C1 - 1953-1962
C2 - 1963-1967
C3 - 1968-19821953 Corvette
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The 1953 model year was the lowest production for the Corvette with 300 being built and over 200 are known to still exist today. The first two were used as engineering test cars and thought to have been destroyed but #001 has been found.
The fit and finish of the first year was not the greatest and all were hand-built resulting in no two being exactly the same. All 1953 Corvettes were done in Polo White with red interiors and black convertible tops. Radios and heaters were shown as options on order guides but all 300 were equipped with radios and heaters.
Dubbed the EX-122, the Corvette was introduced at the New York
Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The first production Corvette in June of 1953.
Corvette bodies being 'married' to their chassis.
Corvette #003 cut-away. Click image for larger view.
All 1953 Corvettes were powered by GM's "Blue Flame Six" engine
producing 150-hp and GM's Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission
was the only available transmission.
1953 total Corvettes built - 300
First introduced at GM's Motorama in January of 1953 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, the show car displayed several differences from the production car. Of particular note is the lack of side trim and the downward facing spear on the front fender trim. Originally named "Cougar" but GM decided on "Corvette" instead. Designer Harley Earl didn't agree and had the "Cougar" nameplate made for the show.
| Serial Numbers | |
| E53F001001 - E53F001300 |
Engine Specifications
| Bore | 3.5625 |
| Stroke | 3.9375 |
| Cubic inch displacement | 235.5 cid |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 |
| Horsepower | 150 hp @ 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM |
| Carburetion | 3 x 1 bbl |
| Oil capacity | 5.0 quarts |
Regular Production Options
| RPO | Description | Cost | Qty |
| 2394 | Corvette convertible | $3,498.00 | 300 |
| 101A | Heater | $91.40 | 300 |
| 101B | AM Radio | $145.15 | 300 |
1953 OEM Supplier Paint Colors
| Color | Valspar Code | PPG Code | DuPont Code |
| Polo White | W1528 | 8011 | 57758 |
Mechanical Specifications
| Wheelbase | 102.0 inches |
| Track Front/Rear (in inches) | 57.0 / 59.0 |
| Overall Length | 167.0 inches |
| Width | 72.24 inches |
| Height | 51.25 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 6.0 inches |
| Curb Weight | 2,850 pounds |
| Coolant Capacity | 17.75 quarts |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.25 gallons |
| Oil Capacity | 5.0 quarts |
GM Heritage PDF file of specifications/options/etc.
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