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The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
1953 was the first year the Corvette was produced, it is the original "Classic Corvette".
It debuted at the 1953 GM Motorama at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. It was
outfitted with a 6 cylinder "Blue-Flame" engine that produced 150 hp mated to a
two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. All 300 Corvettes that were produced
in 1953 came with the same options and they were all painted "Polo White" with a
red interior. Also included on all 1953's were whitewall tires and two-spinner hub
caps. They also did not have outside door handles. To get in the car you must reach
inside to open the door.
301 1953 Corvettes were built in Flint, Michigan at a temporary facility in the
rear of Chevrolet's customer delivery garage on Van Slyke Ave. The first production
1953 Corvette was built on June 30, 1953. Because of the short production run the
1953 model it is the rarest of all Corvettes. After the first 301 were assembled,
production moved to the new St. Loius factory.
Zora Arus-Duntov joined Chevrolet this year, he would eventually become the Chief
Engineer for Corvette.
Production Options and Build Statistics
Total 1953 Corvettes Built - 315 - All Convertibles
Serial Numbers: E53001001 through E53F001300
Options (Although none were optional)
| RPO |
Description |
Quantity |
Price |
| 2934 |
Base Corvette Convertible |
300 |
$3,498.00 |
| 101A |
Heater |
300 |
$91.40 |
| 101B |
AM Radio |
300 |
$145.15 |
Color Options (Only Polo White)
| Exterior |
Quantity |
Soft Top |
Wheels |
Interior |
| Polo White |
300 |
Black |
Red |
Red |
1953 Chevrolet Corvette Specifications
Mechanical Dimensions
| Wheelbase |
102.0 in |
| Track Frt/Rear (in) |
57.0/59.0 |
| Length |
167.0 in |
| Width |
72.2 in |
| Height |
52.1 in |
| Frontal Area |
N/A |
| Ground Clearance |
N/A |
| Curb Weight |
2850 lbs |
| Weight Dist. F/R (Engine) |
53/47 |
| Fuel Capacity |
N/A |
| Coolant Capacity |
N/A |
Engine Specifications
| Bore |
3 9/16 in |
| Stroke |
3 15/16 in |
| Displacement |
235.5 ci |
| Compression Ratio |
8.0:1 |
| Cylinders |
6 (inline) |
| Block |
Cast Iron |
| Horsepower |
150 bhp @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque |
223 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm |
| Redline |
N/A |
| Carburetion |
3x1 bbl |
| Oil Capacity |
N/A |
| Valvetrain |
N/A |
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