Description
The Chevrolet Corvette C1 is an iconic model that marks the beginning of a long line of American sports cars. Produced between 1953 and 1962, it embodied the American dream and Chevrolet's ambition to rival European coupes. Although its first models were powered by a modest in-line six-cylinder engine, it was the introduction of the V8 in 1955 that propelled the Corvette into the ranks of a true performance car. When the Corvette was presented in 1953, its design was revolutionary for an American car: a fibreglass body, a low, streamlined silhouette and a sporty interior inspired by the world of racing. Despite its appealing looks, the initial model struggled to convince on account of its perceived lack of performance. The 3. 9-litre six-cylinder engine, nicknamed the "Blue Flame", produced just 150 bhp, limiting the car's appeal in the face of European competition. Recognising the need for a more powerful engine, Chevrolet introduced a 195 bhp 4. 3-litre V8 in 1955, coupled to a three-speed manual gearbox. The following years saw a steady evolution of the model, with the addition of fuel injection in 1957, enabling the Corvette to reach the 283 hp mark and boast a power-to-weight ratio worthy of the best sports cars of the era. The C1 Corvette laid the foundations of the Corvette myth and established Chevrolet as a major player in the sports car market. In 1962, the C1 gave way to the more modern and powerful Corvette C2, but its heritage lives on. Today, the C1 V8 is a sought-after car for collectors, a symbol of an era when America dreamed of speed and freedom. This example is fitted with a mechanical 3-speed gearbox and a hardtop. It is in very good condition. French registration.
