Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Chevrolet Corvette C1 - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Chevrolet Corvette C1 - 360° Interactive
Chevrolet Corvette C1 - Key Specifications
Chevrolet Corvette C1 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-Door Sports Car |
| Production Years | 1953–1962 |
| Engine | 3.9L Inline-6 (Blue Flame) or 4.3–5.4L Small-Block V8s |
| Power Output | 150–360 hp (varies by year and V8 option) |
| Torque | Up to 488 Nm (depending on engine) |
| Transmission | 2-Speed Powerglide Auto or 3/4-Speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 6.5–11.0 seconds depending on engine |
| Top Speed | 180–210 km/h (112–130 mph) |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 15–20 L/100 km (estimated) |
| CO₂ Emissions | N/A (Pre-regulation era) |
| Length | 4,250 mm |
| Width | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,300 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,590 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,200–1,300 kg (depending on year) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 liters |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Suspension | Independent with Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Live Axle with Leaf Springs |
| Brakes | Drum Brakes on All Wheels (Discs optional in later years) |
| Wheels | 15" Steel Wheels with Full Wheel Covers |
| Tires | 6.70 x 15 Bias-Ply Whitewalls |
| Chassis | Steel Ladder Frame with Fiberglass Body |
| Interior Features |
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| Exterior Features |
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| Driver Assistance & Safety |
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Some Interesting Facts
America’s First True Sports Car
The Corvette C1 was the first mass-produced American sports car, introduced in 1953 to compete with European roadsters like the Jaguar XK120 and MG.Initial Models Had a Straight-Six Engine
The original 1953–1955 models were powered by a Blue Flame 3.9L inline-six engine, paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, before V8s were introduced in 1955.First Production Year Was Extremely Limited
Only 300 units of the Corvette were built in 1953, all of them hand-assembled in Flint, Michigan, and finished in Polo White with a red interior.Fiberglass Body Construction
The C1 was one of the first production cars to use a fiberglass body, making it lightweight and resistant to corrosion — a radical move at the time.Introduction of the Small-Block V8
In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the now-legendary 265 cu in small-block V8, which drastically improved the Corvette’s performance and appeal.Zora Arkus-Duntov’s Influence
Often called the “Father of the Corvette,” Zora Arkus-Duntov was instrumental in transforming the Corvette from a stylish cruiser into a legitimate performance car.Dual Headlights Debuted in 1958
The 1958 facelift brought quad headlights, a larger grille, and more chrome — defining the Corvette’s late-'50s styling and helping it stand out in showrooms.Fuel Injection Became Available in 1957
In 1957, the Corvette C1 became one of the first American cars to offer fuel injection, boosting output to up to 283 horsepower — achieving 1 horsepower per cubic inch.Raced on Road and Track
C1 Corvettes were used in motorsports early on, racing at Sebring, Daytona, and even Le Mans, helping build the Corvette’s performance reputation.Laid the Foundation for a Legend
The C1 Corvette’s bold styling, innovative materials, and increasing performance levels laid the groundwork for seven generations of Corvette evolution — and a place in American automotive history.
Chevrolet Corvette C1 - Price
The Chevrolet Corvette C1 is the original American sports car, blending Harley Earl’s jet-age styling with Blue Flame inline-six (later small-block V8) power. These fiberglass-bodied icons are rolling sculptures, prized by collectors for their 1950s optimism and racing pedigree.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, 2024)
By Generation
1953–1955 ("Blue Flame" I6, 150 HP): €80,000 – €150,000
(The rarest—only 300 made in ’53. Slow but historic.)1956–1957 (V8 Introduced, 265ci/283ci): €100,000 – €250,000
(The sweet spot—lightweight, sexy "coveted" vents.)1958–1960 (Quad Headlights, "Toothy" Grille): €120,000 – €300,000
(Peak 50s excess—chrome overload.)1961–1962 (Cleaner Lines, Fuel Injection): €150,000 – €400,000+
(Most desirable—first "fuelie" Vettes, 327ci power.)
Condition-Based Pricing
Project Car (Non-Runner, Needs Full Resto): €50,000 – €100,000
(Warning: Fiberglass repairs are an art form.)Driver-Quality (Running, Minor Flaws): €120,000 – €250,000
(Ideal for: Those who enjoy patina and occasional oil leaks.)Numbers-Matching Restored: €250,000 – €500,000
(Critical: Must have original engine/transmission.)Concours-Level (Bloomington Gold Certified): €500,000+
(See: 2023 RM Sotheby’s sale @ €650k for a ’57 Fuelie.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ What Adds €100k+
Fuel-Injected 283ci/327ci V8 ("Fuelie"): The holy grail.
Factory Racing Provenance: Ex-SCCA or Sebring car? Double the value.
Two-Tone Paint (e.g., Roman Red/White Coves): +20%.
⚠️ What Kills Value
Non-Original Bodywork: Hand-laid fiberglass is irreplaceable.
Modern Drivetrain Swap: A C1 with an LS3? Purists will riot.
Missing Hardtop (1956–1962): -€15k—soft tops alone are flimsy.
3. Must-Check Items
🔧 Mechanical:
Frame Rust: The #1 killer—check birdcage under seats.
Original Engine Pad Stamp: Must match VIN (clones abound).
Tremec 3-Speed/4-Speed: Grinding = €5k rebuild.
🎨 Cosmetic:
"Duntov" Coves (1956–1961): Repainted? Verify color codes.
Factory Wheel Covers ("Spinners"): Missing? -€10k.
📄 Paperwork:
NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Docs: Gold standard.
Protect-O-Plate: Original warranty card = provenance.
4. Market Trends
📈 Appreciating Models
1957 Fuelie Cars: +12% yearly (last year of "solid axle").
1962 Fuelie 327ci: Most powerful C1—€400k+ for perfect examples.
📉 Depreciating Examples
Non-Original Restomods: Stick to C2s for that.
4-Speed "Fake" Cars: Many 3-speeds were converted—check stampings.
5. Ownership Costs
Annual Maintenance: €5k–€15k (fiberglass cracks, wiring decays).
Fuel Economy: 14L/100km (if you drive like a nun).
Storage: Must be climate-controlled—sun warps fiberglass.
Fun Fact: The 1953 Corvette’s fiberglass body was chosen because GM feared steel shortages during the Korean War; accidentally creating a legend.
Alternatives (If C1 Prices Scare You)
1955–1957 Thunderbird: €60k–€150k (less sporty, more chic).
1963–1967 Corvette C2: €80k–€300k (better driving, less nostalgia).
Verdict
✔ Buy if: You want the birth of the American sports car and have deep pockets.
✖ Avoid if: You think "frame-off restoration" sounds like a horror movie.
For €200k, you’ll get a solid driver, just budget another €100k for NCRS-level perfection.
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