Introduction: The Chevrolet Corvette first appeared in 1953 as a unique American entry into the sports car market dominated by European makes. Although not a muscle car by definition, the Corvette used muscle car powertrains and has represented American performance for almost fifty years.

1953 Chevrolet Corvette

Comments: The first Corvette rolled off a makeshift assembly line in Flint Michigan on June 30, 1953, a mere six months after the debut of the concept car at the GM Motorama. From the beginning, the Corvette was unique. It was only available as a two passenger convertible in Polo White with a red interior. All Corvettes were built by hand and its attractive and original body was constructed out of fiberglass, not steel. Its chassis, with a 102 inch wheelbase, was basically a shortened Chevy passenger car unit. The only engine available was named the Blue Flame Special and was an upgraded version of the 235 cid six found in other Chevy cars. It produced 150 bhp due to the use of a higher lift cam which provided a significant boost in torque in the mid-range of engine speed. The valves were special alloy steel and fitted with double springs. The engine also featured a 8.0:1 compression ratio and triple Carter downdraft carburetors on a cast aluminum intake manifold. A dual exhaust was installed. The only transmission was Chevrolet's Powerglide two-speed automatic. Although the powertrain was a departure from typical American straight-line performance, coupled with its light weight, the Corvette boasted excellent handling and road feel. The Corvette's front suspension of coil springs and wishbones, used slightly altered springs enclosing one inch diameter tubular shock absorbers. The Corvette also had a large diameter anti-rool bar and at the rear, had four-leaf semi-elliptical springs which were inclined front to rear to approvide approximately 15 percent roll understeer. Only two Regular Production Options (RPOs) were available, a heater and an AM radio. Exterior styling was done by Harley Earl and featured a toothy grille, stone guards over the inseft headlamps, "twin pod" rear fenders, and "rocket ship" taillights. The first Corvette was a sales disaster as its high price (more than a Cadillac or Jaguar) and low performance made it far from desireable. A mere 183 were sold in 1953 out of 300 built.
Production: Convertible: 300
Engines: 235 I6 150 bhp @ 4200 rpm, 223 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm.
Performance: 0-60 in 11.2 seconds.

1954 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: Exterior color choices expanded for 1954 with the addition of black, blue and red to the existing white. A new beige interior was also available. The Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission was still the only transmission available, even though it was technically listed as a 8 option. Sales climbed to 3,640 units in 1954.
Production: Convertible: 3,640.
Performance: 0-60 in 11 seconds.

1955 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: Sales fell to just 700 units in 1955, leading to a push within GM to kill the Corvette. However, Zora Arkus-Duntov, an engineer on the Corvette team since 1953 and a former European road racer, was determined to save the Corvette and make it a contender. He started by giving the Corvette the two things it needed the most, more power and better handling. By mid-1955, more power was added with the addition of a 265 cid V8 rated at 195 bhp as well as the option of a 3-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, Duntov drove a prototype V8 powered Corvette to a new record in the Daytona "Measured Mile" at just over 150 mph which gained some much needed recognition for the Corvette. The Corvette was officially saved and Duntov would be remember as the "grandfather of the Corvette" for his efforts.
Production: Convertible: 700.
Engines: 235 I6 150 bhp @ 4200 rpm, 223 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm. 265 V8 195 bhp.

1956 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The Corvette received its first major styling change in 1956. Changes included an all-new body with better integrated styling featuring "scooped out" sides, outside door handles, roll-up windows and an optional removable hardtop. The 6 cylinder engine was dropped and the 265 cid V8 was now standard, though it was still rated at just 195 bhp.
Production: Convertible: 3,467.
Engines: 265 V8 195 bhp.

1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: Chevrolet finally got their sports car right for 1957, as the 1957 Corvette finally gained power to go along with its outstanding styling and road feel. Many Corvette enthusiasts consider the 1957 Corvette was the most aesthetically pleasing body style of the pre-1963 Corvettes, while others believe that it was the best styling of all time. And backing up that beautiful styling was the Corvette's first true powerful engine, a 283 cid V8. A bored out version of the 1956 265 cid V8, the new 283 cid V8 came in four versions. The base form had a four-barrel carb and was rated at 220 bhp. Next came an early fuel injected version rated at 250 bhp and then the dual four-barrel carb 283 rated at 270 bhp. But late in the model year, in May 1957, the true performance version of the 283 made its debut. Sporting an advanced fuel injection system, the new "fuelie" 283 made 283 bhp. Its 1 horsepower per cubic inch output was a record in 1957 and it was played up by the advertising and media. At the same time, Chevrolet introduced its new four speed manual transmission, and the Corvette was on its way to stardom. When equipped with the 283 fuelie engine, 4.11:1 rear axle, and the new four-speed Borg-Warner T-10 transmission, the Corvette could accelerate from 0-60 in less than six seconds, and do the quarter mile in the low 14 second range at over 100 mph. For those that wanted even more performance, Chevrolet offered two option packages. Checking RPO 579E got the buyer the fuel-injected 283 cid V8 with cold-air induction and a big tachometer on the steering wheel. There also was special race only package, coded RPO 684, which was strictly for off road (track only), and consisted of heavy-duty springs and shocks and sway bar, a positraction rear axle, quicker ratio steering and metallic brakes.
Production: Convertible: 6,339
Engines: 283 V8 (4 bbl) 220 bhp. 283 V8 (FI) 250 bhp. 283 V8 (2x4 bbl) 270 bhp. 283 V8 ("fuelie") 283 bhp.
Performance: 283/283: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.3 seconds @ 100 mph.

1958 Chevrolet Corvette

Comments: The Corvette continued to improve for 1958 as the fuel injected 283 V8 now produced up to 290 bhp and the Corvette received a new body design which featured four headlights. Also new was the washboard hood which featured simulated louvers and twin decklid chrome strips.
Production: Convertible: 9,168
Engines: 283 V8 (4 bbl) 220 bhp. 283 V8 (FI) 250 bhp. 283 V8 (2x4 bbl) 270 bhp. 283 V8 ("fuelie") 283 bhp.

1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The 1959 Corvette lost its simulated louvers and twin decklid chrome strips on the hood.
Production: Convertible: 9,670
Engines: 283 V8 (4 bbl) 220 bhp. 283 V8 (FI) 250 bhp. 283 V8 (2x4 bbl) 270 bhp. 283 V8 ("fuelie") 283 bhp.

1960 Chevrolet Corvette

Comments: The 1960 Corvette saw an increased use of aluminum and a new rear anti-sway bar to improve handling. Corvette production topped 10,000 units for the first time.
Production: Convertible: 10,261
Engines: 283 V8 (4 bbl) 220 bhp. 283 V8 (FI) 250 bhp. 283 V8 (2x4 bbl) 270 bhp. 283 V8 ("fuelie") 283 bhp.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: 1961 saw the first use of Corvette's now trademark quad tailights and was the last year to feature wide whitewall tires. The exterior styling was midly facelifted with Bill Mitchell's duck-tail rear end and a simplified mesh grille without the previous versions' "teeth."
Production: Convertible: 10,939
Engines: 283 V8 (4 bbl) 220 bhp. 283 V8 (FI) 250 bhp. 283 V8 (2x4 bbl) 270 bhp. 283 V8 ("fuelie") 283 bhp.

1962 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The last of the straight axle Corvettes was the first to offer a Chevy 327 cid small block V8. It was offered in three forms, with the top reserved for a special race package, called "Sebring." Due to the racing ban of 1957, Chevrolet was not allowed to support factory racing. Because of this, the "grandfather" of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntoz slipped in several serious racing parts on to the Corvette options list. The Corvette was a true sports car, as power steering, power brakes, and air condition were not available. Performance buyers, however, could order hot "Duntov" camshafts, thermo-activated cooling fans, and aluminum-cased transmissions. Also available was a special racing package, called "Sebring." Available options on the Sebring included 15x5.5 inch wheels (no charge), a direct-flow exhaust system (no charge), a 24-gallon fuel tank (8.40), four-speed gearbox (8.30), Posi-Traction rear axle (.05), sintered metallic brake linings (.70), and a heavy-duty suspension (3.60). The most desired option was the 327 V8 "fuelie" rated at a whooping 370 bhp which cost 4.20. With a low 3,080 pound curb weight, a 327/380 equipped Corvette had a power-weight of just 8.6 lbs per horsepower, the lowest ratio ever, up to that point. This combination was good for 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds and run the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds. Exterior styling changes included de-emphasized bodyside cove sculpture and a blacked-out grille.
Production: 14,531
Engines: 327 V8 ("fuelie") 370 bhp.
Performance: 327/370: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The second generation Corvette was launched in 1963 and saw the debut of the gorgeous Sting Ray body. A two passenger coupe body style joined the convertible for the first time and featured a split rear-window design. The Corvette featured an independent rear suspension (replacing the previous version's straight axle), fuel-injection, and knock off wheels. It even had a racing option, the Z-06. The Z-06 was created by Zora Arkus-Duntoz as a purpose built (through non-descript) racer, although its thunder was stolen by the superior Shelby Cobra. Nevertheless, the Z-06 option consisted of a fuel-injected 327 cid V8, 36.5 gallon fuel tank, heavy-duty brakes, heavy-duty suspension, and knock-off wheels. The heavy-duty brakes consisted of drums with sintered metallic linings, power assisted and backed by a dual circuit master cylinder. "Elephant ear" scoops rammed fresh air to the drums and cooling fans spun with the hub. The 36.5 gallon fuel tank (coded N03), just fit in the back of the coupe body style and helped the Corvette better compete in long distance endurance racing events, such as Daytona. About 60 of the 199 Z-06 Corvettes had the N03, and those Corvettes included inner wheel well housings modified to fit larger-than-stock tires. The knock off wheels, which became synonymous with the 1963 split window Corvette, actually leaded due to porosity of the aluminum and poor sealing at the rims, and no more than a dozen coupes and roadsters got them. Luxury options such as power steering, air conditioning, and leather seats were available for the first time on Corvettes.
Production: Coupe: 10,594. Convertible: 10,919. Z-06: 199
Engines: 327 V8 250 bhp. 327 V8 300 bhp. 327 V8 350 bhp. 327 V8 365 bhp. 327 V8 ("fuelie") 370 bhp.
Performance: 327/370: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds.

1964 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The 1964 Corvette featured several improvements such as higher horsepower "fuelie" engine options, a smoother ride, and better insulation. The hardtop lost its split rear-window design in favor of a more conventional single-piece rear window, because owners of 1963 Corvettes complained about rear visibility.
Production: Coupe: 8,304. Convertible: 13,925.
Engines: 327 V8 250 bhp. 327 V8 300 bhp. 327 V8 350 bhp. 327 V8 365 bhp. 327 V8 ("fuelie") 375 bhp.

1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: 1965 saw several changes to the Corvette. The big news was the addition of standard four-wheel disc brakes. Styling changes were at a minimum, with functional front fender louvers, new wheel covers, and a restyled grille. The hood had no depressions or trim, and thus was not interchangeable with the '63 or '64 Corvettes. Inside, newly styled bucket seats were offered and genuine leather seating surfaces were optional. Options few European cars could match included power steering, power brakes, power windows, air conditioning, AM-FM radio, telescopic steering column, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Under the hood, the Corvette offered a wide range of engines. Standard was Chevy's tried-and-true 327 cid Turbo Fire V8 rated at 250 bhp. Next up was a 300 bhp version of the 327 and new for 1965 was the precursor to the famous LT1, a 327 rated at 350 bhp. At the top, was the most powerful carbureted 327, rated at 365 bhp. For true performance buyers, the Ram-Jet Fuel-Injected 327 made its last appearance in 1965. At 8, fuel injection was an expensive option, but it made 327 a 375 bhp stormer. It was the ultimate small block V8. But the introduction in April 1965, of the 396 cid big block MK IV V8 marked the beginning of a new era for the Corvette. Rated at 425 bhp and priced at only 2.70, the 396 V8 big block was a direct descendant of the 427 cid MK II engine that dominated NASCAR in 1963, and made the 327 "fuelie" seem superfluous in an era of cheap, high octane gasoline. A special bulging hood was included when the 396 was ordered. Interestingly, this would be the only year for the 396 V8. Although the 327 "fuelie" was still available through the 1965 model year, it was quietly dropped when the 1966 Corvettes was introduced. Introduced at the same time as the 396 were new side-mounted exhausts, a 4.50 option. 1965 was a unique and mememorable year for the Corvette. It was the only year that you could buy a fuel-injected, disc-braked Sting Ray. It was the first year for the big block and side-mounted exhausts. And with prices starting at ,106, the 1965 Corvette Sting Ray was quite a bargin. No wonder that sales reached a record 23,652 units.
Production: Coupes: 8,186. Convertibles: 15,376.
Engines: 327 V8 250 bhp. 327 V8 300 bhp. 327 V8 350 bhp. 327 V8 365 bhp. 327 V8 ("fuelie") 375 bhp. 396 V8 425 bhp.
Performance: 396/425: 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.1 seconds @ 103 mph.

1966 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The 1966 Corvette featured a new eggcrate grille and functional engine compartment cooling vents. The previous year's 396 V8 was dropped. In its place, a new muscle Corvette was introduced, the "427" with its own funnel-shaped, power bulge on the hood. There were two of these big blocks at first. RPO L36, priced at 1, was rated at 390 bhp. RPO L72, with a 2 price tag, was rated at 425 bhp. Both engines were related to the "mystery" 427 and the production Turbo Jet 396. The 427/425 bhp Corvette convertible could hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, and the quarter mile in 14 seconds. It boasted a power-to-weight ratio of just 7.7 lbs per horsepower. "427 Turbo Jet" crossed racing flag emblems appeared above the cooling vents. Three four speed gearboxes -- wide ratio, close-ratio, and heavy-duty close ratio were optional. Side-mounted exhuast pipes were optional. A total of 5,116 L36s and 5,258 L72s were built, therefore 38% of the 1966 Corvettes were 427s.
Production: Coupes: 9,958. Convertibles: 17,762.
Engines: 427 V8 (L36) 390 bhp. 427 V8 (L72) 425 bhp.
Performance: 427/425: 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14 seconds.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: For 1967, the Corvette got additional engine cooling vents, and 427s got a different "power bulge" hood and more top horsepower. The new hood had a large, forward facing air scoop, usually with engine call-outs on both sides. The standard engine was a 327 V8 rated at 300 bhp. But for performance fans, there were four versions of the 427 available. The first version, the L36, cost just 0 more and featured a single four barrel carb, 10.25:1 compression and hydraulic lifters. It was rated at a stout 390 bhp. Next up was the L68 for 5 which featured triple two-barrel Holley carbs (a first for Corvette) and was good for 400 bhp. At the top was the L71 with triple two-barrel Holley carbs, solid lifters, special performance cams, and 11:1 compression which was conservatively rated at 435 bhp. Extremely rare (only 20 were built) was the top of the line L88 for 8 more. The L88 featured new aluminum heads, 12.5:1 compression, and a single Holley four barrel carb rated at 850 cfm that sat on an aluminum intake manifold with a special raised plenum chamber. In addition, you got a transistor ignition and Positraction differential but didn't get a fan shroud, heater, nor defroster. Chevrolet was reluctant about revealing the engine's true potential and officially rated at only 430 bhp, but most experts believed that it in fact developed close to 600 bhp! In all, 9,707 big-blocks were built, meaning that 42.31% of all 1967 Corvettes were 427s. Transmission choices were relatively simple. With the L36 and L68, buyers could choose between the wide-ratio (4) or close-ratio (4) four-speed manuals, or Powerglide automatic transmission (4). The L71 came only with the close-ratio four-speed. Rear end gear ratios ranged from 3.08 to 4.11. Other options included side-mounted exhausts at 2, cast aluminum bolt-on wheels at 3 and detachable hardtop for the convertible for 2.
Production: Coupes: 14,436. Convertibles: 8,504.
Engines: 327 V8 300 bhp. 427 V8 (L36) 390 bhp. 427 V8 (L68) 400 bhp. 427 V8 (L71) 435 bhp @ 5800 rpm. 427 V8 (L88) 430 bhp.

1968 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The all new 1968 Corvette was a dramatic change in appearance from previous Corvettes. The all new styling bore a striking resemblence to Chevrolet's Mako Shark II concept car and was a bold look. The new Corvette also introduced hidden windshield wipers and removable T-tops on Coupe models. Under the hood, the Corvette gained several interesting engine options, including the 327 cid V8 L79 rated at 350 bhp, and the L89 aluminum head option for the L71. Corvette production hit a new record of 28,566 units.
Production: Coupes: 9,936. Convertibles: 18,630.
Engines: 327 V8 300 bhp. 327 V8 (L79) 350 bhp. 427 V8 (L36) 390 bhp. 427 V8 (L68) 400 bhp. 427 V8 (L71) 435 bhp @ 5800 rpm. 427 V8 (L88) 430 bhp.

1969 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The Corvette was basically carry over for 1969, though now officially called the "Stingray" (one word) The coupe outsold the convertible for the first time, and would continue to do so in all subsequent years. Engine choices were changed with a new 350 cid V8 replacing the previous 327. In addition, two Corvettes were built with the ZL1 engine (a total of 69 Camaros also received this engine). One was a canary yellow car with sidepipers and the other was a Can-Am white t-top coupe with black ZL1 stipes. Technically, the ZL-1 was a ,010 option that consisted of an assortment of aluminum cylinder block and heads on top of the ,032.15 L88 race option. The ZL-1 featured thicker walls and main webbing, along with dry sump lubricating provisions. The bottom end was four-bolt, with a forged steel crank and rods with 7/16 inch bolts, Spiralock washers and full floating pins. Pistons were even higher domed than the L88s, yielding a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Cylinder heads were also aluminum and featured open combustion chambers and round exhaust ports and 2.19 inch/1.88 inch valves, a configuration adopted by the L88 in mid-1969. The aluminum dual plane intake was topped by a 850 cfm Holley four-barrel (double pumper) carburetor featuring mechanical secondaries. The ZL1's solid lifter camshaft was radical, so the engine could live in the upper revs.
Production: Coupes: 22,154. Convertibles: 16,608.
Engines: 350 V8 300 bhp. 350 V8 350 bhp. 350 V8 (LT1) 370 bhp. 427 V8 (L36) 390 bhp. 427 V8 (L68) 400 bhp. 427 V8 (L71) 435 bhp @ 5800 rpm. 427 V8 (L88) 430 bhp.
Performance: 427/430 (ZL1): 1/4 mile in 12.1 seconds @ 116 mph.

1970 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: Chevy's new 454 V8 replaced the firebreathing 427s for 1970. But while the Chevrolet Chevelle SS received Chevy's top engine, the 454 LS6 rated at 450 bhp, the Corvette had to make due with the 454 LS5 rated at 390 bhp. Despite rumors to the contrary, the Corvette never received the LS7 engine, an iron block/aluminum head 454 race motor rated at 465 bhp nor the LT2 454. A total of 17,316 units were sold in 1970.
Production: Coupes: 10,668. Convertibles: 6,648.
Engines: 350 V8 300 bhp. 350 V8 350 bhp. 350 V8 (LT1) 370 bhp. 454 V8 (LS5) 390 bhp.
Performance: 350/370: 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.2 seconds.

1971 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The Corvette finally received the powerful LS6 454 engine for 1971, but it was now detuned to run on unleaded gas and was rated at 425 bhp, down 25 bhp from the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. Interestingly, only 188 LS6 Corvettes were built, with 12 more appearing under RPO ZR2, the factory racing package.
Production: Coupes: 14,680. Convertibles: 7,121.
Engines: 350 V8 300 bhp. 350 V8 350 bhp. 350 V8 (LT1) 370 bhp. 454 V8 (LS5) 390 bhp.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: Engine power ratings dropped across the board as GM ordered that all its engines be rated using the new SAE net method, which rated an engine with all accessories attached. True output remained similar to 1971 and the Corvette was still quite a performer.
Production: Coupes: 20,486. Convertibles: 6,508.
Engines: 350 V8 200 bhp (net). 350 V8 210 bhp (net). 350 V8 255 bhp (net). 350 V8 (LT1) 275 bhp (net). 454 V8 270 bhp. 454 V8 285 bhp. 454 V8 (LS5) 325 bhp.
Performance: 350/255: 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.3 seconds.

1973 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The 1973 Corvette was the fifth generation "Shark" which debuted in the years of the first energy crisis. The 1973 Corvette was unique among Corvettes in combining a smooth body-colored nose with the original 1968-vintage "Kamm" tail. The engines were further detuned for cleaner emissions, which resulted in lower engine outputs. Generally, the styling was cleaner than previous years, with a rear hood extension to cover the windshield wipers (instead of a pop-up panel), and a fixed coupe backlight instead of a removeable one. The new Corvette was also improved with standard radial tires, a more efficient Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission option, and combined lap/shoulder belts. Of particular interest to enthusiasts was the availability of the RPO FE7 Gymkhana suspension (high-rate springs/shocks for only ) and the similar Z07 option (with heavy-duty brakes).
Production: Coupes: 24,372. Convertibles: 6,093.
Engines: 350 V8 190 bhp (net). 350 V8 200 bhp (net). 350 V8 250 bhp (net). 454 V8 270 bhp. 454 V8 275 bhp.

1974 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The 1974 Corvette received a new smooth body-color rear end to match the front styling. The new rear end also hid the new Federal mandated 5 mph bumpers. Bowing to increasing government regulations, 1974 would be the last year for the big block engines and true dual exhausts, among other things.
Production: Coupes: 32,028. Convertibles: 4,629.
Engines: 350 V8 190 bhp (net). 350 V8 200 bhp (net). 350 V8 250 bhp (net). 454 V8 270 bhp. 454 V8 275 bhp.

1975 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: Engine output hit rock bottom with the 1975 Corvettes, as big blocks were no longer available and the top 350 cid V8 was rated at just 205 bhp. Changes were few, and included the addition of small black-rubber bumper pads and electronic ignition. 1975 would be the last year for the Convertible, as falling sales and a threatened government mandated rollover standard (that never materialized), sealed its fate.
Production: Coupes: 33,836. Convertibles: 4,629.
Engines: 350 V8 165 bhp (net). 350 V8 205 bhp (net).

1976 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: Engine output climbed for 1976, due to higher compression ratios made possible by a newly adopted catalytic converter. A new four-spoke steering wheel was added and the rear-deck air-extractor vents were removed.
Production: Coupes: 46,558.
Engines: 350 V8 180 bhp (net). 350 V8 210 bhp (net).

1977 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The "Stingray" name was officially dropped for the 1977 Corvettes. Changes included revamped controls and center console, standard leather upholstery, and no-cost power steering and brakes.
Production: Coupes: 49,213.
Engines: 350 V8 180 bhp (net). 350 V8 210 bhp (net).

1978 Chevrolet Corvette
Comments: The Corvette celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1978, and all Corvettes received special commemorative emblems. All 1978 Corvettes received a new fastback roofline with a large, wraparound backlight. A four-speed manual was reinstated as standard, and a higher-output 350 cid V8 was available, though only with the automatic transmission. But the big news for enthusiasts was the addition of two limited edition versions of the Corvette. The true Anniversary editions were those Corvettes ordered with the "25th Anniversary Paint" B2Z option. It was a distinctive two-tone silver paint treatment with a silver metallic upper body color and a charcoal silver lower body color. Pin stripes accentuated the front upper profiles, wheel openings, front fender vents, bood, and rear license cavity. The optional aluminum wheels and dual sport mirrors were required. The second limited edition Corvette was the Pace Car Replica model, which commemorated the Corvettes which paced the 62nd Indy 500. The Pace Car Replica was decked out with a black upper body and silver-metallic lower body, plus the alloy wheels and fat Goodyear tires worn by the Silver Anniversary model. The Pace Car Replica also carried front and rear spoilers and the identifying "Pace Car" decals were supplied separately so the owner could apply them if desired. Upholstery choices were either silver leather or a silver leather/gray cloth combination. The seats were a new design scheduled for the 1979 Corvettes. Standard equipment included power windows, electric rear window defroster, air conditioning, sport mirrors, and other features which boosted the price of the Pace Car Replica over ,000 more than the base Corvette. Because of its announced limited availability, new Pace Car Replicas fetched upwards of ,000 and a flood of "fake" Pace Car Replicas flooded the market, then and now. The only true clues to a real Pace Car Replica are the seats which should resemble a 1979 Corvette more than the 1978 ones, and the serial number, which should be between 900001-906502.
Production: Coupes: . 25th Anniversary: 2,500. Pace Car Replica: 6,502.
Engines: 350 V8 175 bhp (net). 350 V8 185 bhp (net). 350 V8 220 bhp (net).

CHEVY CORVETTE 1999
New for 1999: The fifth-generation Corvette added a convertible last year, and for 1999  Chevrolet's premier sports car gains yet another new trim. The introduction of the 1999  Hardtop brings the first fixed-roof 'Vette to market since 1967, offering the performance of the  other trims for a lower base price. An available Active Handling System and Heads-Up Display  are also new for 1999. 

History: On the automotive scene for nearly five decades, Corvette has become recognized  around the world as a true American icon. With the introduction of the all-new Corvette in  1997, Chevrolet opted for a refinement of the previous model rather than a radical departure  from the classic, successful Corvette formula. Refinement is the word used most often by the  automotive mediaóthe car's improved structural rigidity and quality construction have drawn  much praise.    Model years: 1988-96, 97-98 

Trim Details: The 1999 Chevrolet Corvette is available in three trims: Hardtop, Coupe and  Convertible. Safety features include dual airbags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction  control and daytime running lights. Powering all Corvettes is a 5.7-liter V8 engine that  produces 345 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Coupe and  Convertible, with a 6-speed manual standard for the Hardtop. Standard features include air  conditioning, a rear window defroster, power door locks and windows, a low tire pressure  warning system, a theft-deterrent system, and an AM/FM stereo cassette. Sport bucket  seats, dual-zone climate control, heads-up display and halogen fog lights are available options  only on the Coupe and Convertible.