The first generation ‘C1’ Corvettes. From the first model of 1953-55 with the 235 cubic inch ‘Blue Flame’ six & 2 speed Powerglide auto, to the Ed Cole-designed 265 & 283 small block V8 powered models from ‘55 to ‘62. Three speed stick shift and four barrel carb was standard, optional was a four speed stick, Rochester fuel injection, Duntov cam and fuelie heads - look out!

This gallery chronicles the crucial first chapter of a legend: the original C1 Chevrolet Corvette. Starting with the revolutionary fiberglass body and inline-six of the limited-production 1953 model, these original advertisements capture the car's evolution from a stylish roadster concept—promoted as a "Forecast of a New Era"—to a genuine performance machine. Follow the marketing story as it shifted focus in 1955 with the vital V8 engine, and later celebrated the sleek, sculpted lines, roll-up windows, and Zora Arkus-Duntov's engineering innovations that ultimately cemented the C1 as a true competitor to European imports and firmly established the Corvette as America's one and only sports car.