This Day in History: Chevrolet Corvette

America’s sports car celebrates 70 years

Alameda Post - an old black and white photo of a Chevrolet Corvette
The iconic car’s first publicity photo. Photo General Motors.

On June 30, 1953, the first Chevrolet Corvette was built. Just six months after its General Motors “Motorama” debut at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, the popular Corvette concept became a production car. The first Corvettes were largely hand-built at GM’s plant in Flint, Michigan. Just 300 examples were produced, all of which were Polo White with a red interior.

Alameda Post - a modern Corvette
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Edition in White Pearl Metallic Tri-coat. Photo General Motors.

The Corvette is now in its eighth generation. Seventy years in production is an automotive milestone, as Corvette holds the distinction of the longest-running nameplate of any car on the road today–second only to Chevrolet’s Suburban SUV, which was first introduced in 1934. To commemorate the occasion, GM is offering a 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette in a choice of Pearl White Metallic Tricoat or Carbon Flash Metallic (black). All 2023 Corvettes will be proudly adorned with 70th Anniversary badging.

John Berg is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post.

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