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History of the Chevrolet Corvette
The predecessor of the Stingray was showcased during the 1953 New York Auto Show. It had an engine with 150 horsepower and automatic transmission. It was sold for around $3,500.
Through that first generation, several improvements were made to the introduction of a 4.3 liter V8 engine with 195 horsepower, addition of dual round taillamps, and the addition of fuel injection.
It was during the second generation of this car when the name Stingray was born. It came from a 1958 concept car that GM chief designer Bill Mitchell worked on. Mitchell and assistant Larry Shinoda designed a new body for the Corvette with a high waistline, sharply creased fenders, and chiseled prow. They called it the Stingray, and the name stuck.
The third generation is known for its vehicular additions. A key model for this generation is the ZR-1 which is considered as the King of Corvettes. It includes an LT1 engine with 370 horsepower and upgraded suspension and brakes. There were only 53 first generation models built between 1970 and 1972 which makes the ZR-1 one of the rarest Corvettes ever.
During the fourth generation, GM introduced innovations like airbags, tuned-port injection, and selective ride control. The Corvette convertible also returned during this generation.
The fifth generation of the Corvette Stingray ran from 1997 to 2004. Some of the innovations introduced during this generation are head-up display, active handling system, variable effort steering and a drive-by-wire throttle.
The sixth generation, or the C6, was in the market from 2005 to 2013. Models under this generation had a set of fixed lights as GM did away with the concealed headlamps that were a fixture for more than four decades.
With its reputation as a legendary sports car, it is not surprising that the Corvette Stingray is well loved. Many celebrities, in fact, are known to own a Corvette Stingray. The list includes host Jay Leno and actor Robert Downey Jr., who both own the classic 1963 Corvette Stingray.
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