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Dave's Corvette History Page


 

Chronology of Events
in the
History of Chevrolet Corvettes

1951

(month unknown)
  • (spring) Glasspar, a boat builder, constructs a single prototype Jeep-based fiberglass-bodied sports car. [104.14]
(month unknown)
  • The Naugatuck Chemical Division of U.S. Rubber acquires Glasspar's fiberglass sports car prototype, and names it the Alembic I. [104.14]
September
  • General Motors' chief stylist Harley Earl takes a Le Sabre to the Watkins Glen sports car race. Earl is impressed with the Jaguars, Ferraris, and Alfas, and decides to begin designing a new American sports car. [79.77] (late fall [115.40])
(month unknown)
  • Harley Earl assigns Bob McLean to draw a layout for a sports car for General Motors. [86.55]

1952

(month unknown)
  • (early) A prototype fiberglass-bodied Chevrolet full-sized convertible is accidentally rolled during a test run. Because the body survives with little significant damage, the decision is made to adopt fiberglass for the production body material or the upcoming Corvette. [84.6]
March
  • Naugatuck Chemical presents the Alembic I to General Motors, which encourages Harley Earl to speed-up his own sports car work. [104.14]
April
  • (end of month) Harley Earl's crew completes a full-size plaster model of his sports car project. [104.14] [115.40]
April
  • Harley Earl's plaster model two-seater convertible goes on display in General Motors' private viewing auditorium. [6]
June 1
  • Ed Cole and Thomas Keating show the plaster model sports car to Chevrolet research and development chief Maurice Olley, assigning him the task of designing a chassis for the car. [104.16]
June 2
  • General Motors executives are formally presented with Harley Earl's proposal for a 2-seater sports car. The project is code-named "Opel Sports Car". General Motors president Harlow Curtice and Chevrolet general manager Thomas Keating approve production of a sports car prototype for the 1953 Motorama. [3] [5] [42.11] [86.55] [90] [151.37] (approved in April [120.59])
June 12
  • Chevrolet's director of research and development, Maurice Olley, creates a sketch for the new sports car frame, showing locations of radiator, wheels, and body mount points. [42.11] [88.48] [100.120] [104.16]
July
  • Chevrolet chief engineer Ed Cole, and Harry Barr set to work on an all-new Chevrolet V-8 engine. [3]
(month unknown)
  • The EX-122 is named the Corvette, after a fast type of Royal Navy warship, by Myron Scott, of Chevrolet Public Relations. Strong consideration had been given to naming the car "Corvair". [4] [5] [79.53] [86.55] [90] [140.82] [151.37] (name picked from a dictionary [40.59]) (Myron Scott was an employee of Campbell-Ewald, Chevrolet's advertising agency) (Harley Earl chose the name [104.18])
September 27
  • General Motors first begins officially using the name Corvette for its new sports car. [146]

1953

January 9
  • General Motors first begins using the name "CORVETTE" in stylized script with all letters joined. [146]
January 17
  • The prototype Chevrolet Corvette "Dream Car" is displayed at the Motorama show at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. [1] [3] [5] [6] [7] [20.49] [42.14] [74.72] [90] [111.2] [120.59]
March 23
  • The Chevrolet plant in St. Louis is notified that they would be expected to deal with long-term volume production of the Corvette from the 1954 model onward. [5]
March 27
  • General Motors Corporation applies with the US Patent and Trademark office for a trademark on "CORVETTE" in stylized script with all letters joined. [146]
April
  • In Ashtabula, Ohio, Robert Morrison forms The Molded Fiber Glass Body Company to meet the US$4 million order for 12,300 Corvette bodies. [5] [6]
May 1
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov starts work at Chevrolet as assistant staff engineer to Maurice Olley. [90] [104.26] [107.10] [111.74,87] [113.28] [133.31]
May
  • The first Corvette advertisement appears. [10]
June
  • Chevrolet begins production of the Corvette on a tiny assembly line in Flint, Michigan. [42.15] [104.19]
June 20
  • Chevrolet introduces the Corvette. [74.72]
June 30
  • The first production Corvette rolls off the assembly line at Chevrolet Plant Number 35, near Flint, Michigan. Sticker price: just over US$3000. Assembly line worker Tony Kleiber has the honor of driving the first Corvette off the assembly line. [1] [5] [6] [7] [42.8] [44.33] [53.22] [55.62] [69.S3-29] [71.S8-12] [78.54] [97.36] [100.122] [111.3] [115.42] [123.40] [128.74] [137.40] [142.16] [148.20]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov is appointed director of High Performance Vehicle Design and Development. [104.26]
July
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov begins working on the Corvette. [46.32] [104.26]
September 1
  • General Motors Corporation trademark application for "CORVETTE" in stylized script with all letters joined is registered. [146]
September 29
  • The automotive press get their hands on a Corvette for test and review, as the Corvette is officially released. Eight Corvettes are made available to the press at the Milford Proving Grounds. [1] [5] [79.78] [90] [111.3] (September 28 [115.42])
October 5
  • Maurice Olley outlines his goals for the Corvette in a paper presented to the Society of Automotive Engineers. [104.16]
December
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov writes a memo to Chevrolet Chief Engineer Maurice Olley, on the subject of "Thoughts Pertaining to Youth, Hot Rodders and Chevrolet". [111.87]
(month unknown)
  • (late) Ed Cole tests his 265 cubic inch V-8 engine in the ex-Motorama prototype Corvette. [104.22]
December 24
  • Production of 1953 Corvettes stops for the year, with 300 built in total. [115.42]
December
  • Corvette production moves from Flint, Michigan, to a General Motors Assembly Division plant on Union Boulevard, in St. Louis, Missouri. [1] [6] [7] [74.73] [104.20] [140.82]
December
  • Production of 1954 model Corvettes begins, in St. Louis. [148.14,22]

1954

February 20
  • The Ford Motor Company shows the Thunderbird two-seat convertible in Detroit. The Thunderbird is a major part of General Motors' decision to continue production of the Corvette. [1] [3] [6] [104.20] (September [84.7])
March
  • A new styling model is completed, proposing minor cosmetic changes to the existing body. But due to poor sales, the styling changes are abandoned. [90] [104.26]
June
  • Corvette production at the St. Louis facility reaches 50 cars per day. [107.12]
(month unknown)
  • (mid-year) The camshaft on the 1954 Corvette is changed, increasing horsepower from 150 to 155. [148.14]
(month unknown)
  • (mid-year) At this point, the St. Louis Corvette assembly facility is producing 50 Corvettes per day. [147.46]
(month unknown)
  • (summer) Chevrolet decides to change its VIP-only marketing policy for the Corvette, making it available for sale to the general public. [104.20]
September
  • A V8 engine option debuts on the Corvette. [121.56]
October 15
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov writes a memo to Ed Cole and Maurice Olley, noting that the Corvette appeared to be a failure. He suggests that to drop the Corvette would be an admission of failure. He urges General Motors not to cancel the car, but to create a separate department within Chevrolet to oversee Corvette development. [90] (October 14 [133.31])
December
  • Production of the 1954 model Corvette ends, with 3265 made, and 1076 unsold. [111.3]

1955

(month unknown)
  • The Biscayne prototype is displayed at the General Motors Motorama show. The Biscayne employed many Corvette design ideas, and is presented to management as a new direction for the Corvette. [79.58]
January
  • Production of 1955 model Corvettes begins. [148.24]
January 29
  • General Motors first begins officially using a circular emblem with "CHEVROLET" at top, "Corvette" at bottom, and flags in center. [146]
(month unknown)
  • (early) Brake lining material is changed to reduce fade and wear. [104.28]
February
  • The basic design of the 1956 model Corvette is completed. [90] [133.35]
April
  • The color Pennant Blue is discontinued in use on 1955 Corvettes. [148.25]
April 16
  • A fiberglass model of the restyled Corvette is shown to Chevrolet management. [1] [90]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Dontov is made chief engineer of Corvette. [152.23]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov begins experimenting with suspension modifications, on a 195bhp engine. [6]
September 9
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov races a disguised 1956 model Corvette with a V-8 engine at the Pike's Peak Hill climb, setting the stock car record of with a time of 17:24.05. [3] [5] [79.67] [133.72] [161.47]
(month unknown)
  • (late) A 3-speed manual transmission option is added to the 1955 model Corvette. [133.35] [28.41]
December
  • John Fitch writes to Chevrolet chief engineer Ed Cole, suggesting he become a sports car consultant, to help develop the Corvette as a world-class sports car. [132.27]
December
  • A team from Chevrolet, including Zora Arkus-Duntov, takes a prototype mule Corvette to Daytona Beach, to attempt a 150-mph run. [90]
December
  • Production of 1955 model Corvettes ends. [148.24]

1956

January 1
  • The 1956 Corvette makes its debut at the Waldorf Astoria in New York for the Motorama show. [5] [37] [104.28]
January
  • (early) Zora Arkus-Duntov, in a modified 240hp V8 powered Corvette, sets a two-way record-breaking average of 150.583 MPH at the Daytona Beach raceway. [5] [42.34] [90] [113.28] [151.35] [161.47] (255hp [79.67])
January 11
  • The 1956 model Corvette is officially announced. [105.93] [110.15] [135.93]
January
  • John Fitch drives a Corvette SR (Sports Racing) at Daytona Speed Week, setting a production-car record of 145 MPH. [29] [132.27] [23.40] (Sebring Racer [18.57])
February 18
  • A Corvette racing team from Chevrolet arrives at Sebring, Florida, and begins preparations for a 12-hour race on March 24. [132.27]
  • John Fitch drives a stock 1956 Corvette at NASCAR Speed Week in Daytona. He sets a new Flying Mile record of 145.543 mph. [151.33] [161.45]
March 24
  • Four 1956 Corvettes take part in the Florida International 12-Hour Grand Prix of Endurance, at Sebring, Florida. Car No. 1, with 307-ci engine, driven by John Fitch and Walt Hansgen, runs in SCCA class C/Modified, and finishes the race, winning first in its class, and ninth overall. Car No. 5, with 265-ci engine, high performance Duntov cam and 4.11-to-1 final drive, and driven by Dale Duncan and John Eager, runs in class B/Production, but breaks an axle shaft 20 minutes into the race. Car No. 6, with 265-ci engine, 3.70-to-1 final drive, driven by Ray Crawford and Max Goldman, runs in SCCA class B/Production, and finishes the race 6th in class and 15th overall. Car No. 7, with 265-ci engine, 4.11-to-1 final drive, driven by Ernie Erickson and Chuck Hassan, runs in class B/Production, but blows a piston about 1:20 hours into the race. [79.67] [84.8] [104.29,151] [111.6] [132.65] [19.39] [141.52] [161.49]
April
  • (early) The following mandatory options are made optional: parking brake alarm, courtesy lights, windshield washer, hydraulic folding top mechanism. [111.5]
April
  • At a race at Pebble Beach, Dr. Richard Thompson races a modified Corvette to second place, behind a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. [84.8] [104.29]
April
  • While driving a hardtop Corvette at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds, Zora Arkus-Duntov loses control, smashes the car, and breaks a vertebra in his back. [6] [90] [104.31] (April 1957 [96.48]
May
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov builds the Corvette SR-2 Sebring racer. [7] [18.57]
May
  • A manual top with hydraulic assist is made available as an option on the 1956 Corvette. [133.43]
(month unknown)
  • (late spring) Bill Mitchell orders a second Corvette SR-2 built for his own use. [23.41]
(month unknown)
  • (late spring) General Motors President Harlow Curtice orders a third Corvette SR-2 for himself. This SR-2 is a stock 1956 Corvette, with the SR-2 nose and a center-mounted fin on the trunk. [23.42]
June
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov returns to work. [104.31]
June
  • Jerry Earl's Corvette SR-2 is raced at Elkhart Lane in Wisconsin, by Earl and Dr. Richard Thompson. [42.36] [23.41]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov is named special design and development engineer at Chevrolet. [113.28]
July
  • Richard Thompson races a production Corvette to first place in C class - Production, in the Seattle Seafair race, the first SCCA National title for the Corvette. [79.69] [104.151] [133.12] [148.14]
July
  • Work begins on Project XP-64, a sports/racer built for the upcoming race in Sebring. The car is named the Corvette SS (Super Spyder), or Sebring SS. A clay model of Zora's design is made, and shown to management. [3] [25] [7] [110.79] [114.9]
October
  • The first 1957 production Corvette rolls off the assembly line. [111.9]
October
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov is given authorization and staff to construct four sports/racer test cars, the XP-64. [5]
(month unknown)
  • (end) Zora Arkus-Duntov begins testing the XP-64, the Corvette SS. [79.69]

1957

January
  • Vented gas tanks are used in new production Corvettes. [111.9]
(month unknown)
  • The 310-hp Corvette SR-2 is entered at Speed Weeks at Daytona Beach. The car wins the standing mile run in modified class, with an average speed of 93.047 mph. [90]
March 21
  • The XP-64, now called the Corvette SS, is officially released. [5]
March 23
  • Chevrolet enters four Corvettes in the 12 Hours of Sebring race in Florida. The Corvette SS runs only 120 miles before being retired on lap 23 due to erratic brakes and faulty rear suspension. Richard Thompson and Gaston Andrey in No. 4 finish first in GT Production class, 12th overall. Another Corvette wins Modified Production class, 15th overall. The other Corvette takes 16th overall. 12th place is the best showing for a car in GT class at Sebring. [90] [120.62] [104.151] [133.12,36] [141] [148.14] [29.78]
April
  • The Corvette Owners Club of San Diego is founded. [159.2]
April
  • Production of 4-speed 1957 model Corvettes. [131.70]
May 1
  • A fully-synchronized four-speed transmission is first made available on the 1957 model Corvette, as a US$188.30 option. [7] [29] [84.8] [103.23] [104.31] [111.7]
May
  • RPO 684 is added to the 1957 model options, offering stiffer springs, bigger shocks, fatter front anti-roll bar, faster-ratio steering, and a limited-slip differential. [104.34]]
June 4
  • The Automobile Manufacturer's Association passes a resolution that recommends that member companies (including General Motors) not participate in auto racing. [42.39] [104.46] (April [3])
June 7
  • The decision of the Automobile Manufacturer's Association to ban race involvement is announced. [5] [6] [25] [79.70]
(month unknown)
  • Late in the 1957 production year, Chevrolet adds RPO 685, a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission. [28.42]
(month unknown)
  • Richard Thompson wins SCCA Class B Production title. [133.12] [148.14]
(month unknown)
  • J.E. Rose, racing a Corvette, takes SCCA Class B Sports racing title. [133.12,72] [148.14]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov is named director of high-performance vehicles. [147.60]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov officially becomes chief of the Corvette production. [1]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet begins producing the Corvette News magazine. [8] [18.10]
(month unknown)
  • The Northern California Corvette Club is the first Corvette club in the US to start up. [25]
July 9
  • General Motors' circular emblem with "CHEVROLET" at top, "Corvette" at bottom, and flags in center is registered as a trademark. [146]
September
  • Production of 1957 model Corvettes ends. [148.28]
October
  • The first 1958 production Corvette rolls off the assembly line. [5] [148.30]
(month unknown)
  • (November/December) Jerry Earl sells his Corvette SR-2 to Jim Jeffords, part of the Nicky Chevrolet racing team in Chicago. [23.41] [18.57]

1958

March
  • Two Corvettes are entered in the Sebring Grand Prix of Endurance, with one finishing first in GT category. [104.151] [133.72] [5]
(month unknown)
  • Jim Jeffords in his Corvette SR-2 Purple People Eater wins SCCA B/Production championship. [18.57] [148.14] (1958 Corvette [133.74]) (Purple People Eater Mk II [133.74])
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb [104.151]
July
  • Bill Mitchell assembles the XP-700, a highly modified Corvette with a long oval nose, and twin-bubble plastic roof. The rear design is later adopted for the 1961 model. [3] [30] [34] [104.136]
August
  • Production of 1958 model Corvettes ends. [148.30]
August
  • Sales of the 1958 model reach 9168, enough to turn a profit for the Corvette for the first time. [3] [5] [84.9]
September
  • Production of 1959 model Corvettes begins. [148.32]
December 1
  • Harley Earl retires from General Motors. [3] [6] [7] [34] [49.119] [53.74] (1959 [42.30])
  • Bill Mitchell becomes General Motors' chief stylist. [3] [6] [7] [32] [34] [42.30] [49.119] [53.74] [104.46]
(month unknown)
  • (late in year) Bill Mitchell buys the Corvette SS "Mule" from Ed Cole for US$1, to use it as a test car for a styling study. It becomes the Sting Ray racer. [29.80]
December
  • Bill Mitchell begins work on the Q-Car, or Q-Corvette, with a rear-mounted transaxle and fully independent suspension. [7] (1957 [159.60])
December
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov, in a Corvette SS, hits 183 MPH on the General Motors Proving Grounds in Phoenix, Arizona. [12] [25]

1959

(month unknown)
  • At the official opening of Daytona International Speedway, Zora Arkus-Duntov drives the Corvette SS at 155mph. [6]
April 18
  • The Sting Ray makes its debut at the President's Cup Race at Maryland's Marlboro Raceway. The car is Bill Mitchell's personal vehicle for style testing of the Corvette. Richard Thompson races it to fourth place. The car was made from the last Corvette SS mule chassis, and rebodied by Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda. [1] [5] [12] [34] [49.122] [79.60,70] [90] [29.80]
(month unknown)
  • (spring) A re-design of the Corvette body for 1962 is considered, but the project is abandoned. [90]
(month unknown)
  • SMP releases its first Corvette model kit, of a 1959 Corvette. [161.27]
(month unknown)
  • Jim Jeffords wins SCCA B-Production with his 1959 Corvette dubbed the Purple People Eater Mk III. [133.74] [148.14]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov begins work on the CERV I (Chevrolet Experimental Racing Vehicle). [17] [21] [30] [58.53]
August
  • Production of 1959 model Corvettes ends. [148.32]
(month unknown)
  • (fall) Aluminum cylinder heads are used for the first time in production for the 1960 fuel-injected Corvettes. [31] [142.98]
(month unknown)
  • (fall) Project XP-720 begins, to design a production Corvette based on Bill Mitchell's Sting Ray racer. [90] [120.60] [159.60]
October
  • Production of 1960 model Corvettes begins. [148.34]
October
  • A clay XP-720 mockup of what would be the 1963 model is completed and put on display. [3] [104.52]
October
  • The rear of the XP-700 is revised, lengthened, and exaggerated. Also, a double bubble hardtop is added, made from transparent plastic. [34]
December
  • A full-scale model of the Q-Corvette prototype is completed. [90]

1960

(month unknown)
  • (early) Chevrolet design staff complete a "space buck" coupe of the XP-720 program. [159.62]
February
  • At the Grand Prix of Havana in Cuba, Jim Jeffords of the Camoradi U.S.A. racing team wins the Grand Touring Sprint, and then takes second place in the Grand Prix behind a Maserati. A second Corvette, raced by Jim Rathmann, was in second place until it encountered electrical problems. [154.88]
March
  • Aluminum cylinder heads are removed as an option from the 1960 model Corvette. [104.41,143]
March
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the 12 Hours of Sebring race. Two Corvettes of the Camoradi racing team, driven by Jim Jeffords and Fred Gamble, finish second and third in GT class. [104.151] [133.72] [154.89]
April
  • At General Motor's Design Studio, Larry Shinoda completes a second full-size clay model of project XP-720, for the 1963 Corvette. The model is shown to General Motors' management. [104.52] [138.34]
(month unknown)
  • The XP-700 Corvette show car debuts. [107.18]
June
  • Briggs Cunningham takes three white Corvettes to France to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. One car reaches 151 mph, and finishes 8th overall, and 5th in GT class. The drivers are John Fitch and Bob Grossman. [79.70] [84.10] [104.151] [107.21] [133.72] (four Corvettes [1]) (1st in GT class [162.166])
June
  • Racing team Camoradi U.S.A. takes two factory prepared GT Corvettes to the 24 Hours of le Mans race in France. One places 10th, 7th in class. [154.88]
(month unknown)
  • The National Council of Corvette Clubs is organized, in Michigan. [154.72]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov and others begin work on an all-new front-engine Corvette. [104.48]
(month unknown)
  • While deep-sea fishing in the Bahamas, Bill Mitchell lands a shark and thinks of the idea for the body shape of what would be the XP-775, the Corvette Shark. [6]
(month unknown)
  • Bob Johnson, racing a Corvette, is points champ in SCCA Class B Production. [133.12] [148.15]
(month unknown)
  • Richard Thompson, racing the Corvette Sting Ray sports/racer, is points champ in SCCA Class C Sports/Racing. [133.72] [152.25]
(month unknown)
  • Filming of the TV show Route 66 begins. [33.46] (1961 [8])
August
  • Production of 1960 model Corvettes ends. [148.34]
September
  • Production of 1961 model Corvettes begins. [148.36]
October 7
  • The CBS TV show, "Route 66" debuts, with two young men driving a 1960 Corvette around the US in search of adventure. [50.725] [51.554]
November
  • The CERV I (which now means Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicle) is first shown in public at the Riverside International Raceway. It is a mid-engine, open wheel, single-seat prototype racing car. [58.53] (1959 [113.30])
December
  • A red convertible and a silver coupe of the proposed 1963 are mocked up and put out for official General Motors review. [3]

1961

February
  • The Sting Ray racer-turned-showcar is put on display at the Chicago Auto Show, at McCormick Place. [3] [49.122]
March
  • At the 12 Hours of Sebring race, Corvette drivers Delmo Johnson and Dave Morgan finish 1st in GT class and 11th overall. [104.151] [133.72] [155.29]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet begins replacing Corvette cast-iron 4-speed gear boxes with 4-speeds made with cast-aluminum cases. [103.23]
June
  • The Corvette Shark showcar makes its first appearance, at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. [5] [104.136]
July
  • Production of 1961 model Corvettes ends. [148.36]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • Richard Thompson, racing a Corvette, is points champ in SCCA Class B Production. [133.12] [148.15]
(month unknown)
  • Ed Cole proposes building a four-seat version of the Corvette for the 1963 model year, based on the XP-720 prototype. He assigns Larry Shinoda to the project. [90]
August
  • Production of 1962 model Corvettes begins. [148.38]
(month unknown)
  • Shortly after the start of the 1962 model production, a second work shift is added. [6]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet switches the Borg-Warner T-10 manual transmission from cast iron to aluminum. [28.43]
(month unknown)
  • (late) A four-seat version of the XP-720 (1963 Corvette) is created as a running prototype. The car is widely criticized, and the project is canceled. [90]
December 24
  • The final design of the next generation Corvette is approved by management. [104.52]

1962

January
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov tests a 1963 prototype in a 1962 body at the Sebring raceway. [90] [138.35]
February 11
  • At the Daytona Continental race, Dick Thompson races a 1962 Corvette of the Gulf Oil racing team to first in A/Production class, and seventh overall. [104.151] [132.69] [133.72]
(month unknown)
  • (early) Work begins on "The Lightweight", eventually known as the Grand Sport. [36] [151.90] [152.39]
March
  • At the 12 Hours of Endurance race at Sebring, Florida, M.J.R. Wylie and Duncan Black drive Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to 2nd in A/Production class, and 18th overall. [132.69]
April
  • Chevrolet debuts the XP-755 "Mako Shark" show car Corvette at the New York Auto Show. [5] [140.8]
April 29
  • At the Virginia International Raceway, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to a first overall finish. [132.69]
May 13
  • At Cumberland, Maryland, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to a first overall finish. [132.69]
June 3
  • At Bridgehampton, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to a first overall finish. [132.69]
June 13
  • At Elkhart Lake, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to a first overall finish. [132.69]
(month unknown)
  • Don Yenko, racing a Corvette, is points champ in SCCA Class B Production. [133.12] [148.15]
(month unknown)
  • Richard Thompson, racing a Corvette, is points champ in SCCA Class A Production. [133.12] [148.15]
July 8
  • At Lake Garnett, Kansas, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to a first overall finish. [132.69]
July
  • Production begins on the Grand Sport, designed for racing in World Championship races. Production is intended to be 125. [3] [7]
July
  • 25 pre-production 1963 model cars are assembled, as a test of the production equipment. The cars are then sent out for promotions and the press. [3]
August 5
  • At Wisconsin Grand Prix, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to a first in class. [132.69]
August
  • Production of 1962 model Corvettes ends. [148.38]
August 26
  • At Connellsvill, Pennsylvania, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to first place in both races. [132.69]
September
  • Production of 1963 model Corvette begins. [148.40] [167.29]
(month unknown)
  • Following the release of the 1963 model, Bill Mitchell begins work on the Mako Shark II test car. [5]
September 22
  • At Watkins Glen, Dick Thompson races Gulf Oil's 1962 Corvette to first in class. [132.69]
October 13
  • 1963 model production Corvettes make their racing debut at the Los Angeles Times Three-Hour Invitational Grand Prix in Riverside, California. The Ford-powered Shelby Cobra also makes its debut. Four Z06-equipped Corvettes enter, but only one finishes, driven by Doug Hooper. The lone Cobra breaks its rear axle one hour into the race. Hooper's Corvette wins the race. [79.70] [104.151] [90] [5] [31] [36] [106.82] [111.79] [131.55] [133.83] [140.55]
October
  • The restyled 1963 model is shown to the press. [1]
December
  • The first Grand Sport is taken to Sebring for a test session. [31] [106.5] [133.92]
December
  • With the completion of test runs of the Corvette Grand Sport at Sebring, Chevrolet promises the FIA that it will build at least 100 before next June, to qualify the car as a production model. [79.70]

1963

(month unknown)
  • Midway through the 1962 production year, Chevrolet replaces the Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed transmission with a Muncie transmision. [28.43]
January 21
  • General Motors' Chairman Frederic Donner issues a policy memo, re-iterating the company's compliance with 1957 AMA company-sponsored racing ban. This officially cancels production plans for the Corvette Grand Sport, with only 5 of the intended 125 cars built. [1] [3] [30] [55.77] [79.70] [106.5] [131.84] (February [7]) (halt called first week, 5 cars built after that [133.92]) (December 1963 [152.39])
February
  • Two 1963 Corvettes with newly developed Mark II big block 427-ci engines are entered at the American Challenge race in Daytona, Florida. Billy Krause completes the race in one car, finishing third. [131.56]
February
  • (end of month) Chevrolet revises the trim tags codes used on current model Corvettes. [167.29]
March
  • Delmo Johnson (a Dallas Texas Chevrolet dealer) won the GT class at Sebring in a 1963 ZO6 Corvette Coupe which was driven on the street........and which is raced today in SVRA (#928).
April 7
  • A Corvette Grand Sport makes its debut at an SCCA national championship race at Marlboro, Maryland. [30]
(month unknown)
  • (summer) Chevrolet decides to unofficially support the entry of Grand Sport Corvettes at the Bahamas Speed Week race (Nassau Race Week). [106.6]
(month unknown)
  • The Corvette Grand Sport cars numbered 001 and 002 are converted from coupes to roadsters. [106.5]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet begins installing Muncie 4-speed gearboxes in Corvettes. [103.23]
(month unknown)
  • Ralph Eckler founds Eckler's Corvette Parts. [106.74]
(month unknown)
  • Grady Davis obtains one of the Grand Sport Corvette coupes from Chevrolet. [106.6]
(month unknown)
  • Dick Doane obtains one of the Grand Sport Corvette coupes from Chevrolet. [106.6]
(month unknown)
  • A driver racing a Corvette is points champ in SCCA Class B Production. [133.72]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov begins work on the CERV II. [21] [30] [58.53] (1964 [17])
August
  • The Corvette Grand Sport records its first victory, at Watkins Glen. Driver Richard Thompson achieves an overall win. [30] [106.6]
September
  • Production of 1963 model Corvettes ends. [148.40] (mid-August [167.29])
September
  • Production begins on the 1964 model Corvette. [30] [148.42]
November 30
  • Three Corvette Grand Sports with 550bhp engines arrive in Nassau. [1] [3] [104.151]
December 1
  • At the International Bahamas Speed Week races, in Nassau, the John Mecom Racing team (Roger Penske, Augie Pabst, Dick Thompson, Jim Hall) race Corvette Grand Sports #003, #004, #005 on loan from GM. [133.94]
  • At the International Bahamas Speed Week races in Nassau, the 99-mile Nassau Tourist Trophy Race is held. Rear axle overheating puts Hall's No. 003 out after 9 laps, and Thompson's No. 005 in 15 laps. [152.32,34]
December 6
  • At the International Bahamas Speed Week races in Nassau, the 112 mile Governor's Trophy race is held. The Corvette Grand Sport driven by Richard Thompson blows its engine, ending its participation. Grand Sport No. 003, driven by Roger Penske, takes first in prototype class and third overall. Grand Sports No. 004 and 005 take second and third in class, and fourth and sixth overall. [106.8] [133.94] (Governor's Cup race [152.35])
December 8
  • At the International Bahamas Speed Week races in Nassau, the 252-mile Nassau Trophy race is held. Two Corvette Grand Sport cars are entered, No. 004 and No. 003. No. 004 takes first in prototype class and fourth overall. No. 003 takes third in class and eighth overall. [106.8] [133.94] [152.35]

1964

(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the Daytona Continental race. [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • (early) Bill Mitchell begins experimenting with design ideas for the next-generation Corvette. General Motors stylist Larry Shinoda begins project XP-830. [90]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet sells two Corvette Grand Sport coupes to John Mecom, Jr. [133.94] [151.90]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet sells a Corvette Grand Sport coupe to Jim Hall. [133.94] [151.90]
March
  • A Corvette finishes first in GT category at the 12 Hours of Sebring race. [104.151]
March
  • A.J. Foyt and John Cannon race John Mecom's Grand Sport Corvette coupe #003 at Sebring, losing a wheel and finishing 23rd. [106.8] [112.82]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors design staff prepare for the next major body changes, producing a full-size clay mockup of what would be the 1968 model. [1]
July
  • Production ends on the 1964 model Corvette. [30] [148.42]
(month unknown)
  • The CERV II four-wheel drive vehicle is completed. Some test results include 210 mph, and 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds. [35.10]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet engineer Frank Winchell begins building the XP-819 rear-engined test car. [17] [42.86] (1965 [35.44])
(month unknown)
  • The CERV single-seat mid-engine test car makes a brief appearance at Pikes Peak hillclimb in Colorado. [1]
(month unknown)
  • A driver racing a Corvette is points champ in SCCA Class B Production. [133.72]
August
  • Production of 1965 model Corvettes begins. [148.44]
(month unknown)
  • The TV show, "Route 66" is canceled. [33.46]
September 18
  • The last episode of TV's "Route 66" airs. [50.725] [51.554]
November
  • Jack Saunders races John Mecom's Grand Sport Corvette coupe #003 at Nassau. [106.8]
December
  • Roger Penske races Jim Hall's Grand Sport Corvette #005 at Nassau against vast and powerful Cobra opposition, winning the race. His win establishes the last General Motors victory over the Ford-powered Cobras for years to come. [1] [133.94] (November [106.8]
December
  • At Nassau Speed Weeks, Ken Hablow's 1963 coupe with an early 396 ci engine places 1st in GT class, 11th overall. [147.20]

1965

January
  • Production of the Turbo Jet 396 engine for the Corvette begins. [75.108]
January
  • John Mecom sells his Grand Sport Corvette coupe #003 to Allen and Ed Sevadjian of Arlington, Texas. [106.8] [112.82]
March
  • The Mako Shark show car is displayed for publicity photos. [104.66] [112.22]
March
  • (mid) The L78 option Turbo Jet 396 engine debuts in the Corvette. It is a 396 ci 425 hp Mark IV V8 engine, for US$292.70. [75.108] [127.54] [148.44]
March
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the 12 Hours of Sebring race. [104.151]
March
  • Grand Sport Corvette #003 is raced at Sebring, inadequately prepared with a 427 engine. It finishes 36th. [106.8]
April
  • The Mako Shark II (project XP-830), formerly called the Mako Shark, makes its debut appearance at the New York International Auto Show. The non-running full-size model cost nearly US$3 million to create. [1] [3] [5] [6] [90] [104.66] [104.138] [140.8] [155.82] [156.59]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors renames the Shark as the Mako Shark. [104.138]
(month unknown)
  • The Mako Shark II is displayed to the public at the General Motors Pavilion at the New York World's Fair. [79.59]
(month unknown)
  • A driver racing a Corvette is points champ in SCCA Class B Production. [133.72]
(month unknown)
  • Roger Penske buys a Grand Sport Corvette from Jim Hall. [140.79]
August
  • Production of 1965 model Corvettes ends. [148.44]
September
  • Production of 1966 model Corvettes begins. [148.46]
October 5
  • The second Mako Shark II show car debuts at the Paris Auto Show in France. This version is fully drivable, with a 427ci engine. [104.68,138] [140.8] [155.82]
(month unknown)
  • (fall) The body style of the next-generation Corvette is essentially complete, and an engineering prototype is tested at Michigan's Milford proving grounds. [90] [104.66]
(month unknown)
  • Roger Penske enters his Grand Sport Corvette at the Tourist Trophy Race at Bahama Speed Week. He wins at a record pace of 93 MPH. [140.79]

1966

February
  • (early) Grand Sports 001 and 002 (roadsters) are sold by General Motors to Roger Penske. [64.83] [133.94] (Penske bought one, George Wintersteen bought other [106.6])
February
  • At the Daytona Continental endurance race, Roger Penske's 1966 Corvette with 427 ci engine finishes first in GT class. [104.151] [140.79] [162.195]
(month unknown)
  • Roger Penske sells Grand Sport 001 to John Mecom. [151.90]
February
  • (or March) Roger Penske sells Grand Sport 002 to George Wintersteen. [64.83] (George bought it from Chevrolet [106.6])
March 26
  • Richard Thompson and Dick Guldstrand race Grand Sport 001 in the Sebring 12 hours race, in Florida. After 3.5 hours, it is forced off the track, and cracks its oilpan, ending its race. [64.83] (raced by Roger Penske and Richard Thompson [106.6]) (raced by Roger Penske [151.90])
March
  • Roger Penske, in his 1966 Corvette with 427 ci engine, finishes first in GT class at the 12 Hours of Sebring race. [104.151] [140.79]
(month unknown)
  • (April?) The second Mako Shark II show car is displayed at the New York Auto Show. [104.68,138] (Mako Shark [74.73])
May
  • (early) Yenko Chevrolet in Pennsylvania orders a 1966 Corvette with L88 engine for customer Mike Summers. [147.2]
May
  • One 1966 Corvette with L88 engine is assembled at the Corvette assembly plant. [147.2]
June 1
  • A single 1966 L88 Corvette is shipped from the factory to Yenko Chevrolet. [147.2]
June 2
  • Yenko Chevrolet takes delivery of a 1966 L88 Corvette. [147.3]
July
  • Production of 1966 model Corvettes ends. [148.46]
(month unknown)
  • George Wintersteen races his Grand Sport Corvette roadster in the Can-Am Series, unsuccessfully. [106.6]
(month unknown)
  • Testing of the XP-819 Corvette test car begins. [35.45]
August
  • A.O. Smith begins making bodies for 1967 Corvettes. [153.78]
September 1
  • Production of 1967 model Corvettes begins. [148.48] [153.78]

1967

(month unknown)
  • (spring) Chevrolet quietly makes the L88 engine option available for the Corvette. The 427 cubic inch engine delivers 500 hp with open exhausts, and features a 12.5:1 compression ratio. [56.54] [90] [107.45] [140.71] [155.73]
March
  • The first L88-equipped Corvette is completed. [155.28]
March
  • (late) At the 12 Hours of Sebring race, Dave Morgan and Don Yenko compete in a 1967 L88 Corvette, finishing 1st in GT class and 10th overall. [155.29]
(month unknown)
  • (spring) Zora Arkus-Duntov becomes seriously ill, and is hospitalized for several months. [90]
June
  • Dick Guldstrand and Bob Bondurant race a 1967 Corvette coupe with an L-88 427 ci engine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in Paris, France. Dick Guldstrand sets a new record speed of 171.5 mph on the Mulsanne straight. In the 13th hour, the engine fails, ending the race for the lone Corvette. [34] [132.13] [138.38]
(month unknown)
  • Late in the 1966 production year, Chevrolet introduces a stronger Powerglide automatic transmission for hydraulic-lifter 427 ci engines. [28.43]
July
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov returns to work at the Chevrolet Tech Center. [90]
July
  • Production of 1967 model Corvettes ends. [148.48]
(month unknown)
  • Mike Golas buys Grand Sport Corvette #003. [106.8]
(month unknown)
  • The Corvette engineering department is absorbed into Chevrolet's passenger car program. Zora Arkus-Duntov is transferred to special assignments. [90]
(month unknown)
  • Work on the mid-engined XP 880 test car begins. [5]
August
  • The 1968 model Corvette is shown to the press for the first time. [90]
September
  • Production of 1968 model Corvettes begins. [148.50]
(month unknown)
  • (late) The December 1967 issue of Car and Driver magazine attacks the 1968 Corvette, with editors refusing to give it a road test due to "the car's shocking lack of quality control". [90]

1968

February
  • At the 24-hour Daytona Continental race, Sunray DX Oil Company enters three Corvettes. Jerry Grant and Dave Morgan race a 1967 L88 Corvette (car No. 31). Revson/Yenko race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 29). DeLorenzo/Thompson race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 30). This is the racing debut of the 1968 model Corvette. The Grant/Morgan car finishes first in GT class and 10th overall. [7] [147.21] [155.30]
March
  • At the 12 Hours of Sebring race in Florida, Yenko/Rodriguez race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 2), Thompson/DeLorenzo race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 4), and Morgan/Sharp race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 3). One finishes first in GT class. [104.151] [147.21]
April
  • Chevrolet makes the L88 engine option generally available for the 1967 model Corvette. It features aluminum cylinder heads, and 12.5:1 compression ratio. [90] [104.62]
April
  • At a meeting of the International Motor Press Association, Zora Arkus-Duntov declares the entire scheduled production of 1968 model Corvettes sold. [90]
May
  • Larry Shinoda leave GM to join Ford. [127.30]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov is named Chief Engineer of the Corvette. [5] [113.30] (1969 FEB+ [6]) (late 1968 [90])
(month unknown)
  • Mike Golas sells his Grand Sport Corvette #003 to Allen Foster of California. [106.8]
(month unknown)
  • The XP-880, now called the Astro II, is shown at the New York Auto Show. [5] [6]
(month unknown)
  • At the long lead press preview, Zora Arkus-Duntov debuts a 1969 white Corvette convertible with ZL1 427 engine, with an aluminum block, giving 585 hp. price for the engine alone is US$4160. [155.73]
(month unknown)
  • The Corvette Aero Coupe is first shown. [79.60]
August
  • Production of 1968 model Corvettes ends. [148.50]
September
  • Production of 1969 model Corvettes begins. [148.52]
November
  • Tony DeLorenzo orders a specially-equipped 1969 Corvette for competition racing. It is paid for by Owens-Corning Fiberglas, which had hired DeLorenzo's company, Troy Promotions Inc. to race Corvettes. The car bears the code: T.P.I. 003-69. [22.28] [35.39]

1969

(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the Daytona Continental race. [104.151]
June
  • Open-chamber cylinder heads (LO suffix) are first made available to the public on Corvettes. [147.19]
(month unknown)
  • Jerry P. Palmer becomes assistant chief designer Corvette. [152.29]
(month unknown)
  • The Mako Shark II is remodeled and renamed the Manta Ray. [104.138]
(month unknown)
  • At the 1969 International Auto Show in New York City, Motion Performance shows its 1970 prototype Phase III GT Corvette. [28.12]
(month unknown)
  • Jerry Thompson and Tony DeLorenzo of the Owens-Corning Fiberglas racing team win national SCCA A/Production class in a Corvette. [79.71] [104.151] [35.37]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette driven by Allan Barker wins SCCA B/Production class. [79.71] [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • Tony DeLorenzo and Lang of the Owens-Corning Fiberglas racing team run a Corvette to first place in GT class at the Watkins Glen Six Hours of Endurance race. [104.151] [35.37]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes fourth in GT category at the 1,000 Km of Spa-Francorchamps race. race. [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet general manager John DeLorean cancels work on the XP-882, a four-wheel drive mid-engined test Corvette. [5] (1970 [28])
(month unknown)
  • (fall) Sunray DX Oil Company sells its 1967 L88 Corvette to Bob Luebbe of New York. [155.30]
November 7
  • The 250,000th Corvette rolls off the production line, a gold convertible. [6] [133.27] (November 19 [133.67])
December
  • Production of 1969 model Corvettes ends. [148.52]

1970

January
  • Production of 1970 model Corvettes begins. [148.16,54]
(month unknown)
  • The Owens-Corning Fiberglas team Corvette finishes first in GT class and sixth overall at the Daytona Continental race. [104.151] [35.37]
February
  • 1970 model Corvettes begin arriving in dealer showrooms. [24] [79.55] [98.46] [104.74]
March
  • The Owens-Corning Fiberglas team Corvette finishes first in GT class at the 12 Hours of Sebring race, finishing 10th overall. Tony DeLorenzo is clocked at 197 mph, making his Corvette the fastest ever to this point. [104.151] [35.37]
April
  • Chevrolet unveils the experimental mid-engined XP-895 Corvette at the New York Auto Show. The car is the restyled XP-882 prototype. [42.88] [47.57] [36] [58.53] [28.58] (1971 [104.139]) (XP-880 [5]) (XP-882 is shown [104.76] [158.32])
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov presents Bill Mitchell with the idea of a four-rotor engined Corvette show car. Zora gives him the chassis from the 1970 New York show car. [28.59]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors chairman Cerstenberg tells Zora Arkus-Duntov that because the present Corvette is selling so well, the mid-engined Corvette project will not continue. [28.59]
(month unknown)
  • Mike Summers sells his 1966 L88 Corvette to Robert Miller. [147.4]
(month unknown)
  • The Corvette Aero Coupe is revised and displayed as the Corvette Scirocco. [79.60]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette driven by John Greenwood wins SCCA A/Production class, with Allan Barker winning SCCA B/Production class. [79.72] [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet signs a deal with holders of the Wankel patents for US$50 million, and begins building a two-rotor and a four-rotor Corvette. [5] [42.90] (work begins in early 1971 [104.139])
(month unknown)
  • General Motors decides it should change how it reports horsepower ratings, from gross to SAE net. [6]
July
  • Production of 1970 model Corvettes ends. [148.54]
August
  • Production of 1971 model Corvettes begins. [148.56]
(month unknown)
  • (late) The Repair Department of the St. Louis Corvette plant begins building a limited number of ZR-1 Corvettes with LT-1 small-block motors, for competing in SCCA Class B racing, and ZR-2 Corvettes with LS6 454 big-block motors for SCCA Class A. [77.107]
December
  • Sales of 1970 model Corvettes ends. [169.48]

1971

(month unknown)
  • Tony DeLorenzo's Corvette finishes first in GT category and fourth overall at the 24 Hours of Daytona race. [104.151] [35.37]
March
  • A Corvette finishes first in GT category at the 12 Hours of Sebring race. [104.151]
June
  • Production of 1971 model Corvettes ends. [148.56]
June
  • A full-size fiberglass model of a Wankel-engined Corvette prototype is completed, and shown to top management of General Motors. General Motors President Ed Cole approves construction of a complete running car. [47.57]
(month unknown)
  • Car and Driver magazine's Readers' Choice Poll votes the Corvette "Best Sports/GT Car (Category III)", and "Best All-around Car". [43.61]
(month unknown)
  • Toye English buys Or Costanzo's 1969 L88 Corvette convertible, which Costanzo had raced at Sebring in 1969, 70, and 71. [147.19]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors' president anticipates the upcoming Clean Air Act by ruling that all of General Motors' cars should be designed to run on no more than 91-octane gas, which would be lead-free. [6]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in GT category at the Watkins Glen 6 Hours of Endurance race. [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • Bob Luebbe sells his 1967 L88 Corvette to David Laughlin. [155.30]
(month unknown)
  • Tony DeLorenzo sells his L-88 racing Corvette to Bobby Rinvler. [35.37]
August
  • Production of 1972 model Corvettes begins. [148.58]
December 4
  • Garrett Waddell driving a 1969 L88 coupe became the first winner of the GTO class of an IMSA (License #295) race sponsored by Camel cigarettes (Camel GT), by winning the "Alamo 200" at Texas International Speedway (now TWS) in College Station, Texas. GTU was won by an unknown driver pair named Peter Gregg and Hurley Haywood.

1972

January 14
  • General Motors ships the chassis to a prototype Wankel-engined Corvette to Pininfarina, in Turin, Italy, for construction of the car's body. [47.64]
(month unknown)
  • (early) Zora Arkus-Duntov asks Chevrolet engineer Gib Hufstader to develop a mid-engine Corvette using the Wankel rotary engine. [90]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in GT category and fourth overall at the 24 Hours of Daytona race. [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in GTO category at the Daytona Starlight 3 Hour race. [104.151]
March
  • At the 12 Hours of Sebring race in Florida, Dave Heinz and Bob Johnson race Toye English's 1969 L88 convertible to first in GT class. [104.151] [147.19]
June
  • A fully-detailed steel-bodied prototype 2-Rotor Wankel-engined Corvette is completed, and shown to General Motors management. [47.62] [48.39]
July
  • Production of 1972 model Corvettes ends. [148.58]
(month unknown)
  • A two-rotor version of the XP-882 is commissioned and built, called the XP-987GT. [42.90]
(month unknown)
  • Dick Gerstenberg puts a final stop to current mid-engine Corvette projects, on the basis that the car is selling well enough without need for such a radical change. [5]
(month unknown)
  • John Greenwood races Corvettes at the Le Mans race in Europe, setting a Mulsanne straight-away record of 211 mph. [79.72]
(month unknown)
  • Jim Prather begins the Vette Vues newsletter. [69.S3-29]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov convinces General Motors to donate the CERV cars to the Briggs Cunningham Museum. [21]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors donates the CERV I and CERV II research cars to the Briggs Cunningham Museum, in Costa Mesa, California. [11] [17]
August
  • Production of 1973 model Corvettes begins. [148.60]

1973

January
  • Work begins on adding a body to an experimental 4-rotor Wankel-engined Corvette. [47.60]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes second overall at the Daytona Continental race. [104.151]
March
  • The driving team of John Greenwood, Ron Grable, and Mike Brockman drive a Corvette to a win in its class at Sebring, and taking third place overall, the best ever showing for a Corvette at Sebring. [79.72]
April
  • A clay scale model of the 4-rotor Wankel-engined Corvette prototype undergoes aerodynamic tests in California's GALCIT wind tunnel. [47.60]
June
  • The final shape of the experimental mid-engined Corvette is approved. [48.38]
June
  • Corvette Corral, forerunner to Bloomington Gold, is first held, in Bloomington, Illinois. [131.77] [167.65] [169.36] (1972 [103])
June 28
  • The Corvette assembly plant closes due to a labor dispute. [148.62]
July
  • Production of 1973 model Corvettes ends. [148.60]
(month unknown)
  • Fred Kepler sells a 1968 L88 Corvette to Joe Searles. The car was raced at Sebring in 1968 as car No. 3. [147.22]
(month unknown)
  • David Laughlin sells his 1967 L88 Corvette to Tom Rynone. [155.30]
(month unknown)
  • Robert Patterson buys Corvette Grand Sport 003. [142.77]
August
  • Production of 1974 model Corvettes begins. [148.62]
September 13
  • General Motors show a 266ci two-rotor Wankel-engined test Corvette at the 45th German Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. The car is called Corvette 2-Rotor, (code name XP-897GT) with a steel body. [5] [45.34] [104.139]
October 4
  • General Motors premieres the 6.4-liter 390ci mid-engined Corvette Four-Rotor prototype at the Paris Automobile Salon in France. The Corvette Two-Rotor is also shown. Both use rotary engines based on Wankel technology. [5] [90] [117.55] [147] [158.32]
October 17
  • The Corvette Two-Rotor and Four-Rotor prototypes go on display at the London Automotive Show. [117.55]

1974

(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first overall in the IMSA GT race at Daytona. [104.151]
June
  • The Classic Corvette Club (1953-55) is founded. The name and scope of the organization is later changed to The National Corvette Restorers Society. [12] [18.8] [154.70]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet contracts Reynolds to build an all-aluminum show car, code-named XP-895. [88.49]
(month unknown)
  • David McLellan becomes Zora Arkus-Duntov's assistant. [104.84]
(month unknown)
  • Tom Rynone sells his 1967 L88 Corvette to Dave Dempsey. [155.]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first overall in the IMSA GT race at Talladega. [104.151]
(month unknown)
  • Chip Miller buys a 1959 Corvette in rough shape. In 10-12 years he will discover that it is Jim Jefford's old Purple People Eater Mk III, raced in 1959. [133.78]
(month unknown)
  • Robert Miller sells his 1966 L88 Corvette to Willie Halasz, minus the original engine. [147.4]
(month unknown)
  • Jerry Palmer is given responsibility for all production Corvette design starting with the 1976 model. [152.29]
September 3
  • The Corvette assembly plant re-opens following a labor strike. [148.62]
September 24
  • General Motors president Ed Cole announces that the company is postponing the introduction of a Wankel-based rotary engine, due to difficulties in meeting proposed emissions standards. [52.53] [65.53]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors president Ed Cole resigns. [151.33]
October
  • Production of 1974 model Corvettes ends. [148.62]
October
  • Production of 1975 model Corvettes begins. [148.64]

1975-1979

1975

January 1
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov officially resigns from Chevrolet; David McLellan takes over as chief engineer. [3] [5] [6] [104.81,84] [152.27] (December [48.39])
January
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov buys his 1974 company Corvette from Chevrolet. [22.44]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first overall in the IMSA GT finale at Daytona. [104.152]
April
  • The film, "Death Race 2000" is released in theaters in the US. The lead car appears to be a modified current model Corvette. [41.108]
May
  • A Car and Driver Reader's Choice Poll names the Corvette as "Best All-around Car". [16]
July
  • (late) The last 1975 model-year convertible Stingray rolls off the assembly line. [141.42] [148.64] (June [42.72])
July
  • Production of 1975 model Corvettes ends. [148.64]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the Watkins Glen 6 Hours of Endurance race. [104.152]
(month unknown)
  • Bob Paterson buys Grand Sport Corvette #003 from Mike Golas and Allen Foster. [106.8] [112.82]
(month unknown)
  • Jerry Palmer's Chevy Three design studio proposes a mid-engine Corvette design, using a V6 engine. [86.45]
(month unknown)
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov arranges for the Corvette SS to be transferred from General Motors to the Hall of Fame Museum at the Indianapolis Speedway. [113.27]
August
  • Production of 1976 model Corvettes begins. [148.66]

1976

(month unknown)
  • (early) Chevrolet engineering constructs a test car with X-car driveline and suspension, and a mid-engine V6 under a Porsche 914 body. [86.45]
(month unknown)
  • A Corvette finishes first in class at the Daytona Continental race. [104.152]
(month unknown)
  • John Greenwood races a Corvette at the 24 Hours of LeMans race in France. [22.95] [167.8]
(month unknown)
  • Smokey Yunick sells the remains of the XP-819 to Dick Walker and Steve Tate. [42.86] [104.139] [35.48]
(month unknown)
  • The Four-Rotor Corvette is given a small-block V-8 in place of its rotary engine, and renamed Aerovette. [79.60] (1975 [104.140])
(month unknown)
  • At the Bonneville Speed Week on the Utah Salt Flats, Duane McKinney's 1968 Corvette takes C/GT Class with a record 187 mph, with a 350ci unblown engine. [129.100]
(month unknown)
  • The Corvette Scirocco is restyled and displayed as the Mulsanne. [79.60]
August
  • Production of 1976 model Corvettes ends. [148.66]
August
  • Production of 1977 model Corvettes begins. [148.68]
December
  • Work is completed on the final full-size clay model of the Aerovette. [79.45] (first shown in March 1974 [86.45,48])

1977

January
  • Road & Track magazine article: "... in the spring of 1979 ... you will be able to walk into your local Chevrolet dealer and buy a mid-engine Corvette.". [158.30]
February 3
  • The anti-theft key-switch is removed from the assembly manual for the 1977 model-year Corvette body, just behind the driver's side front tire. [19.17]
  • A metal trim piece featuring crossed flags is added to the assembly manual for 1977 Corvettes, in place of the anti-theft key switch. [19.17]
(month unknown)
  • John Greenwood, driving a modified big-block Corvette, sets the Daytona Speedway lap record of 197.85 MPH. [118.78]
March 14
  • The 500,000th Corvette drives off the assembly line. [4] [53.22] [79.55] (March 15 [5] [84.13])
April 12
  • General Motors announces it is discontinuing research and development work on the rotary engine entirely. [66.D7]
May
  • Former General Motors president Ed Cole dies in a plane crash. [151.33]
July
  • Bill Mitchell resigns from General Motors. [3] [6] [32] [34]
(month unknown)
  • Irv Rybicki becomes head of General Motors Design Staff. [3] [6] [32]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors' Chevy 3 Studio begins sketching an all-new Corvette. [137.44]
(month unknown)
  • The mid-engined V8 Aerovette is first shown. [6]
August
  • Production of 1977 model Corvettes ends. [148.68]
(month unknown)
  • (late) Chevrolet engineering abandons the V6 mid-engine idea for a Corvette. [86.45]

1978

March
  • Production begins on the 1978 Limited Edition Corvette pace cars. [26]
March 27
  • The Wall Street Journal runs a front-page article about the 1978 Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars, indicating they would be excellent investments. [9]
(month unknown)
  • The name of Corvette Corral is changed to Bloomington Gold. [131.77]
May 28
  • The 62nd Indianapolis 500 race begins, with a 1978 Corvette as official pace car. [26] [61.22] [140.81]
June
  • John A. Cafaro Jr. joins General Motors Design Staff. [152.28]
June
  • The movie "Corvette Summer" premieres, in Maumee, a suburb of Toledo, Ohio. Terry Michaelis, of T. Michaelis Corvette Supplies, Inc. arranged to have the world premiere there, and raffles off a 1978 Corvette Indy pace car replica. Plus, every Corvette in the country was invited to the party. The Corvette parade set a new mark in the Guiness Book of Records, at somewhere between 5000 and 7000 Corvettes. [9] [63.53] [130.95] (May 20 [135.9])
June
  • The first Bloomington Gold Corvette show is held. It was formerly called Corvette Corral. [27.B63]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet management decides to abandon work on mid-engined Corvette prototypes, and return to the traditional front engine configuration. [90]
July
  • Chevy Three's studio chief Jerry Palmer produces a sketch of a next-generation front-engined Corvette. [86.45]
(month unknown)
  • Work on a new redesigned front-engined Corvette begins at General Motors' Tech Center in Warren, Michigan. [57.43] [79.27]
July
  • A clay model of the next-generation Corvette is made. [1] [5] [7] (October [104.100])
(month unknown)
  • Alex Davidson sells his 1969 L88 Corvette convertible, which was originally Or Costanzo's Sebring racer. [147.19]
(month unknown)
  • Tom McIntyre buys the Mickey Thompson #3 1963 Corvette, minus the original Mark II 427 engine. [131.85]
(month unknown)
  • At the Bonneville Speed Week on the Utah Salt Flats, Duane McKinney's 1968 Corvette takes D/GT Class with a record 183.407 mph two way average, with a 300ci engine. [129.100]
October
  • The movie, "High Rolling in a Hot Corvette" is released. [63.211]
(month unknown)
  • (late) pat Furey's interior-design group joins development work on the next-generation Corvette. [86.48]
December 24
  • Bill Tower buys Grand Sport No. 005. [152.37]

1979

May 7
  • Three options are made standard equipment on 1979 Corvettes: air conditioning, power windows, and tilt-telescopic steering column. [148.73]
(month unknown)
  • At the Bonneville Speed Week on the Utah Salt Flats, Duane McKinney's 1968 Corvette takes B/GT Class with a record 210.762 mph, with a 468ci big-block engine. With its single four-barrel normally aspirated carburetor, this speed record makes it the fastest carbureted car in the world. [129.100]
November
  • Construction begins on the final clay model of the basic style of the next generation Corvette. [79.49]
December
  • Chevy Three completes most work on the exterior look of the next-generation Corvette. [86.48]
(month unknown)
  • (late) General Motors shows off the Turbo Corvette. [104.140]

1980

(month unknown)
  • (early) A complete fiberglass model of the next generation Corvette is completed. [79.49]
(month unknown)
  • (early) American Custom Industries begins work on a prototype Duntov Turbo Corvette, featuring turbocharged L-48 engine and handcrafted aerodynamic body. Phase I, I, and III models are produced, ranging from US$37,900 to US$55,000. A total of 86 are built and sold. [126.49]
April
  • Design work on the interior of the next-generation Corvette is completed. [86.49]
(month unknown)
  • ACI introduces the Duntov Turbo Corvette. [113.32]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet's Vince Piggins' advance design engineering group creates the Turbo Vette 3, based on a 1981 Corvette, with turbocharged aluminum engine and throttle-body fuel injection. [117.37]
(month unknown)
  • At the Bonneville Speed Week on the Utah Salt Flats, Duane McKinney's 1968 Corvette takes AA/GT Class with a record 240.728 mph, with a dual-turbocharged 430ci big-block engine. This speed makes it the world's fastest stock-bodied car. [129.101]

1981

June 1
  • Production of Corvettes begins at a new plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The first Corvette is a beige 1981 model. [2] [3] [5] [7] [104.91] [139.46] [148.18,76] [150.42]
July 31
  • The last Corvette built in the St. Louis plant rolls off the assembly line. [2] [5] [7] (August 1 [3] [104.91] [148.18,76] [150.42])

1982

January
  • Bob Stemple becomes general manager of the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. [87.83]
(month unknown)
  • The first Corvettes at Carlisle meet is held. [151.46]
October
  • The Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, closes down to begin retooling for the new model Corvette. [5]
November
  • Final prototypes of the new model Corvette are shown. [84.13]
December
  • At the Riverside Raceway in California, Chevrolet previews the 1983 model Corvette, where the automotive press tests the car. [148.80] (January 1983 [42.114])

1983

January 3
  • Production begins on the new model Corvette. [57.37]
February 1
  • General Motors first begins officially using the name Corvette for toy cars, etc. [146]
February
  • The last 1982 model Corvette is sold. [104.96,148]
March
  • The 1984 Corvette goes on sale in the US, except for California. [5] [76.51] [104.96,148] [148.18,80] (February [3] [7]) (April [90])
April
  • The 1984 Corvette goes on sale in California. [5] (late March [67.D1] [90])
June
  • Chevrolet announces a recall of the first 6,000 1984 model Corvettes, to replace defective brake components. [80.15] (early July [67.D1]) (10,000 Corvettes [67.D1])
(month unknown)
  • Pop singer Prince releases the song, "Little Red Corvette". [42.7]
(month unknown)
  • Motor Trend magazine names the 1984 Corvette "Domestic Car of the Year" for 1984. [81.43]
(month unknown)
  • John Heinricy joins Corvette Development Group as manager, at the GM Milford Proving Ground. [127.13]
(month unknown)
  • Ed Mueller finds the missing 1967 Corvette raced by Dick Guldstrand at Le Mans, minus the L-88 engine. [132.13]
August
  • Chevrolet announces a recall of 14,000 1984 model Corvettes, to fix problems with the power steering and battery cable. [80.15]
(month unknown)
  • (summer) Chevrolet fits Bilstein shock absorbers to 1984 model Corvettes, to improve suspension. [85.99]
October
  • The Corvette plant is up to full-speed production. [5]
December
  • Chevrolet adds cast-iron and rubber dampers to the differential's subframe to reduce noise in the 1984 model Corvette. [85.99]
December
  • Chevrolet begins production of the manual gearbox for 1984 model Corvettes. [85.99]

1984

(month unknown)
  • (early) Development of a convertible Corvette begins. [104.96]
February
  • Chevrolet improves the cut of the ring and pinion gear teeth on the 1984 model Corvette, to reduce audible gear whine. [85.99]
February
  • Chevrolet adds a 3.31:1 axle ratio to the list of options for the 1984 model Corvette. [85.99]
March
  • Chevrolet adds a brace to the alternator bracket to stiffen the assembly and reduce vibration. [85.99]
March
  • Chevrolet changes the brake rotors on 1984 model Corvettes, to reduce squealing. [85.99]
April
  • Chevrolet changes the door-hinge-bushing on the 1984 model Corvette from brass to sintered iron, to increase their life. [85.99]
April
  • Chevrolet adds bumpers to the storage shelf for the roof panel of 1984 model Corvettes, to reduce rattling noise. [85.99]
May 18
  • The Bertone Ramarro show car makes its American debut at the Las Vegas Auto Expo. It is based on a Corvette, with engine moved to the rear, forward-sliding doors, and low sweeping windshield. [136.15]
June
  • The American Sunroof Corporation delivers a convertible Corvette prototype to General Motors. [104.103]
(month unknown)
  • Dave McLellan makes it clear the V8 engine in the Corvette will not be replaced with a V6. [5]
(month unknown)
  • (fall) The L98 engine with Tuned Port Injection is introduced as a replacement to the Cross-Fire throttle body injection system. [108.6]

1985

March 23
  • General Motors recalls 47,000 1984-model Corvettes for repair of the cruise control systems. [68.31]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors' President Lloyd Reuss decides to halt turbocharger development, and build a new high-tech engine for the Corvette. [62.128]
April
  • The Corvette Group meets with Tony Rudd of Lotus Engineering, to discuss Lotus 4-valve heads for the L98 Corvette engine. This eventually leads to the 1989 LT5 engine, for the ZR-1 Corvette. [4] [6] [17]
June
  • Group Lotus in Norfolk, England, proposes building a new engine for Chevrolet, who quickly approves the project. The engine would become the LT5 for the ZR1 Corvette. [99.43] [157.34]
June
  • Chevrolet Chief Engineer Don Runkle and Lotus' Tony Rudd discuss creating a new show car to show off their engineering expertise. The project would become the CERV III. [36] [168.40]
(month unknown)
  • Tony DeLorenzo's 1969 Corvette (from Owens-Corning Fiberglas racing fame) is discovered for sale in a race car shop in Santa Clara, California. Budd Hickey arranges for Tony DeLorenzo to look at it, and verifies that it is his old car. Hickey buys the car, and begins a restoration of it. [35.37]
(month unknown)
  • Corvette Development Group manager John Heinricy leaves to work for Chevrolet Division. [127.13]
August
  • Chevrolet calls Reeves Callaway, ultimately resulting in Callaway building the Twin Turbo Corvette as a Chevrolet dealer option. [32.23]
November
  • The first prototype Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette is running. [32.23]

1986

January
  • Chevrolet introduces the Corvette Indy prototype car, the CERV III, at the Detroit Automobile Show. It has 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, and CRT cockpit screens. [3] [36] [37] [104.141] [168.40]
January
  • Chevrolet announces that the Corvette has been chosen to be the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 race. [104.102]
January
  • Production of the convertible Corvette begins. [104.104]
February
  • Chevrolet begins selling convertible 1986 model Corvettes. [104.101]
May 25
  • The 70th Indianapolis 500 race begins, with a 1986 convertible Corvette as pace car. [26] [61.22]
May
  • The first Lotus/Chevrolet V8 engine runs on a test bed at Hethel, England. [17]
May
  • At the first annual vintage races at Riverside Raceway in California, Bob Paterson races his Grand Sport Corvette #003 to first place, among eight powerful Cobras. [106.82]
(month unknown)
  • Dick Guldstrand develops the Grand Sport 80 Corvette conversion. [17]
(month unknown)
  • The Briggs Cunningham Museum, housing the CERV I and II, closes. [21] [42.84]
(month unknown)
  • Building of the CERV III No. 1 is completed. [36]
October
  • Chevrolet enters into a relationship with Callaway Engineering to produce a 345 hp twin-turbo Corvette, for US$51,000. [3]
November
  • Jerry Earl's Corvette SR-2 is bought by Rich Mason of Carson City, Nevada. [18.57]
(month unknown)
  • (late in year) Corvette Indy Number 1 show car is completed, at Lotus in England. [168.40]

1987

January
  • Building of the CERV III No. 2 is completed. [36] (Corvette Indy No. 2 [168.41])
April 20
  • General Motors files for a trademark of the name Corvette for toy cars, etc. [146]
(month unknown)
  • Willie Halasz sells his 1966 L88 Corvette (minus the original engine) to Merchon's. [147.4]
(month unknown)
  • At the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland, American Sunroof Corporation and Chevrolet displays the ASC Corvette Geneve show car. [89.33] [104.106]
August
  • Car and Driver magazine hosts "Gathering of Eagles", at which a Callaway Top Gun Corvette reaches 231 mph. [33.39]
September
  • With help from American Sunroof Corporation, Chevrolet begins working on a removable hardtop for the Corvette. [19.55]
September
  • Mike Collier sells the CERV I and II cars to Steve Hendrickson and Kerrie Jones for US$300,000. [21] [42.84] (1986, US$350,000 [34])
December 1
  • General Motors' use of the name Corvette for toy cars, etc. is registered as a trademark. [146]

1988

January
  • Ed Mueller introduces the newly restored Dick Guldstrand 1967 Corvette at the 1988 National Corvette Restorer's Society Winter Meet. [132.13]
(month unknown)
  • (early in year) CERV III (Corvette Indy number 3) is driven for the first time. [168.42]
February
  • Tom McIntyre buys a 427-ci "Mystery Motor" for his 1963 Corvette that was raced by Mickey Thompson. The engine has the correct casting numbers from the original car. [131.85]
May 1
  • The first round of the SCCA Corvette Challenge race series is held in Dallas, Texas. Mark Dismore wins the race. [18.43] [139]
May
  • Journalist James Schefter asks General Motors' president if he can follow the Corvette team as they create the next-generation car. His request is granted. From the experience he writes the book "All Corvettes are Red". [166.51]
May
  • The Atlantic City Corvette Concours D'Elegance is held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Stan Dzugan's 1967 427/435 coupe restored to perfection wins Best In Show, and collects a US$16,000 prize. [170.33]
June
  • At Callaway, the financing for project Sledgehammer receives approval, clearing the way for producing a customized Corvette capable of 250 mph. [33.39]
June 24
  • The Bloomington Gold Corvette show is held. Over 800 cars and 35,000 people attend. The Bloomington Special Collection #5 features 52 L-88 Corvettes. [170.4]
(month unknown)
  • One of the five Corvette Grand Sports is sold at auction for US$500,000. [6]
(month unknown)
  • At a press review for the 1989 model Corvette, General Motors also shows an aluminum-bodied XP-895, a derivative of the mid-engined XP-882 prototype. [84.16]
(month unknown)
  • Building of the CERV III No. 3 is completed. [36]
(month unknown)
  • The name of Bloomington Gold is changed to Bloomington Gold / Corvettes USA. [131.77]
(month unknown)
  • The National Corvette Museum Foundation is established. [156.63]
August
  • General Motors blocks an auction sale of the CERV I and II, claiming ownership title to the cars. A court later rules against General Motors. [11] [42.85]
September 12
  • Bill Mitchell dies. [104.86] [32.50]
October 20
  • The Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette is taken to the Transportation Research Center in Columbus, Ohio, to see if it can run at 250 mph. [33.40]
October 26
  • The Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette reaches a top speed of 254.76 mph at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio. [17] [33.45]
November
  • Exterior color "Gray Metallic" is canceled from use on 1989 Corvettes. [148.91]

1989

January
  • The CERV I is offered for sale at an auction in Monterey, California. Bids reach US$1.2 million, but the owners want US$1.6 million. [11] [131.14]
(month unknown)
  • Gene Schiavone of Washington state, USA, buys Grand Sport 001 from Jim Pervis for US$1.2 million. He has it restored to original condition, with some modern updates to make it more drivable. [64.86] [22.12]
January 16
  • General Motors design vice president Charles (Chuck) Jordan calls John Schinella at General Motors' Advanced Concepts Center in California to order Schinella to create a "California Corvette". The running model is later dubbed the Stingray III. [137.35]
January
  • (late) 15 pilot-production Corvette ZR-1 cars are built for testing by journalists. [131.29]
February
  • (late) Chevrolet ships a special Corvette ZR-1 show car to the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland. [131.29]
March
  • (early) Chevrolet introduces the Corvette ZR-1 at the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland. [94.42] [164.79]
March
  • (mid-month) In Montpelier, France, Chevrolet gives a press preview of the Corvette ZR-1. [164.79]
March 23
  • Corvette platform manager Carlisle (Cardy) Davis presents the case for a US$250 million budget for a new model 1993 Corvette, at a Concept Initiation meeting in General Motors. The panel approves the plan. [137.58]
April 8
  • The SCCA Corvette Challenge race series begins its second season, at the Dallas Grand Prix, in Texas. [19.95] (April 9 [29.26]) (Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona [29.26])
April 19
  • Chevrolet advises its dealers that the ZR-1 option would be postponed to the 1990 model year, due to development delays in producing engines. [148.90]
(month unknown)
  • (spring) AMT/Ertl releases its 1989 Corvette ZR-1 1/25-scale model kit No. 6277. [157.70]
(month unknown)
  • (spring) Monogram releases its 1989 Corvette ZR-1 1/24-scale model kit No. 2785. [157.70]
May
  • General Motors postpones introduction of a redesigned Corvette from 1993 to 1994. [124.113] [137.68]
June 13
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov sells his 1974 Corvette for a six-figure price to Les Bieri. [22.44]
June
  • Bloomington Gold Corvettes USA is held over four days, with 30,000 attending. A 1967 with 435hp 427ci engine sells at auction for US$90,000. [167.44]
July
  • General Motors management orders the new Corvette introduction delayed from 1994 to 1995. [137.70]
July
  • Chevrolet announces it is delaying introduction of the ZR-1 Corvette until the 1990 model year, in order to create a new interior design. [104.113]
June 17
  • At the Detroit Grand Prix auction, of Vintage Sports and Racing Cars, CERV I and CERV II are put up at auction. The CERV II is bid up to US$525,000, not high enough for the reserve of US$750,000 set by owners K.D. James and Steve Hendrickson. [14.8] [28.20]
(month unknown)
  • John Heinricy returns to Corvette Development Group, as manager. [127.13]
(month unknown)
  • Planning begins on the "C5", the next generation Corvette to follow the 1984+ model. [38.38]
August 7
  • General Motors applies for a registered trademark for "ZR1". [146]
August 12
  • Music video station VH-1 starts taking entries in its Corvette sweepstakes. [20] [21] [24.28]
August
  • General Motors' Advanced Concepts Center in California displays a full-size clay model of their Stingray III show car. [137.101]
August
  • The Rick Mears edition Corvette ZR-1 debuts, introducing Competition Yellow paint. [24.11]
August
  • (late in month) At the Corvette Challenge race at Road Atlanta, Andy Pilgrim wins. [169.88]
August 27
  • The three-day Corvettes at Carlisle event completes, with attendance at 25,000, and about 2,000 Corvettes on display. [22.12]
August 30
  • Production of the 1990 ZR-1 begins, at Bowling Green, Kentucky. [12] [30] (mid-August [22.75])
September
  • At the Corvette Challenge race at Mid-Ohio, Boris Said III wins. [169.88]
September
  • At the Corvette Challenge race at Road America, Shawn Hendricks of the Valley Chevrolet team wins. [169.88]
September
  • (late in month) At the Corvette Challenge race at Mosport Park, Peter Lockhart wins. [169.89]
October 11
  • The VH-1 Corvette sweepstakes closes. 2.2 million entries were received during the contest. [21] [24.29]
October 14
  • Ecler's Corvette Parts holds its 10th anniversary open house, with over 3,000 attending. [24.20]
October 16
  • A drawing is held by music video station VH-1, giving away 36 Corvettes, one from each model year. Dennis Amodeo is the winner. [23.11] (October 15 [21])
October
  • (mid-month) At General Motors' annual executive conference in Traverse City, Michigan, General Motors president announces "The Corvette development program is now on indefinite status". [137.71]
October
  • A Corvette Museum Task Force meets for the first time, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. [27.41]
October
  • SCCA officials announce an end to the Corvette Challenge races. [23.95]
October 28
  • The final 1989 SCCA Corvette Challenge race is run, in St. Petersburg, Florida at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix circuit. The Texas American Racing Team, with driver Scott Lagase, wins the race. Overall, Bill Cooper of the Valley Chevrolet team wins the series. [24.104] [29.27] [169.89]
November
  • VH-1 contest winner Dennis Amodeo sells his 36 Corvettes to Peter Max for around US$1 million. [36]

1990

January
  • The CERV III (No. 3) makes its debut at the International Auto Show in Detroit. The car's mid-engine V-8 is a 5.7-liter 32-valve, dual-overhead cam LT5, with twin turbos and internal modifications, giving it 650 hp and a top speed of 225 MPH. [15] [36] [101.30] (March [104.114])
January
  • In the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, a 1953 Corvette in top shape sells for US$125,000. [159.41]
March 2
  • At the Firestone Test Center near Fort Stockton, Texas, a team of drivers set a dozen land speed records with a Corvette ZR-1 and a Corvette L-98. Cars were in near stock condition, minus mufflers and catalytic converters. Records include 5000 miles in a time of 28:46:12.462, 5000 km in a time of 17:40:53.748, and 4221.256 miles in 24 hours. Average speed for all record runs were 170-175 MPH. One driver is Corvette Development and Validation Manager John Heinricy. [27.83] [36] [104.152] [127.13] [154.43]
March 8
  • Carrozzeria Bertone debuts its Nivola LT5 at the Geneva Auto Show, in Switzerland. The car is based on a Corvette ZR-1, with the engine mounted behind the driver, and given distinctive Italian styling. [26]
March
  • (mid-month) Dennis Amodeo, winner of 36 Corvettes through a 1989 VH-1 contest, sells the collection to artist Peter Max for approximately US$1.5 million. [27.13]
March
  • (late in month) Bill Tower of Florida unveils his completed restoration of Grand Sport number 005. [27.10]
(month unknown)
  • A 1953 Corvette in mint original condition sells for US$125,000. [13.12]
(month unknown)
  • A 1957 Corvette with fuel-injection in excellent original condition sells for US$69,000. [13.12]
(month unknown)
  • A 1956 Corvette sells for US$56,500. [13.12]
(month unknown)
  • A 1966 Corvette with 425 hp 427 ci engine sells for US$53,000. [13.12]
April
  • The Corvette group is turned down in its request for US$2 million to begin official work on a new model 1995 Corvette. [137.92]
April
  • General Motors' Advanced Concepts Center displays a running Stingray III show car for Corvette executives and workers. [137.102]
May 11
  • Exterior color "Competition Yellow" is canceled from use on 1990 Corvettes. [148.93]
June 2
  • Ground-breaking begins on the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. [13]
June 21
  • At the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington, Illinois, the four-day event Bloomington Gold / Corvettes USA 1990 is held. New for this year is the Survivor award for well-kept but unrestored Corvettes. [27.B61,10]
(month unknown)
  • Chevrolet manager Jim Perkins successfully argues within General Motors that the Corvette program should not be cut, and that the Corvette should remain within Chevrolet. [137.93]
(month unknown)
  • Dave Dempsey sells his 1967 L88 Corvette to Richard Prince. [155.30]
(month unknown)
  • The Corvette group is ordered to plan for a US$80 million body update for the 1995 Corvette. [137.93]
(month unknown)
  • General Motors orders that a new model Corvette introduction be delayed from 1995 to 1998. [137.93]
July 24
  • The term "ZR1" is registered as a trademark, to General Motors. [146]
October
  • General Motors president Lloyd Reuss is given a presentation on the Corvette program. He agrees to cancel the proposed 1995 "reskin", and revive the US$250 million program for an all-new Corvette for 1996. [137.95]
November 2
  • In a shopping center in Bowling Green, the National Corvette Museum Annex is opened. [113.6] [156.63]

1991

January
  • Reeves Callaway unveils the Twin Turbo Corvette Speedster, a convertible with a 450hp engine. Prices start at US$107,000. [91.30]
January
  • At the International Auto Show in Detroit, ASC and General Motors' chief of advanced engineering, Don Runkle, unveil the Corvette ZR-1 Spyder, a prototype convertible ZR-1. [91.30] [92.144] [104.115]
March
  • (late in month) The Corvette development team proposes to General Motors' president Lloyd Reuss that the next generation Corvette be designed with three models in mind: removable hardtop, convertible, fixed-roof coupe. Reuss accepts the idea. [137.104]
April
  • A Rick Mears edition Corvette ZR-1 is displayed at the New York Automobile Show. [70.C2]
April
  • (late in month) A Corvette design competition is held within General Motors for the next-generation Corvette, with 13 designs from about six studios. Charles Jordan chooses a combination of designs by Tom Peters and John Cafaro. [137.105]
June
  • At the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington, Illinois, the four-day event Bloomington Gold / Corvettes USA 1991 is held. 31,430 spectators and about 6,000 Corvettes attend. [138.50] [160.32]
August 12
  • Production of 1992 Corvettes begins. [138.11]
August
  • Larry Merow starts the ZR-1 Owners Registry. [154.37]
September 26
  • Callaway Engineering completes its 500th Twin-Turbo Corvette conversion. [148.94]
(month unknown)
  • (fall) Kevin Mackay acquires a 1968 L88 Corvette from Joe Searles. The car was originally raced at Sebring in 1968 as car No. 3. [147.22]
(month unknown)
  • (fall) The first 1992 production Corvette rolls off the assembly line. With it, Chevrolet introduces the LT1 engine, capable of 300 hp at 5000 rpm. [93.71] [95.92]

1992

January
  • At the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, General Motors debuts a show car called the Stingray III, a styling preview being considered for the next generation Corvette. [38.43] [137.103] [141.12]
March 1
  • The ZR-1 Registry is formally founded as a club. [154.71]
March
  • (beginning) Ground-breaking ceremony is held next to the Corvette plant for a permanent home for the National Corvette Museum. [149.20]
March 23
  • General Motors applies for a registered trademark of "STINGRAY". [146]
April
  • The new model Corvette is delayed again, from 1996 to 1997. [137.118]
April 25
  • Chevrolet General Manager Jim Perkins announces at the Corvette Wind and Thunder meeting that there is a plan for a 1996 Corvette, but with no radical changes. [147.11]
June 5
  • Ground-breaking for the National Corvette Museum is completed. [163.103]
July 2
  • The 1 millionth Corvette is built. It is a white LT1 roadster, with red interior. [71.S8-12] [72.D4] [73.S5-3] [96.47] [97.36] [123.41] [104.117] [148.96] [108.64]
July 31
  • The Corvette Americana Hall of Fame opens in Cooperstown, New York. [148.96]
August
  • The 11th Corvettes at Carlisle is held, at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Nearly 40,000 attend. [152.65]
August 24
  • Corvette chief engineer Dave McLellan formally retires, staying on as a consultant until his replacement is named. [137.120] [152.27] (August 31 [96.52]) (September 1 [108.10])
October
  • At an Eckler's show, the Stage II Carroll Supercharged LT1 Corvette debuts. [108.7]
October
  • The last (number 10) Callaway Twin Turbo Speedster Corvette is completed. [152.47]
October 19
  • Corvette program manager Russ McLean informs his staff that the GM Strategy Board has placed all projects after 1996 on hold or canceled, including the 1997 Corvette. [137.17,122,133] (1996 and later projects [124.113])
October
  • (late) General motors executives approve the design of the next-generation Corvette, with a target release year of 1997. [124.114]
November
  • The date of building 1997 Corvettes is planned to be September 3, 1996. [137.360]
November
  • (late in month) Dave Hill, an engineer in General Motors' Cadillac program, accepts a job offer to become Corvette chief engineer. [137.130]
December
  • General Motors' Corvette group secretly contracts with TDM, Inc. to build a test car of the 1997 Corvette. The test car is officially called CERV-4 (Corvette Engineering Research Vehicle). Corvette directs the project, with Chevrolet paying for it. General Motors management is not told about it, for fear that they would cancel it. [137.143]

1993

January
  • At the 22nd Annual Awards Banquet of the Society of Plastics Engineers, the Corvette platform team is given the Environmental award for their use of recycled sheet molded compound body panels. Chevrolet is given the Hall of Fame award for the 1953 Corvette. [108.11]
January
  • AMT/Ertl releases the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Street Machine 1/25-scale model kit. [108.13]
February 2
  • The term "STINGRAY" is registered as a trademark to General Motors. [146]
February
  • General Motors Powertrain Division decides to discontinue development of the Gen II engine as a small-block, and create a new medium-displacement V-8 engine. [145.36]
May 3
  • Corvette chief engineer Dave Hill unveils the CERV-4 test car at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren. Most of the hundreds of people attending did not even know the test car was being built. It cost Chevrolet about US$1.2 million to build. [137.193]
June 14
  • Corvette program manager Russ McLean and chief engineer Dave Hill meet with the General Motors Strategy Board, including General Motors president Jack Smith, to get approval for Concept Initiation of the 1997 Corvette program. The plan is approved. [137.207]
June 29
  • Chevrolet general manager Jim Perkins states that a fifth-generation Corvette will be produced for the 1997 model year. [72.D4]
(month unknown)
  • John Heinricy is promoted to assistant chief engineer of Corvette. [127.13]
August 10
  • The 1997 Corvette program begins Concept Alternatives Selection, in which virtually every part, procedure, and design layout is presented, defended, and decided on. The program provisionally passes, pending a two-week review of some components. [137.218]
September 1
  • Engine warranty repair conditions for the LT5 change. Mercury Marine now only works on engines with less than 12,000 miles or 12 months use. Chevrolet handles service beyond those ranges. [148.102]
November
  • Mercury Marine completes building all LT5 engines destined for Corvette ZR-1 cars for the year. [148.102]

1994

January 1
  • Chevrolet begins handling all warranty engine repairs for LT5 engines. [148.102]
February 19
  • Reeves Callaway decides to produce a modified Corvette to race at Le Mans, the first time for a Corvette in almost 20 years. [59.53]
April
  • General Motors holds a marketing clinic in Los Angeles, to ascertain how well the new 1997 model Corvette might sell. 60% of the clinic attendees say they would buy the Corvette over the competition. No General Motors car has ever earned that high of a response. [137.263]
May
  • (early) General Motors' Strategy Board convenes with Corvette group executives for the Concept Approval phase of the Four-Phase process of building new cars. Conditional approval is given to pass from Phase Zero to Phase One, subject to a review in one month regarding production downtime between the 1996 model and the 1997 model. [137.264]
May 9
  • Reeves Callaway takes its modified Corvette to the Le Mans race track, for the test day. [59.53]
May
  • A Reeves Callaway Corvette qualifies at Le Mans for the pole position in the GT2 class. At the 6-hour mark, the car is leading in its class, and is 8th overall. But at the 9-hour mark, the car runs out of gas, due to a fuel economy miscalculation. [59.54]
June
  • (early) General Motors' Strategy Board meets again with the Corvette group, continuing their arguments defending their request to proceed on schedule toward production building of the new 1997 model Corvette. It is agreed that plant conversion would begin in April 1996, with final current model production ending on June 21, 1996. [137.274]
June
  • The 22nd annual Bloomington Gold Corvette show is held, in Springfield, Illinois. 32,000 attend. [143]
June 26
  • The first C5 (1997 model) alpha test car rolls out of the assembly room. Build chief John Fehlberg has the honor of being the first C5 driver. [137.277]
July 10
  • At the four-hour endurance GT Championship race at Vallelunga, Italy, A Callaway SuperNatural Corvette LM driven by Andreas Fuchs and Enrico Bertaggia finishes first in GT-2 class and second overall, behind a Ferrari F40. [143.79]
July 13
  • The second C5 test car is completed. [137.278]
July 29
  • The last 1994 model Corvette is produced. [143.11]
(month unknown)
  • (mid-year) the second CERV 4 is delivered to the Corvette group. [137.249]
(month unknown)
  • George Swanson is buried in his 1984 white Corvette in the Brush Creek Cemetery in Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania. [137.162]
(month unknown)
  • (July/August) At the Spa/Francorchamps four-hour race, a Callaway SuperNatural Corvette LM driven by Boris Said and Halmut Reis finishes first in GT-2 class, and third overall. [143]
September 2
  • The National Corvette Museum opens in Bowling Green, Kentucky. 4000 Corvettes attend. Over the three-day weekend, 118,000 people visit the museum. The gift shop does US$1 million in business. [39.96] [113.6] [133.37] [137.281] [165.38] [82.82] [148.100]

1995

(month unknown)
  • (early) Greg and Kaija Therell found the Sting Rays Corvette Club, in Florida. [103.10]
February 9
  • The first alpha test C5 Corvette enters public roads for the first time. [137.310]
April 10
  • General Motors starts building the first C5 beta test car. [137.325]
April 28
  • The last ZR-1 Corvette rolls off the assembly line. During its six year lifetime, 6939 ZR-1 Corvettes were built. [60.98] [62.127]
May 28
  • The 79th Indianapolis 500 race opens, with a 1995 Corvette performing the role of Official Pace Car. [61.22]
June
  • Three Reeves Callaway SuperNatural Corvettes enter the Le Mans race in Paris, France. One qualifies for the pole position in the GT2 class, and finishes second in class, 10th overall. Another finishes third in class, and 11th overall. [59.54] (first car finishes 9th overall [119.96])
October 19
  • General Motors names Dave Hill Corvette's vehicle line executive, a new title in General Motors' ongoing restructuring. [137.341]

1996

March 6
  • Dave Hill makes the final decision to stop C4 model Corvette production and put all emphasis on C5. June 16 is set as the last day of building C4 Corvettes. [137.355]
March
  • General Motors begins preparing the Bowling Green assembly plant for the next generation Corvette. [122.36]
April 21
  • Zora Arkus-Duntov dies at age 86, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. [102.12] [82.6] [113.26] [137.363] [151.35]
June 11
  • General Motors holds a press conference to announce and display the new Gen II engine for the 1997 Corvette. The engine will be known as RPO LS1, a 5.7 litre V-8. [145.36]
June 21
  • The last Corvette of the fourth-generation "C4" body style (used since 1984) is produced. Over 300,000 cars were produced since 1984. The car is bought by Mike Yager, owner of Mid-America Design, for his museum in Illinois. [137.359] [82.6] [122.36]
June 27
  • The 24th annual Bloomington Gold three-day event begins. Over 1200 Corvettes attend, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. About 45,000 people attend. [145]
August
  • The first pre-pilot 1997 Corvettes roll of the assembly line. [137.190]
August 29
  • The 15th annual Corvettes at Carlisle begins, running over the weekend at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Over 3,500 Corvettes and 46,000 people attend. 400 members of the ZR-1 Registry club show their cars. [83.40]
  • At the Corvettes at Carlisle auction, a 1967 Tuxedo Black roadster with 427/435 motor and 16,000 original miles sells for US$75,000. [82.10]
September 3
  • Workers at the Bowling Green, Kentucky, Corvette plant begin assembling the first production 1997 Corvette. [137.360]
September
  • The first pilot 1997 Corvettes roll of the assembly line. [137.191]
October 1
  • The first production 1997 model Corvette is completed. [137.361]
November
  • The 1997 model Corvette is unveiled to the press. [109.6]

1997

January 6
  • Chevrolet unveils the 1997 Corvette, dubbed "C5". A new small-block V-8 engine is introduced, the LS1, with 345 hp, and 10:1 compression ratio. [90] [115.24]
January 8
  • The 1997 model Corvette is introduced in Canada, in Montreal. [115.43]
March 7
  • Chevrolet begins selling the 1997 model Corvette. [125]
May
  • At the Nevada Open Road Challenge, an ex-GTO Corvette is the overall winner, averaging 187.66 MPH on the 90-mile race. [161.52]
(month unknown)
  • Maisto releases its 1/24-scale C5 Coupe. [161.78]
(month unknown)
  • At the Bonneville salt flats, Ed Van Scoy drives his stock 1985 Corvette to a world record 203.226 MPH. [116.11]
(month unknown)
  • Mid American Designs purchases the 1959 CERV I, for display in its "My Garage" collection of rare Corvettes and memorabilia in Illinois. [103.12]
August 22
  • The "Corvettes at Carlisle" 1997 show records attendance of 48,500 over three days. [116.46] [161.79]
September
  • (Labor Day) 9,000 Corvette owners attend a special weekend gathering at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Chevrolet introduces the 1998 convertible Corvette. [116.38] [115.26]
September 13
  • Mid America Designs hosts Funfest '97, with 3,400 Corvettes and 20,000 people attending. [127.50]
November 1
  • Corvette assistant chief engineer John Heinricy is re-assigned to chief engineer of GM's F-platform engineering group. [127.13,70]
November
  • Ralph Eckler retires from the Corvette aftermarket business. [144.11]
November 16
  • Larry Shinoda dies of kidney failure. [127.30] (November 13 [151.35])
December 16
  • Location of the ABS/Traction Control System brake pressure modulator is moved from the rear of the Corvette to behind the radiator. [127.67]
(month unknown)
  • (late) Motor Trend magazine selects the 1998 Corvette as its 1998 Motor Trend Car of the Year. [134]

1998

June
  • Jim Campbell is named brand manager for Corvette at Chevrolet Motor Division. [156.43]
August
  • (Labor Day weekend) Dave Hill officially introduces the 1999 hardtop Corvette. Price is US$38,777. [151.29]
August
  • (end) Corvettes at Carlisle is held. 53,7000 participants attend, with 6,000 Corvettes. [151.48] [153.52]
September 4
  • The Corvette Hall of Fame inducts Ed Cole, General Motors President and Chief Engineer of Chevrolet. [151.33]
  • The Corvette Hall of Fame inducts Bill Mitchell, head of General Motors Design staff. [151.34]
  • The Corvette Hall of Fame inducts Joe Pike, Corvette promoter and editor of Corvette News and founder of the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC). [151.34]
  • The Corvette Hall of Fame inducts Larry Shinoda, designer and member of the 1963 Sting Ray design team. [151.34]
  • The Corvette Hall of Fame inducts Zora Arkus-Duntov, first Chief Engineer of Corvette. [151.35]
September 8
  • Baseball team St. Louis Cardinals president Mark Lamping presents team member Mark McGwire with a red 1962 Corvette, after McGwire hits his 62 home-run of the season. [151.76]

1999

(month unknown)
  • At the Daytona 24 hour race, Chevrolet debuts the GT2 class C5-R race car Corvette. [155.31]
March 20
  • At the 12 Hours of Sebring race, Ron Fellows, John Paul Jr., and Chris Kneifel drive C5-R No. 3, finishing 4th in class. Andy Pilgrim, Scott Sharp, and John Heinricy drive C5-R No. 4, but do not finish the race. [156.8]
June 24
  • The Bloomington Gold Corvette Show is held. [155.82]
August 27
  • The Corvettes at Carlisle meet is held, at Carlisle Pennsylvania Fairgrounds. [155.14]


 

    Site created and developed by Dave Huhn

  Changes last made on: Sunday December 16, 2001