3.56 x 3.95 inches
3 Fuel Management Carter sidedraft
Horses power @ 150 4200 rpm
Par @ rpm, 223-2400

Production of vehicles and base prices

Type Car
Production
Price
2-door convertible
3,640
$ 2,774.00

Chevrolet Corvette 1953

The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car that has been manufactured by Chevrolet from 1953. Today is built on an assembly plant of General Motors in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but in the past it was built in Flint, Mich., and St. Louis, Missouri. It was the first all-American sports car built by the American automaker. The National Corvette Museum and annual National Corvette Homecoming also found in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

While the style of a car can be as important for some as well that the car goes, it was not until 1927, when General Motors hired designer Harley Earl, the style and design of cars became important for manufacturers American cars. What Henry Ford did for automobile manufacturing principles, Harley Earl made car design.Taking his name from the corvette, a small, anti-maneuverable frigate (credit for the name goes to Myron Scott), the first Corvettes were virtually handbuilt in Flint, Michigan Chevrolet at the Center for Customer Delivery, now an academic building at the University of Kettering. The outer body is made of fiberglass after the revolution, elected in part by contributions steel remnants of war.

Under this new body is radically Chevrolet standard components, including the "Blue Flame" in line six cylinder engine trucks, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, drum brakes and Chevrolet regular car line. Although the engine production increased slightly, thanks to a unique triple carburetor to the intake of Corvette, the performance of the car has been determinedly.

There have been six generations of the Corvette to date, sometimes called C1 through C6.

C1 (1953-1962)

1953 Corvette

The first generation is the most commonly by fans as an "axis solid", based on the fact that the independent rear suspension (IRS) was not available until 1963. The first generation began in 1953 and ended in 1962.

With production limited by the fact that all of them were built and assembled side, the 1953 Corvette at 300 is the rarest and most sought after year.

The 1953 Corvette highlighted a body of fiberglass innovators who did much for a car light, which can be more easily molded into complex shapes construction vehicles traditional steel. Despite some initial production problems, the car was a strong performer.



Here are the specifications for the Corvette 1953:

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Among axes, 102.0 inches
Length, in.
167.0
Width, in.
72.2
Track inches
Front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, in.
51.3
Stopping weight, pounds
2,850

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
Front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Live axle semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers tubular

Wheels / tires
6.0x15

Brakes
Front: 11 inch drum
Rear: drum 11 inches

Transmission
2-speed Powerglide

Standard axle ratio
3.55:1

Specifications Engine

Type OHV V-6
Scrolling, liters / cu inch 3.85/235.5
Bore x stroke, 3.56 x 3.95 inches
3 Fuel Management Carter sidedraft
Horses power @ 150 4200 rpm
Par @ rpm, 223-2400

Published performance numbers

Acceleration
150 hp, 2-sp automatic
0-60 mph, SEC
11.0
0-100 km / h sec
41.0
1/4-mile SEC
17.9

Source: Road & Track

Production of vehicles and base prices

Type Car
Production
Price
2-door convertible
300
$ 3,498.00