motor cars

(Joyce) #1

204 | GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE


262


1961 chevroLet corvette correction signature


Registration no. BOF 68A


Chassis no. 10867S108131


Back in 1953, Chevrolet’s launch of a two-seater sports car was a
radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively
with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car,
the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened
chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled
glassfibre coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet’s 235.5ci
(3.8-litre) overhead-valve straight six and, unusually for a sports car,
there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much
adverse criticism at the time.


Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way
above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory but with
an inferior performance. Sales were sluggish initially and the model
came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet’s need to
compete with Ford’s Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical
restyle for ‘56 consolidated the ‘Vette’s position in the market. A
facelift for 1958 saw the Corvette gain a quartet of chrome-rimmed
headlamps and a host of other more minor styling changes. Perhaps
not surprisingly, alterations for the next couple of years were few.
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