Chevrolet Corvette

The Corvette is a legendary sports car marketed by Chevrolet since 1953. It was named after a fast type of ship. It has come to be one of Chevrolet's most famous models.

First Generation
The Corvette was introduced as a six-cylinder roadster in 1953. It was noted for its pointed taillights. Its success led to the creation of concept cars based on it, none of which were produced. These included a Chevrolet Nomad and Chevrolet Corvair version (the later Corvair has no relation to the Corvette).

Later models were larger and featured a bigger, eight-cylinder engine as the Corvette became a competitive grand tourer. Quad headlights were also introduced. A boattail design was introduced in its final years as the second generation was phased in.

Second Generation
The second generation, known as the Stingray, is the most famous. Especially popular is the 1963 model for its one-year "split-rear-window" design. Racecar drivers have claimed that later designs are preferable due to increased rear visibility. A special "Gran Sport" edition was also introduced, a name also used on the unrelated Buick Gran Sport. The second generation is the shortest-lived in the model's history, having been produced for less than half a decade. Popup headlights were introduced.

Third Generation
The Stingray II or "Mako Shark" (after concept cars which led to its design) is the longest lasting generation in the model's history. It was introduced in the late sixties and lasted all the way into the eighties. It competed in the IMSA GT Championship as well as endurance racing. A 25th anniversary edition was offered. Also available was an Indy Pace Car edition, after the version used to pace the famous Indianapolis 500 race.

Fourth Generation
The Corvette became wider and flatter. The GS edition was introduced late into this generation, around 1996. A Corvette IMSA GT Prototype would be introduced.

Fifth Generation
The Corvette became more streamline.

Sixth Generation
The popup headlights were dropped as people realized how much maintenance was required in keeping them working. This generation competed in IMSA's new American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series as well as the SCCA's Pirelli World Challenge. The Rolex Series would introduce a Corvette-powered Daytona Prototype as a replacement for the discontinued Pontiac brand.

Seventh Generation
The Corvette became edgier. It currently competes in IMSA's Weathertech Championship and the Pirelli World Challenge.