1953 Corvette

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1953

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1954

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1955

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1956

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1957

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1958

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1959

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1960

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1961

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1962

1953 Corvette Photo Gallery


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.

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The first production Corvette in June of 1953.

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Corvette bodies being 'married' to their chassis.

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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

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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.

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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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1953

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1954

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1955

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1956

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1957

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1958

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1959

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1960

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1961

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1962


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