La Historia
del Chevrolet Corvette
Corvette C1. The American Revolution Corvette C2. The sportsmanship comes to the fore. Corvette C3. The law of desire. Corvette C4. Advanced Technology. Corvette C6. The American Dream more European.
On the 30 of June, from the Chevrolet fabric on Flint, Michigan the first American sporting car came out: the Corvette. In this plant there was space only for six cars and in the production line they only made, by hand, three Corvettes a day. By the Christmas of 1953 they had produced 300 units. The mechanic Tony Kleiber had the honour of driving the first unit in a project that had “green light” a year before. Exactly on the 2 of June 1952 the presidents of the general motors, Harlow Curtice, and the general manager of Chevrolet, Thomas Keating gave the ok to the production of the prototype “EX-122”. The idea was to import the English “roadster” concept and adapt it for the American market. Although in the beginnings it was not easy they soon realized it was a good idea. Harlow Curtice y Thomas Keating bet for the project giving the ok… but who had the idea? The idea was from the fabulous designer Harley Earl who left his mark on the use of fibber glass and in the discreet back fin from the C1. The first Chevrolet Corvette of the history appeared in a white polo colour with a red inside in the GM Motorama exposition in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel of New York on January 1953.
The newly released Corvette bodywork was manufactured from fibber glass chassis assembled on the car and walers. It was Harley J. Earl promoter of the use of this material, and assumed that the C1 was the first production car to be manufactured in fibber glass. He decided to use this material for its low weight and to give designers more freedom and accelerate the establishment since production began shortly thereafter. While working with the fibber glass requiring a process of stamping, sealing joints and relatively long. It is against the background that the Corvette is a car-is - minority, mounted small series which allowed 'Hollywood' Harley Earl, as he was known in environments Auto Detroit- experiment with the material. As far as size is concerned, it is difficult to explain what it feels like to be in front of the C1. Accustomed to the small MG, Lotus or Morgan at the time, the American model is simply enormous, but for the Americans it was small, a matter of" relativity ". It measure 4.25 meters long, 1.77 wide and 1.31 high. His distance between axles was 2,490 mm, while the width of track was 1,447 mm and 1,493 mm front the rear. The train had front suspension independent but the rear was a simple rigid axle with crossbows as shock absorbers and suspension system and assembled the differential, as the Corvette is, and has always been, propulsion. Tires were plates, in both axles of 15 "inches tall and hiding them after four drum brakes. Weighed 1,310 pounds and had a fuel tank capacity of 68 litters. At a time in history when a country like the United States released "From here to Eternity," or accusing the genius of Charlie Chaplin communist, forcing him to flee, and the mean price of a new car around the 1,850 dollars, of a house of 16,000, the gallon of gasoline (3.78 litters) costing 0.21 dollars and a stamp 3 cents and the Corvette went on the market with a price of 3,498 dollars. In addition, he had to pay 91.40 dollars for the heating system and 145.15 for an AM radio as optional equipment. The only available colour was white with the inside and tires in red and black hood. It was therefore a cheap car. But not intended to be. The aim was to be a sports car dream, and thought to enjoy manufactured at the controls of the road and the car. And they announced during its early years: "See to be believed," read their advertising. In the front view underlines the huge chrome grille that allows the entry of air to the engine, protected by an 'aggressive' jaw that played the part of the bumper. Special mention should be protectors' lighthouses, most own circuit that road. The panoramic windscreen surrounding the occupants moons triangular side. The trunk, shaped descending curve, ran tangent to the upward curve of lateral fins. The line from the waist drew a "wave" after the door and went to the passage of wheel. The design of the waist line was clean, flowing without interruption except for the mirror on the side of conductor- since no levers assembled doors. In the place of these elements of openness, had two springs camouflaged in the chrome surrounding of the passenger compartment. The top, made of canvas and manual, was hiding in a brief of the occupant compartment and trunk. Its mechanism was very simple and effective and has continued to use for years. In this C1 comprising pilots, and below, put into the bodywork and disguised with chrome ornaments, the two leaks, one on each side of enrolment. Under the hood is one of the engines' less graceful 'in the history of the model. Called 'Blue Flame', it has six cylinders in line and 3.8 litter engine capacity, 3 carburettors and two valves per cylinder. Developing 150 horses -160 in evolution to modify the tree cam the following year- and associated with an automatic transmission "Powerglide" that did not provide large benefits. Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster General specifications Country of origin United States Years of production 1953 - 1955 Introduced at 1953 Motorama Numbers built 1953: 300 1954: 3640 1955: 700 Body design Harley Earl / in-house Weight 1309 kilo / 2885.9 lbs Drivetrain Engine Blue Flame Straight 6 Engine Location front , longitudinally mounted Displacement 3.859 liter / 235.5 cu in Valvetrain 2 valves / cylinder, OHV Fuel feed Carter 2066S Carburetor Aspiration Naturally Aspirated Gearbox Powerglide 3 speed Automatic Drive Rear wheel drive Performance figures Power 150 bhp / 112 KW @ 4200 rpm Torque N/A BHP/Liter 39 bhp / liter Power to weight ratio 0.11 bhp / kg Top Speed N/A 0-60 mph Acceleration N/A   The enthusiastic creators did not count that the American drivers enjoy the car as much as they did. It was not enough to increase 10 hp at six in the power lines. The American driver wanted a V8. And when in 1954 was presented the Ford Thunderbird with V8 engine; the General Motors had the solution. The solution came from the hand of the Chief Engineer and second Chevrolet "spiritual father" of the Corvette, Ed Cole who, along with the young engineer and loving competitions automobile Zora Arkus-Duntov, gave the Corvette's first V8 engine: Small-block. The effect was transcendental. In 1955 the C1 happened to be a pleasant and colourful tandem manufactured in fibber glass to become a true sports car "made in the USA." This new model V8 engine differs from its predecessor aesthetically for the great 'V' over impressed in Chevrolet looks to the floor on the sides. With an engine capacity of 4,342 cc. Developing 195 hp thus providing better benefits. And a new three-manual switching gears as well as increasing the electric current to 12 volts. With the new engine they had to modify the platform in front of the carrier which brought two critics to the model. The first was that the seats were too high which could cause inconvenience to drivers of high stature, especially to move with the roof closed. And the second, that the pedals were very vertical, which was not comfortable on long distance journeys. Still, the new model caused enthusiasm and emphasized their sportsmanship, taking advantage of the new engine. It had new front suspension and new seats and announced its enhanced ability to link curves. After three years unchanged aesthetic in an era in which every year the manufacturers' begging with a model that had at least slight modifications aesthetic, the Corvette requested cries a new image. It had sold only about 4,640 units Corvette, including the new engine while the Ford Thunderbird, natural rivals in those years, exceeded 16,000 in just one year. In 1956 the Corvette had a second chance. If failed, it would have probably been the last. But they took advantage. So far, Chevrolet has sold more than one million two hundred thousand Corvettes in six generations. Thus, in 1956, it took place the first major redesign of the body, but remained dimensions and chassis of the previous, with the same battle. Yes they reduced the tank capacity in 6 litters, and the weight increased to 1,433 kilograms. The rear fins appeared and disappeared completely in the footsteps of bulky front wheel, vertical headlamps, the first painting bicolour and the lever for opening the doors. On the inside, the backs of the seats were integrated harmoniously with the lid on the hood while the dashboard maintained it’s symmetrically with the rear-view mirror erected in centre. The suggested retail price stood at 3,467 dollars and was still offering radio and heating options, and more expensive. Speaking of options, the list grew. Stresses the new "Hardtop" or removable hard roof that cost 215.20 dollars, 26.70 dollars more than the automatic transmission Powerglide. The two-tone paint were 19.40, while the V8 engine two carburettors, four bodies on bench, 225 hp and closing abbreviated, it was a choice that cost 172.20 dollars and was elected by 3,080 buyers. More options were: Electric roof (107.60 $) -idea H. Earl-, elevalunas Electric (64.40 $) or the tree cam "High Lift" –it allowed biggest step mixing the cylinders- of Duntov, which cost 188.30 dollars. It was available in three colours, the colours in two-roof and many others inside and tyres. Little by little the Corvette was a gap in the market. The modified Chevrolet sales strategy, allowing access to the model to the general public, not just to their customers' VIP '. In addition, maintenance was performed on all Chevrolet dealers. During that year and the preceding Chevrolet enhanced the image of car unique and different, both aesthetically and in his leadership. Advertising argued: "It seems different, and it is." Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster V8 General specifications Country of origin United States Produced in 1955 Introduced at 1953 Motorama Numbers built 700 Body design Harley Earl / in-house Weight 1272 kilo / 2804.3 lbs Drivetrain Engine V 8 Engine Location Front , longitudinally mounted Displacement 4.343 liter / 265 cu in Valvetrain 2 valves / cylinder, OHV Fuel feed Carter 2066S Carburetor Aspiration Naturally Aspirated Gearbox 3 speed Manual Drive Rear wheel drive Performance figures Power 195 bhp / 145 KW Torque N/A BHP/Liter 45 bhp / liter Power to weight ratio 0.15 bhp / kg Top Speed N/A 0-60 mph Acceleration N/A  An important year: 1957. They were built 6,339 units, and although this year did not bring major changes to aesthetic Corvette they were at another mechanic. In vain engine stayed a new V8 engine of a cylinder capacity greater achieved by increasing career and decreasing the diameter of the cylinders. This rose from 4,342 cc to 4,637 cc. It was accompanied by a new manual gearbox four marches Borg-Warner and, most important, a simple but effective mechanical Rochester injection system, which even today can be found diagrams and explanations about how they work. This version was top of range and announcing 283 hp. Only 17 percent of buyers opted for the injection but marked the beginning of a new era for the Corvette engine. Indeed, it was "turned" in the electronic model 1982. In 1957 they offer five mechanical options. In fact, the options were four and that was sold with V8 engine from 220 hp and, optionally, there were four engines. All had 4,637 cc. But, the three less potent maintained carburettors and delivered 220, 245 and 270 hp. The two injections "playing" with compression to deliver (with a compression 9.1 to 1) 250 hp and 283 hp compression with increased (10.1 to 1). The broadcasts were threefold: automatic two marches, manual and the new three of four. The weight increased to 1,481 kilograms. With these new arguments, won the sportsmanship and the entire Corvette already beginning to become what it is today. The legend began to be written. And the "champion, Juan Manuel Fangio, participated in it, to fly a Corvette in this year's edition of 'The 12 hours of Sebring ..." If only for 120 miles as the tree transmission failed, removal of the race. Chevrolet Corvette SS General specifications Country of origin United States Produced in 1957 Numbers built 1 Body design N/A Weight 850 kilo / 1873.9 lbs Drivetrain Engine 90º V 8 Engine Location Front , longitudinally mounted Displacement 4.638 liter / 283 cu in Valvetrain 2 valves / cylinder, OHV Fuel feed Rochester Fuel injection Aspiration Naturally Aspirated Gearbox 4 speed Manual Drive Rear wheel drive Performance figures Power 310 bhp / 231 KW @ 6400 rpm Torque N/A BHP/Liter 67 bhp / liter Power to weight ratio 0.36 bhp / kg Top Speed 295 km/h / 183 mph 0-60 mph Acceleration N/A    The model 1958 premiered "bifaro 'striker, as bearer of the new brand image of Chevrolet, which was beginning to utilize this aspect. It is also important to note that grows 229 mm long, 51 mm wide and increases in almost 75 kilograms in weight. The carrier has a new instrument panel and new watches, speedometer encryption to 160 mph (256 kph) and new upholstery for the seats. This year team for the first time, safety belts, even ventral. Chevrolet Corvette C1 V8 Convertible General specifications Country of origin United States Years of production 1958 - 1962 Numbers built 1958: 9168 1959: 9670 1960: 10261 1961: 10939 1962: 14531 Body design N/A Weight 1370 kilo / 3020.3 lbs Drivetrain Engine 90º V 8 Engine Location Front , longitudinally mounted Displacement 4.640 liter / 283.2 cu in Valvetrain 2 valves / cylinder, OHV Fuel feed 2 Carter Carburetors Aspiration Naturally Aspirated Gearbox 4 speed Manual Drive Rear wheel drive Performance figures Power 245 bhp / 183 KW Torque N/A BHP/Liter 53 bhp / liter Power to weight ratio 0.18 bhp / kg Top Speed N/A 0-60 mph Acceleration N/A     Corvette C1. The American Revolution Corvette C2. The sportsmanship comes to the fore. Corvette C3. The law of desire. |
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