Did you know that the original Chevrolet Corvette C1 was almost cancelled due to slow sales and mixed reviews? Fortunately, Chevy management decided to continue with the program and make improvements. The rest is history – from today's perspective, this is one of the most iconic nameplates in the world of sports cars and one of the most legendary American cars ever made.
The legacy of this sports coupe and convertible lasts for nearly seven decades. We’ve seen eight generations so far. The first three were offered in Australia, while the newest 8th generation, mid-engine Chevy Corvette C8 will also hit the roads of the Land Down Under.
The First Generation of Chevrolet Corvette (1960-1963)
The original Corvette was launched way back in 1953 as a convertible sports car. In 1958, the C1 received a facelift and came with several styling changes, such as a longer bonnet, new quad headlamps, and a new dashboard design.
However, it wasn’t until 1960 when the Chevrolet Corvette Australia finally made its debut. One good thing about coming late to Australia as it did was that it already packed with it all the updates from the preceding years.
The original model was offered only as a convertible, and the Australian model came with just one engine on the offer – a 4.6-litre Small Block V8 engine with a max output of 211kW and paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.
The first generation of Chevy Corvette is commonly known as the solid-axle Corvette, and you can probably guess the reason. Yes, the C1 featured a solid rear axle, while the independent rear suspension was only introduced with the second-generation model.
Two years after the Australian debut, we saw another update. This time, the most significant change was a new engine. The V8 engine received several revisions, including increased capacity, which was now 5.4-litres, with a max output of 270kW. Besides the new engine, this update also brought a couple of important styling changes, such as a duck tale and new taillights with four round tail lamps, which would eventually become the model's trademark through all generations.
The Second Generation of Chevrolet Corvette (1963-1967)
The second generation was introduced in 1963, and it has remained the most legendary Corvette up to these days. The reasons are numerous, but the first thing that comes to mind is that the car's character was completely changed. You probably already know that this generation is also called the Stingray Corvette. The reason lies in the fact that the production version was heavily influenced by the Mitchell Sting Ray racing car.
Conceptually, the production version of the Corvette C2 wasn’t different from the racing car. The overall design was the same, including a long nose and a distinctive tapering rear deck – things that will also become Corvette trademarks. Unlike the C1, the second generation was offered both in coupe and convertible body styles.
Besides big styling changes, the new generation has also brought significant chassis and mechanical upgrades. The new model was smaller, significantly lighter and equipped with independent rear suspension. As a result, handling and overall performance were way better.
The initial models were powered by the familiar 5.4-litre V8 with increased output variants, ranging from 186 to 272 kilowatts. Once again, the Australian model was offered with a 4-speed manual transmission only.
The first significant update happened in 1965. Chevy introduced a new 6.5-litre Big Block engine, with a max output of 317kW. Besides the new engine, this update has also brought disc brakes on all wheels and optional side exhaust pipes.
A year later, they added another new engine, a bigger 7.0-litre engine, offered in two variants, with 291kw and 317kW. In 1967, Chevy introduced the legendary L88 engine, with a max output of 324 kilowatts. The '67 model also brought few styling changes, such as new fenders, new backup lamps etc. This was the final production year of the second generation.
The Third Generation of Chevrolet Corvette (1969-1978)
The third generation arrived in Australia in 1969. Mechanically, it wasn't significantly different from the C2 model. The chassis was pretty much the same. On the other hand, it has brought a new, extremely curvy styling, along with a completely new interior. This generation has also got a couple of legendary badges, including the high-performance Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 moniker.
The Australian model was offered both as a coupe and as a convertible, the first generation to feature the famous T-top design with removable roof panels.
The initial model was offered with a 5.7-litre V8, with a max output of 224kW. A new 7.4-litre engine was released in 1970, with a max output of 268kW. In the ensuing years, Chevy would frequently change the max output ratings. For instance, some variants of this engine were rated at only 201kW during the oil crisis.
For the same reason, the large 7.4-litre engine was dropped from the offer in 1974. The 5.7-litre engine remained the only engine offered.
The first update was done in 1973. We saw a couple of styling changes, but more importantly, the company improved sound insulation by 40%. Many see this update as the point where Corvette started transforming from a classic muscle car to a sport touring car.
The 1975 model also brought a couple of styling changes. Eventually, the Australian model was discontinued in 1978, while the North American version remained in production until 1982.
We skip the 5th-to-7th generations that were never released in Australia, and continue with the current generation.
The Eighth Generation of Chevrolet Corvette (2020-present)
The 8th generation of this iconic sports car has brought some pretty radical changes. The most important one is the layout, as the new model features a rear mid-engine design for the first time in Corvette's history. Also, the Chevrolet Corvette 2020 is the first model since 1982 that isn't available with a manual gearbox. Before the '82 model, only the '53 and '54 model years weren't available with a stick.
The new C8 model features an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It is powered by the latest version of the legendary 6.2-litre V8 Small Block engine, which features a max output of 365kW and 630Nm of max torque.
Chevrolet also developed a right-hand-drive version for the Australian, UK and Japanese markets. RHD models are assembled in a GM factory for the first time rather than converted from a left-hand drive.
Can you buy C8 Corvettes in Australia?
For the first time after so many years, a new Corvette can be bought in Australia. GM has prepared 200 units annually for the Australian market and even offers an exclusive version called Carbon Edition.
After few delays caused by the reorganisation of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) into GMSV (General Motors Special Vehicles), ordering books for the brand-new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette have finally opened in Australia. From what we know so far, the base versions will cost around $150,000, while the exclusive Carbon Edition model will go around $189,000.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa