View allAll Photos Tagged horespower
SOO acquired in the fall of 1990 three GP30Cs, numbers 4300-4302, built by Generation II using 2,000-horespower CAT 3516 prime movers on GP30 frames. Here one leads a return trip of SOO's transfer out of St Paul to BN's Northtown Yard. The are passing the westbound control signals for the interlocking at University Avenue.
With the area in the grips of the first true snow event of teh winter of 2024-2025, A fresh crew, Just boarded in Milwaukee, settles in on the Borealis for the trip to St Paul Union Depot as the Ole Silver Horsepower, Amtrak P32-BWH 500 leads the charge west, clearing fresh snow off the rails of Main 1 at Harmonee Ave in Wauwatosa, WI on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. The veteran General Electric P 32-8 BWH is getting a chance once more to stretch its legs on the main. Once front-line power, the 500s spend most of their time in the yard these days, and getting photos of them in road service is a treat.
Hey tomorrow is the first of December, soooo time for a Christmas MOC. I am sure that all presents will be delivered in time this year, because Santa now has some help (with immense horse power).
I always wanted to make such a X-mas MOC. I am carrying this idea fore several years but I never had the time to realize it. So this year, I started at the beginning of November and here it is.
The car design based on one my old Thunderbolt MOC from 2014. But I think it still looks great, what do you think?
Check out some details:
With Amtrak General Electric P 32-8 BWH 500 leading, a CH7 engineer has a late running Amtrak Train 332(20), Morning Hiawatha Service Train, back to speed at Oakwood Road In Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Train 332 has just departed the station at Milwaukee General Mitchell International and crossed over to Main 2 at Lake en route to Sturtevant, Glenview, and Chicago. The veteran General Electric P 32-8 BWH is getting a chance once more to stretch its legs on the main. Once front-line power, the 500s spend most of their time in the yard these days, and getting photos of them in road service is a treat.
With the area in the grips of the first true snow event of the winter of 2024-2025, an on time Train 1333(12) west toward the next stop at Columbius, WI, clearing fresh snow off the rails of Main 1 at Harmonee Ave in Wauwatosa, WI on Wednesday, 12 February, 2025. A fresh crew, Just boarded in Milwaukee, settles in on the Borealis for the trip to St Paul Union Depot. Once front-line power, the 500's spend most of their time in the yard these days and getting photos of them in road service is a treat.
Moving at track speed, Train 1333(13) leaves a blizzard of fresh powder in its wake as it clears the control point at Pewaukee, MP 104.2, the west end of the double track coming out of Milwaukee on the CPKC Watertown Subdivision, next up, Train 1333 will skirt Pewaukee Lake as it heads west through the Lake Country of Waukesha County en route to Columbus, Wisconsin.
Hey tomorrow is the first of December, soooo time for a Christmas MOC. I am sure that all presents will be delivered in time this year, because Santa now has some help (with immense horse power).
I always wanted to make such a X-mas MOC. I am carrying this idea fore several years but I never had the time to realize it. So this year, I started at the beginning of November and here it is.
The car design based on one my old Thunderbolt MOC from 2014. But I think it still looks great, what do you think?
This is a picture of a poster hanging in my garage, I wish I had shot this photo.
On 11/12/99 at Pomona CA. Top Fuel qualifying was halted Friday afternoon by a violent blower explosion that occurred when Doug Herbert left the starting line. His dragster traveled less than thirty feet when a devastating supercharger blast erupted unlike any witnessed in NHRA history.
According to NHRA reporting, fourteen spectators were treated for injuries with ten being transported to area hospitals. The blast was so intense, segments of the rotor casing landed hundreds of feet outside the race facility. Fans and racers inside the facility were showered with debris that littered the area of the return road from the starting line hundreds of feet forward.
No, this train doesn't have 90 cars, but it is led by a fairly rare SD9043MAC. Although over 400 of them were built by EMD, they had serious mechanical and design issues. Most of them couldn't operate at the full designated horsepower, so they ran them like SD70ACEs, with similar horespower. As you can see, these things are beasts, and Unuin Pacific put nearly all of them in storage. A recent upturn in shipping demand, however, forced UP to bring these out of hibernation. And so, during the winter that seemingly never ended, on a very cold night, UP 3591 leads the regular autorack train from the Chrysler plant in Belvidere, IL to West Chicago. He's coming into Huntley with an impressive number of autoracks in tow.
While the crew was on duty at 1900 hours, they actiually didn't start moving until 2130!
Thanks to Eric for the heads up and Tim Parrot for the updates!
NOTE: I am not trying to take credit for these photos of Chevado.
THESE PHOTOS ARE HERE BECAUSE THIS CAR IS AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF DRAG RACING HISTORY IN THE WHEEL STANDER WORLD. The car is currently being restored and is operational and after all safety issues and features have been addressed might even see some track time.
I do ask for any help with giving credit where due on who and when these photos of Chevado in her Glory days were taken.
pics of my all time favorite wheelie car "CHEVADO" off the internet. The last time I saw the car at the track was about 1981 or '82 I think , at the INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD RACEWAY on TERMINAL ISLAND near the L.A. harbor. It had no lettering on the side. I will post a pic. of it later, that I took of it with my non digital Rollie 35mm cam.
www.facebook.com/ChevadoWheelstander/
W838 is headed north with military loads for the Birimingham, Alabama area. The train is passing through the rural setting of the South Castleberry siding. The short military train is not the only thing moving out here though... Behind me a large black snake slithered out of the woods at the sound of two behemoth 4400 horespower locomotives. The dirt road to the right leads down to the signal itself and a cemetery. The amount of hidden cemeteries in the woods around here is astounding. It seems like every separate church and family had one.
Moving at track speed, Train 1333(13) leaves a blizzard of fresh powder in its wake as it clears the control point at Pewaukee, MP 104.2, the west end of the double track coming out of Milwaukee on the CPKC Watertown Subdivision, next up, Train 1333 will skirt Pewaukee Lake as it heads west through the Lake Country of Waukesha County en route to Columbus, Wisconsin.
Hey tomorrow is the first of December, soooo time for a Christmas MOC. I am sure that all presents will be delivered in time this year, because Santa now has some help (with immense horse power).
I always wanted to make such a X-mas MOC. I am carrying this idea fore several years but I never had the time to realize it. So this year, I started at the beginning of November and here it is.
The car design based on one my old Thunderbolt MOC from 2014. But I think it still looks great, what do you think?
Hey tomorrow is the first of December, soooo time for a Christmas MOC. I am sure that all presents will be delivered in time this year, because Santa now has some help (with immense horse power).
I always wanted to make such a X-mas MOC. I am carrying this idea fore several years but I never had the time to realize it. So this year, I started at the beginning of November and here it is.
The car design based on one my old Thunderbolt MOC from 2014. But I think it still looks great, what do you think?
Hey tomorrow is the first of December, soooo time for a Christmas MOC. I am sure that all presents will be delivered in time this year, because Santa now has some help (with immense horse power).
I always wanted to make such a X-mas MOC. I am carrying this idea fore several years but I never had the time to realize it. So this year, I started at the beginning of November and here it is.
The car design based on one my old Thunderbolt MOC from 2014. But I think it still looks great, what do you think?
Brand new CFCLA loco CF 4412 stands at Sydney's Central Station on a "Black Caviar" special, with CF 4411 behind. CFCLA has a tradition of naming locos after great Australian race horses, this loco in special livery celebrates Black Caviar's 25 consecutive wins on the track. CF4411 (not shown here) is named Revenue for another great horse, but is in the standard livery. Train enthusiasts can see a movie of the Black Caviar Special on this link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAUpskRXDEk
0112
With the area in the grips of the first true snow event of teh winter of 2024-2025, veteran General Electric P 32-8 BWH, Amtrak P32-BWH 500, the Ole Silver Horsepower, leads an on time Train 1333(12) west toward the next stop at Columbius, WI, clearing fresh snow off the rails of Main 1 at Harmonee Ave in Wauwatosa, WI on Wednesday, 12 February, 2025. A fresh crew, Just boarded in Milwaukee, settles in on the Borealis for the trip to St Paul Union Depot. Once front-line power, the 500's spend most of their time in the yard these days and getting photos of them in road service is a treat.
HDR hand-held, 7 exposures. At a local "car show" here in Las Vegas every saturday. Mas Toni Wahid tells me it's a F430, thanks for the info!
SCAN from one of my magazines. Jerry McBee 's1980 White Freightliner wheel stander. I think it has a 12 cyl. Rolls Royce Merlin engine. Let me know if I'm wrong please. Also where is the truck now? I scanned this from a magazine of mine this was taken in 1981 at the old (OCIR) Orange County International Raceway , here in Southern Calif.
Transfagarasan.
A high mountain Road joining Tara Romaneasca with Transilvania.
I had two beautiful women in the car and gravity to help where the horespower lacked.
The one in the back seat rode without a seat belt, enjoying the pinball action forced on her by lateral g-forces.
My favorite road to drive, on the planet. Transfagarasan, better than Stelvio Pass, or Passo dello Stelvio, I think.
Drops a few hundred feet very rapidly. Thats why I said, you can make up with gravity, what you miss in horsepower. If you had a formula one Go Cart, no engine, you would still have the time of your life on this road. Though powering through turns would not be on the menu.
transfagarasan
Delaware & Hudson Railway Alco PA-4 17 at Albany, New York on April 6, 1975, Ektachrome by John Eagan, Chuck Zeiler collection. Note the Bicentennial flags on the locomotive. This locomotive was originally AT&SF 60L, built October 1948 (c/n 76537), retired and sold to the D&H December 17, 1967. Before retirement, the grills had been modified by the Santa Fe to match their PA-2's, so it lost its Alco characteristic drip strip behind the cab door, and the grills do not match the other three PA-4's on D&H's roster. By 1975, only three of the four D&H PA-1's were operable, and the railroad took steps to make them more reliable. The 16 cylinder Model 244 prime mover in 17 had effectively been destroyed in an accident at the Colonie Shops, so it was replaced with a spare. Meanwhile, 16 and 19 were stripped of their prime movers and sent to Morrison-Knudsen in Idaho for installation of 12 cylinder Model 251F prime movers from Bombardier, which had purchased Montreal Locomotive Works earlier in 1975. The GT566 main generator was re-used, and the electrical system was upgraded to allow 2400 horespower in full parallel. In addition, the inadequate cab heat in winter problem was addressed. It was found that the cab was de-pressurized by the auxiliary equipment pulling in air, which was cured by additional ducting to supply the auxiliaries and a cab heater of higher capacity. When the first two PA-4's (as the re-built units were designated) were returned to the D&H, the second two (17 and 18) were cycled through the re-building program. By November 8, 1975, 17 had been returned to the D&H, but the intended assignment, the New York-Montreal "Adirondack", was short-lived, and by 1977, Amtrak introduced their Turboliners, which had the added advantage of being able to operate over third-rail territory and into Grand Central Terminal, avoiding a locomotive change. The PA-4's were briefly leased to the MBTA in Boston, but by 1979 they were sold to Diesels International, and then re-sold to FNM in Mexico. While at Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Mexico (FNM), it acquired train indicator number boards and a SP inspired Daylight paint scheme. This locomotive is presently on display at the Museo de la Comisión Federal de Electricidad, México.
BNSF 4615, 4936, 4891 & 4559 (four newish AC4400CWs - 4,400 horespower loco's).
Barstow bound train of Double Stacks & Trailers of Flat Cars (according to the detector, there were 240 axles & the train was travelling at 18 mph).
Tehachapi Loop (Southern California) - 0909 - 13/04/01.
Having photographed "monster" trains like this & with no one to motivate me or meet up with me, is probably one of the reasons, why I can't find the energy & enthusiasm, to drive hundreds of miles for a single loco with one empty wagon these days, with the on-going health problems!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 46-47 crewmembers Tim Peake of the European Space Agency (left), Yuri Malenchenko of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and Tim Kopra of NASA (right) posed for pictures Dec. 10 in front of the first stage of the Soyuz booster rocket during final pre-launch training. Kopra, Peake and Malenchenko will launch Dec. 15 on the Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft for a six-month mission on the International Space Station.
NASA/Victor Zelentsov
The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the Corvette sports car produced by Chevrolet. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year, and produced through 1962. It is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray. The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled. Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car's early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet would ultimately stay the course.
HISTORY
ORIGIN 1951
In 1927 General Motors hired designer Harley Earl who loved sports cars. GIs returning after serving overseas in the years following World War II were bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, and the like. In 1951, Nash Motors began selling an expensive two-seat sports car, the Nash-Healey, that was made in partnership with the Italian designer Pinin Farina and British auto engineer Donald Healey, but there were few moderate-priced models. Earl convinced GM that they needed to build a two-seat sports car, and with his Special Projects crew began working on the new car, "Project Opel" in late 1951. The result was the hand-built, EX-122 pre-production Corvette prototype, which was first shown to the public at the 1953 General Motors Motorama at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on January 17, 1953. Production began six months later. The car is now located at the Kerbeck Corvette museum in Atlantic City and is believed to be the oldest Corvette in existence.
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
To keep costs down, GM executive Robert F. McLean mandated off-the-shelf mechanical components, and used the chassis and suspension design from the 1949–1954 Chevrolet passenger vehicles. The drivetrain and passenger compartment were moved rearward to achieve a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. It had a 102-inch wheelbase. The engine was a 235 cu in (3.85 L) inline six engine that was similar to the 235 engine that powered all other Chevrolet car models, but with a higher-compression ratio, three Carter side-draft carburetors, mechanical lifters, and a higher-lift camshaft. Output was 150 horsepower (110 kilowatts). Because there was currently no manual transmission available to Chevrolet rated to handle 150 HP, a two-speed Powerglide automatic was used. 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time was 11.5 seconds.
During the last half of 1953, 300 Corvettes were to large degree hand-built on a makeshift assembly line that was installed in an old truck plant in Flint, Michigan while a factory was being prepped for a full-scale 1954 production run. The outer body was made out of then-revolutionary glass fiber reinforced plastic material. Although steel shortages or quotas are sometimes mentioned as a factor in the decision to use fiberglass, no evidence exists to support this. In calendar years 1952 and 1953 Chevrolet produced nearly 2 million steel bodied full-size passenger cars and the intended production volume of 10,000 Corvette for 1954 was only a small fraction of that.
The body engineer for the Corvette was Ellis James Premo. He presented a paper to the Society of Automotive Engineers in 1954 regarding the development of the body. Several excerpts highlight some of the key points in the body material choice:
The body on the show model was made of reinforced plastic purely as an expedient to get the job done quickly.
Although we were going ahead with the building of an experimental plastic body in order to get a car rolling for chassis development work – at the time of the Waldorf Show, we were actually concentrating body-design-wise on a steel body utilizing Kirksite tooling for the projected production of 10,000 units during the 1954 model year. It was some time later that we decided to produce this quantity in reinforced plastic.
About this time, some doubt was expressed that we should build the 1954 model of steel. People seemed to be captivated by the idea of the fiberglass plastic body. Furthermore, information being given to us by the reinforced plastic industry seemed to indicate the practicality of fabricating plastic body parts for automobiles on a large scale.
A 55 degree raked windshield was made of safety glass, while the license plate holder was set back in the trunk, covered with a plastic window. Underneath the new body material were standard components from Chevrolet's regular car line, including the "Blue Flame" inline six-cylinder engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and drum brakes. The engine's output, 136 hp (101 kW), was increased however from a Carter triple-carburetor system exclusive to the Corvette, but performance of the car was decidedly "lackluster". Compared to the British and Italian sports cars of the day, the Corvette lacked a manual transmission and required more effort to bring to a stop, but like their British competition, such as Morgan, was not fitted with roll-up windows; this would have to wait until sometime in the 1956 model year. A Paxton centrifugal supercharger became available in 1954 as a dealer-installed option, greatly improving the Corvette's straight-line performance, but sales continued to decline.
The Chevrolet division was GM's entry-level marque. Managers at GM were seriously considering shelving the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history, and would have done so if not for three important events. The first was the 1955 introduction of Chevrolet's first V8 engine since 1919. Late in the model year, the new 195 hp (145 kW) 265 small-block became available with a Powerglide automatic transmission, until the middle of the production year when a manual 3-speed became available, coupled to a 3.55:1 axle ratio, the only one offered. The engine was fitted with a single 2218S or 2351S WCFB four-barrel (four-choke) Carter carburetor. The combination turned the "rather anemic Corvette into a credible if not outstanding performer". The second was the influence of a Russian émigré in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov. The third factor in the Corvette's survival was Ford's introduction of the 1955 two-seat Thunderbird, which was billed as a "personal luxury car", not a sports car. Even so, the Ford-Chevrolet rivalry in those days demanded GM not appear to back down from the challenge. The original concept for the Corvette emblem incorporated an American flag into the design, but was changed well before production since associating the flag with a product was frowned upon.
1953–1955
The 1953 model year was not only the Corvette's first production year, but at 300 produced it was also the lowest-volume Corvette. The cars were essentially hand-built and techniques evolved during the production cycle, so that each 1953 Corvette is slightly different. All 1953 models had Polo White exteriors, red interiors, and black canvas soft tops. Order guides showed heaters and AM radios as optional, but all 1953 models were equipped with both. Over two-hundred 1953 Corvettes are known to exist today. They had independent front suspension, but featured a rigid axle supported by longitudinal leaf springs at the rear. The cost of the first production model Corvettes in 1953 was $3490.
The quality of the fiberglass body as well as its fit and finish was lacking. Other problems, such as water leaks and doors that could open while the car was driven, were reported with the most severe errors corrected in subsequent units produced, but some shortcomings continued beyond the Corvette's inaugural year. By December 1953, Chevrolet had a newly equipped factory in St. Louis ready to build 10,000 Corvettes annually. However, negative customer reaction in 1953 and early 1954 models caused sales to plummet.
In 1954, only 3,640 of this model were built and nearly a third were unsold at year's end. New colors were available, but the six-cylinder engine and Powerglide automatic, the only engine and transmission available, were not what sports car enthusiasts expected. It is known that 1954 models were painted Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black, in addition to Polo White. All had red interiors, except for those finished in Pennant Blue that had a beige interior, and beige canvas soft top. Order guides listed several options, but all options were "mandatory" and all 1954 Corvettes were equipped the same.
In the October 1954 issue of Popular Mechanics there was an extensive survey of Corvette owners in America. The surprising finding was their opinions in comparison to foreign sports cars. It was found that 36% of those taking the survey had owned a foreign sports car, and of that half, they rated the Corvette as better than their previous foreign sports car. Ninteen percent rated the Corvette as equal to their foreign sports car and 22% rates the Corvette as inferior. While many were well pleased with the Corvette, they did not consider it as a true sports car. The principal complaint of the surveyed owners was the extensive body leaks during rain storms.
Chevrolet debuted its 265 cu in (4.34 L) small-block, 195 hp (145 kW) V8 in 1955 and the engine found its way into the Corvette. At first 1955 V8 Corvettes continued with the mandatory-option Powerglide automatic transmission (as did the few 6-cylinder models built), but a new three-speed manual transmission came along later in the year for V8 models only. Exterior color choices were expanded to at least five, combined with at least four interior colors. Even soft-tops came in three colors and different materials. Despite all this, only 700 1955 Corvettes were built, making it second only to 1953 in scarcity. Very few six-cylinder 1955 models were built, and all documented examples are equipped with automatic transmissions. The "V" in the Corvette emblem was enlarged and gold colored, signifying the V8 engine under the hood and 12 volt electrical systems, while 6-cylinder models retained the 6-volt systems used in 1953-54. Rare option estimate: Manual transmission (75).
Although the C1 Corvette chassis and suspension design were derived from Chevrolet's full-size cars, the same basic design was continued through the 1962 model even after the full-size cars were completely redesigned for the 1955 model year. This was due to the combined factors of the relatively high re-engineering and re-tooling costs for this low-volume production vehicle, the continued potential for cancellation of the car, and the increased size and weight of the all-new suspension design for the full-size cars, which made it unsuitable for use in the lighter weight Corvette.
1956–1957
There was no doubt Chevrolet was in the sports car business with the release of the 1956 model. It featured a new body, a much better convertible top with power assist optional, real glass roll up windows (also with optional power assist), and an optional hardtop. The 3-speed manual transmission was standard. The Powerglide automatic was optional. The six-cylinder engine was gone. The V8 remained at 265 cubic inches but power ranged from 210 to 240 hp (160 to 180 kW). The volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary standard and still less than 1954s 3,640, meaning this was the third lowest-volume model in Corvette history. Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking (hybrid) car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956 option). Rare options: RPO 449 special camshaft with the 240 hp engine (111), RPO 426 power windows (547).
Visually the 1957 model was a near-twin to 1956. Engine displacement increased to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel injection became optional, and a 4-speed manual transmission was available after April 9, 1957. Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing". Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system, as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', the Corvette's engine nevertheless produced about 290 bhp (220 kW). This was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 small-block V8 "One HP per cubic inch" (1 hp (0.75 kW) per 1 cu in (16 cc)) slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in³. Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by Zora Arkus-Duntov who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special options. Fuel injection was in short supply and 1,040 Corvettes with this option were sold. Rare options: RPO 579E 283 hp engine with fresh air/tach package (43), RPO 684 heavy-duty racing suspension (51), RPO 276 15 by 5.5 in (380 by 140 mm) wheels (51), RPO 426 power windows (379), RPO 685 4-speed transmission (664).
1958–1960
In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette succumbed to the look of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grills, but a faux-louvered hood and chrome trunk spears were unique to 1958. The interior and instruments were updated, including placing a tachometer directly in front of the driver. For the 1958 model, an 8000 rpm tachometer was used with the 270 hp (200 kW) and 290 hp engines, rather than the 6000 rpm units used in the lower horespower engines. Optional engine choices included two with twin carburetors (including a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB four-barrels) and two with fuel injection. Power output for the highest rated fuel-injected engine was 290 hp. Displacement remained 283 cid. For the first time, seat belts were factory-installed rather than being dealer-installed as on previous models. Rare options were RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (144), RPO 579 250 hp engine (554), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (404).For the 1959 model, engines and horsepower ratings did not change. Interiors were revised slightly with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with "T" handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered,[9] and all 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 could not be ordered with convertible tops due to inadequate space for the folding top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (214), RPO 426 power windows (547), RPO 473 power convertible top (661).Last features to appear in 1960 models included tailamps molded into the rear fenders and heavy grill teeth. New features include aluminum radiators, but only with 270 hp and 290 hp engines. Also for the first time, all fuel-injection engines required manual transmissions. The 1960s Cascade Green was metallic, unique to the year and the rarest color at 140 made. Rare options: RPO 579 250 hp engine (100), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (119), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (246), RPO 473 power convertible top(512), RPO 426 power windows (544)
1961–1962
Four taillights appeared on the 1961, a treatment that continues to this day. Engine displacement remained at 283 cubic inches, but power output increased for the two fuel-injected engines to 275 and 315 hp (205 and 235 kW). Power ratings for the dual-four barrel engines did not change (245 hp and 270 hp) but this was the last year of their availability. This was the last year for contrasting paint colors in cove areas, and the last two-tone Corvette of any type until 1978. Also debuting in 1961 was a new boat-tail design later used on the C2. Rare options: RPO 353 275 hp engine (118), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (233), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (357), RPO 473 power convertible top (442).
The 1962 model year was the last Corvette with a solid-rear-axle suspension that was used from the beginning. With two new engines it was also the quickest. Engine displacement increased with the indroduction of the 327 cu in (5,360 cc) engine, but dual 4-barrel carburetor engines were no longer available. Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the base 250 hp and optional 300 hp (220 kW) engines, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 hp and fuel-injected 360 hp (270 kW) versions. Rocker panel trim was seen for the first time, exposed headlights for the last, until 2005. This was the last Corvette model to offer an optional power convertible top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 488 24-gallon fuel tank (65), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (246), RPO 473 power convertible top (350), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (561).
1956–1957
There was no doubt Chevrolet was in the sports car business with the release of the 1956 model. It featured a new body, a much better convertible top with power assist optional, real glass roll up windows (also with optional power assist), and an optional hardtop. The 3-speed manual transmission was standard. The Powerglide automatic was optional. The six-cylinder engine was gone. The V8 remained at 265 cubic inches but power ranged from 210 to 240 hp (160 to 180 kW). The volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary standard and still less than 1954s 3,640, meaning this was the third lowest-volume model in Corvette history. Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking (hybrid) car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956 option). Rare options: RPO 449 special camshaft with the 240 hp engine (111), RPO 426 power windows (547).
Visually the 1957 model was a near-twin to 1956. Engine displacement increased to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel injection became optional, and a 4-speed manual transmission was available after April 9, 1957. Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing". Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system, as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', the Corvette's engine nevertheless produced about 290 bhp (220 kW). This was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 small-block V8 "One HP per cubic inch" (1 hp (0.75 kW) per 1 cu in (16 cc)) slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in³. Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by Zora Arkus-Duntov who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special options. Fuel injection was in short supply and 1,040 Corvettes with this option were sold. Rare options: RPO 579E 283 hp engine with fresh air/tach package (43), RPO 684 heavy-duty racing suspension (51), RPO 276 15 by 5.5 in (380 by 140 mm) wheels (51), RPO 426 power windows (379), RPO 685 4-speed transmission (664).
1958–1960
In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette succumbed to the look of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grills, but a faux-louvered hood and chrome trunk spears were unique to 1958. The interior and instruments were updated, including placing a tachometer directly in front of the driver. For the 1958 model, an 8000 rpm tachometer was used with the 270 hp (200 kW) and 290 hp engines, rather than the 6000 rpm units used in the lower horespower engines. Optional engine choices included two with twin carburetors (including a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB four-barrels) and two with fuel injection. Power output for the highest rated fuel-injected engine was 290 hp. Displacement remained 283 cid. For the first time, seat belts were factory-installed rather than being dealer-installed as on previous models.[9] Rare options were RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (144), RPO 579 250 hp engine (554), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (404).For the 1959 model, engines and horsepower ratings did not change. Interiors were revised slightly with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with "T" handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered, and all 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 could not be ordered with convertible tops due to inadequate space for the folding top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (214), RPO 426 power windows (547), RPO 473 power convertible top (661).Last features to appear in 1960 models included tailamps molded into the rear fenders and heavy grill teeth. New features include aluminum radiators, but only with 270 hp and 290 hp engines. Also for the first time, all fuel-injection engines required manual transmissions. The 1960s Cascade Green was metallic, unique to the year and the rarest color at 140 made. Rare options: RPO 579 250 hp engine (100), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (119), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (246), RPO 473 power convertible top(512), RPO 426 power windows (544)
1961–1962
Four taillights appeared on the 1961, a treatment that continues to this day. Engine displacement remained at 283 cubic inches, but power output increased for the two fuel-injected engines to 275 and 315 hp (205 and 235 kW). Power ratings for the dual-four barrel engines did not change (245 hp and 270 hp) but this was the last year of their availability. This was the last year for contrasting paint colors in cove areas, and the last two-tone Corvette of any type until 1978. Also debuting in 1961 was a new boat-tail design later used on the C2. Rare options: RPO 353 275 hp engine (118), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (233), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (357), RPO 473 power convertible top (442).
The 1962 model year was the last Corvette with a solid-rear-axle suspension that was used from the beginning. With two new engines it was also the quickest. Engine displacement increased with the indroduction of the 327 cu in (5,360 cc) engine, but dual 4-barrel carburetor engines were no longer available. Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the base 250 hp and optional 300 hp (220 kW) engines, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 hp and fuel-injected 360 hp (270 kW) versions. Rocker panel trim was seen for the first time, exposed headlights for the last, until 2005. This was the last Corvette model to offer an optional power convertible top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 488 24-gallon fuel tank (65), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (246), RPO 473 power convertible top (350), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (561).
Zora Arkus-Duntov
Although not a part of the original Corvette project, Zora Arkus-Duntov made available late in the 1955 model year the 265 cu in (4.3 L) engine with a three-speed manual transmission. Duntov improved the car's positioning and image and helped the car compete with the new V8—engined Ford Thunderbird, and turned the Corvette from decidedly "lackluster" into a "credible performer". In 1956 he became the director of high-performance vehicle design and development for Chevrolet helping him earn the nickname "Father of the Corvette."
WIKIPEDIA
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
1958–1960
In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette succumbed to the look of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grilles, but a faux-louvered hood and chrome trunk spears were unique to 1958. The interior and instruments were updated, including placing a tachometer directly in front of the driver. For the 1958 model, an 8000 rpm tachometer was used with the 270 hp (200 kW) and 290 hp engines, rather than the 6000 rpm units used in the lower horespower engines. Optional engine choices included two with twin carburetors (including a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB four-barrels) and two with fuel injection. Power output for the highest rated fuel-injected engine was 290 hp. Displacement remained 283 cid. For the first time, seat belts were factory-installed rather than being dealer-installed as on previous models.[9] Rare options were RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (144), RPO 579 250 hp engine (554), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (404).
1959 Chevrolet Corvette.
For the 1959 model, engines and horsepower ratings did not change. Interiors were revised slightly with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with "T" handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered,[9] and all 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 could not be ordered with convertible tops due to inadequate space for the folding top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (214), RPO 426 power windows (547), RPO 473 power convertible top (661).
1960 Chevrolet Corvette
Last features to appear in 1960 models included tailamps molded into the rear fenders and heavy grill teeth. New features include aluminum radiators, but only with 270 hp and 290 hp engines. Also for the first time, all fuel-injection engines required manual transmissions.[9] The 1960s Cascade Green was metallic, unique to the year and the rarest color at 140 made. Rare options: RPO 579 250 hp engine (100), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (119), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (246), RPO 473 power convertible top(512), RPO 426 power windows (544)
taken with MY old ROLLIE ROLLIFLEX 35 MM SLR with a 50 mm lens. Any one out there know what happened to this car? It had really wild lettering on the side and S/S Cragar wheels back in the day.
www.facebook.com/ChevadoWheelstander/
www.facebook.com/gary.kleckner?fref=pb&hc_location=fr...
www.flickr.com/photos/chevado/
Partial WHEEL STANDER LIST, don't know if there are any new cars out there please let me know.
ENTRY YR MODEL DRIVER
Airborne Express 02 Chevy VanBob Hall
American Crusier03 PT CrusierTom Caprio
American Flyer 68 VW Pickup Art Morrison
Amx Wynnstander 68 AMXRichard Schroeder
Amx Wynnstander 68 AMXArt Morrison
APE 72 FalconNeville Alder
Backup Pickup 66 EconolineGeorge Tuers
Backup Pickup 66 Ford PickupHollie Swindle
Backup Pickup 68 EconolineKen Nelson
Bad Bossa Nova 69 NovaRichard Schroeder
Bandit 76 FirebirdJack Ehrmantraut
Bardahl Bug 66 VW TruckLynwood Hardy
Berry Wagon 28 Ford PanelBill Shrewsberry
Berry Wagon 28 Ford PanelRick Markham
Bob Doss 66 MustangBob Doss
Bob Perry's Vette 69 CorvetteBob Perry
Bottoms Up 92 MoffittBilly Moffitt
Brewer's Millions 98 LimoJim Brewer
Brewer's Nightmare 33 WillysJim Brewer
Brewer's Thing 64 EconolineJim Brewer
California Deuce 69 NovaMark Watson
Canadian Cuda 70 CudaDoug Murrary
Chevado 55 NomadGary Kleckner
Chevy Rebellion 64 A-100Richard Hutchins
Chevy Rebellion 62 VW TruckRichard Hutchins
Chicago Flyer84 Kenworth Mike Clark
Chuck Wagon 66 A-100Chuck Poole
Chuck Wagon 58 VW PickupChuck Poole
Chuckwagon 58 VW pickupDanny Burmer
Chuck Wagon 2 66 A-100Chuck Poole
Chuckwagon 64 A-100Chuck Swift
Constant Chaos 84 TempoJon Oswell
Controlled Insanity96 TunderbirdScott Kennedy
Cool Bus 96 BusKen Nelson
Crazy Injun 55 ChevyVirgil Sellers
Custer's Last Stand 81 MonzaChuck Swift
Death Ship 79 Space ShipBob Perry
Defiance 80 White Freight.Jerry McBee
Diesel Louie 66 A-100Louie Force
Diesel Louie 80 KenworthLouie Force
Detroit Duster 78 DusterErnie Petit
Detroit Duster 84 OmniErnie Petit
Detroit Duster 00 KenworthErnie Petit
Dodge Fever64 A-100Richie Travers
Dodge Material 64 A-100Richie Travers
Dodge Rebellion 64 A-100John Ludwick
Elementry Express 86 AstroGlen Alferes
El Trike 71 TrikeJohn Middlebrook
Emergency West 86 Crew CabRichard Schroeder
E-Ticket55 Chevy puGary McWilliams
Fabulous 50s 57 ChevyToby Ehrmantraut
Flying Red Baron 69 MustangDale Emery
Flying Red Baron 74 Mustang IIGary Watson
Flying Red Baron74 Mustang IICarl Magee
Flying Red Baron84 CorvetteBob Riggle Jr.
Flying Red Baron84 CorvetteTom Brown
Full Tilt Boogie 37 Chevy PUKerry Watson
Fugitive 64 Corvair PUBob Perry
Fugitive 2 69 CorvetteBob Perry
Fugitive 2 69 CorvetteGary Watson
Fugitive 2 69 CorvetteTommy McNeely
Fugitive 73 CorvetteGary Watson
Fugitive 73 CorvetteRandy Curtis
Galaxy 2 79 Space ShipBob Perry
Galaxy 2 79 Space ShipRandy Lyznicki
Galaxy 2 79 Space ShipLance Sky
Gandolfi Racing CorvetteCarlo Gandolfi
Gemini Cricket 64 A-100Frank Monaghan
Gemini Cricket 64 A-100Bill Pickett
Gemini Cricket Backup 64 A-100Bill Pickett
General Jerry Lee 27 Ford Model TJerry Lee
Half Breed 66 EconolineGene Garret
Heartbeat High 92 S-10 PickupDanny O'Day
Heartbeat High 92 S-10Danny Burmer
Heartbeat High 92 S-10Peter Hoenck
Hell on Wheels 45 TankBob Perry
Hell on Wheels 45 TankJack Ehrmantraut
Hell on Wheels 45 TankRick Mehl
Hell On Wheels 45 TankJoe Klimarchuck
Hell Raiser 86 Daytona Graham Slapp
Hells' Fire 73 Tank Bob Perry
Hell's Fire 73 TankRandy Lyznicki
Hemi Under Glass 65 BarracudaBill Shrewsberry
Hemi Under Glass 65 BarracudaBob Riggle
Hemi Under Glass 68 BarracudaBob Riggle
Hemi Under Glass 72 Challenger Bob Riggle
Hemi Under Glass 72 ChallengerJack Ehrmantraut
Hemi Under Glass 79 FirebirdJack Ehrmantraut
Hemi Under Glass 86 DaytonaJack Ehrmantraut
Hemi Under Glass 86 DaytonaToby Ehrmantraut
Hemi Xpress 66 A-100Bob Riggle
Hemi Xpress 66 A-100Marty Mohr
Hickup Pickup 69 Dodge PickupBob Davis
High Anxiety 68 CougarBernie Bicks
High Horse66 MustangJack Sharpshire
High-N-Mighty 70 ChallengerChuck Swift
High-n-Mighty 70 ChallengerScott Stevens
High-n-Mighty 70 ChallengerJohn Booty
High-N-Mighty 70 ChallengerWally Ostashkevich
High Risk 67 CorvetteGary Picardo
High Risk 67 CorvetteAllan Herridge jr
High Roller 33 WillysJon Oswell
Hummingbird 66 A-100Jim Brewer
Iron Horse 70 MaverickJoe Vanni
JAZ Flashback 55 NomadGeorge Tuers
Jet Age Special 74 ChallengerRichard Schroeder
Joe Antonelli Joe Antonelli
Jolly Rancher 03 StagecoachEd Jones
Jolly Rancher 33 Fire EngineEd Jones
Jolly Rancher 90 SilhouetteEd Jones
Kelly Superchargers 81 VauxhallSteve Murty
LA Dart 66 Dart Bill Shrewsberry
LA Dart 68 DartBill Shrewsberry
LA Dart 70 Dart Bill Shrewsberry
Ladder Truck #3333 WillysJon Oswell
Last Stage West 03 Stagecoach Tommy Maras
Lebanon Valley Raceway 92 S-10 Danny Burmer
Lil Defiant 66 Econoline Jerry McBee
Lil Fire Truck 99 Dodge Ram Al Barber
LI Stang 66 Mustang Arnie Frank
Little Red Wagon 67 Pickup Bill Golden
Little Yellow Wagon 66 Dodge Pickup Bill Kolb
Lucifer 67 Econoline James Harper
Magnum Illusion 78 Magnum Jim Curtis
Magnum Illusion 78 Magnum Rick Mehl
Maxi Taxi 27 Model T Roy Trevino
Mechanical APE 69 VW Neville Alder
Mexican Jump 'n' Bean 62 Corvair Donny Huerta
Mexican Jump 'n' Bean 62 Corvair Pete Huerta
Mexican Jumpin' Bean 62 Corvair ---- Martinez
Midvale VW 66 VWGeorge Stewert
Mighty High 65 A-100Chuck Swift
Monaghan's Dodge 64 A-100Frank Monaghan
Moonshot 69 ChevelleTommy Maras
Moonshot 69 ChevelleKen Nelson
Moon shot 72 MonaroBob Skoglund
Multipart Skytrain 81 LeylandSteve Murty
Mystery Mover 67 Corvair Van Jack Layton
Night Raider 76 Mustang Toby Ehrmantraut
Night Raider 84 CamaroToby Ehmantraut
Night Rider 84 CamaroChuck Poole
Night Rider 84 CamaroToby Ehrmantraut
North Coast Flyer 84 Kenworth Ken Nelson
Odyssey Kolors 93 Escape Didier Thamie
Ole Tater Hauler 53 GMC PickupHarold Mulligan
Ole Tater Hauler53 GMC PickupMark Walker
One Night Stand 86 S-10 Pickup Rick Markham
Paddy Wagon 64 Greenbriar Gary Watson
Paddy Wagon 65 Chevy VanGary Watson
Paddy Wagon 72 Vega PanelGary Watson
Paddy Wagon 72 Vega PanelBob Hall
Peacemaker 78 VegaJim Brewer
Peacemaker 81 Kit-car Jim Brewer
Peacemaker 83 Seville Jim Brewer
Peacemaker 33 Willys Jim Brewer
Phoenix Flyer 75 Monza Bernie Bicks
Pick Your Part55 Chevy puGary McWilliams
Pirelli Hi-Performer 65 TruckSteve Murty
Plum Crazy 37 Chevy PUVirgil Sellers
Plum Crazy&Two Nuts 04 Dodge PUVirgil Sellers
Plum Nuts 66 EconolineVirgil Sellers
Power Wagon 74 VWRoy Trevino
Preying Mantis 80 Vauxhall Jason Phelps
Preying Mantis 80 VauxhallRon Picardo
Rain X 90 Jimmy Gary Burch
Rain X 91 JimmyRoy Trevino
Red Volkswagen 62 VW Truck Richard Hutchins
Riding High 67 Econoline James Harper
Rude & Crude 55 ChevyKerry Watson
Semi Hemi 74 CudaBob Perry
Shower Power69 Bath Tub Randy Davis
Show Time91 JimmyRoy Trevino
Smokey74 ChallengerTommy Maras
Smokey 75 DusterTommy Maras
Smokey Red 69 NovaJoe Douthit
Southern Cross 72 MustangGarth Hudson
Spray Cheif 72 MustangMaurice Allen
Star Shot 78 DragsterKen Nelson
Stingray 67 CorvetteRoy Phelps
Strip Tripper 71 FC WagonBarry Haygarth
Super Blue Wagon 67Jim McDougall
Super Bug 65 VolkswagenGeorge Ferber
Super Bug 65 Volkswagen Mark Hildonen
Super Bug 65 VolkswagenJim Curtis
Super Ford64 EconolineFred Sevela
Super Hemi Bug 62 VW Truck Charlie Holmes
Super Stang 74 Mustang II Toby Ehrmantraut
Super Trooper 76 DusterChuck Hopkins
Super Wagon 81 D50Rick Mehl
Superwinch Insanity 93 LuminaDanny O'Day
Superwinch Superbird 96 ThunderbirdDanny O'Day
Superwinch '34 34 Ford CoupeDanny O'Day
S & W High Performance 70 Vega Tom Watkins
Texas Bandit 99 S-10 Tom Caprio
Texas Bandit 01 PT Pick-up Tom Caprio
Texas Bandit 04 PT Crusier Tom Caprio
Texas Rear Bear 68 Corvair Pickup Roy Trevino
Texas Rear Bear 3 70 El Camino Roy Trevino
Thrill Seeker 91 Jeep PickupHenry Peters
Thunder Wagon 66 Dodge Pickup GE Shumbert
Tijuana Toad 75 Vega PanelJerry McBee
Toni Yenne 64 EconolineToni Yenne
Trash Truck 66 Corvair PickupConnie Swingle
Trevino's Classic 27 Model TRoy Trevino
Trick Truck 65 CorvairDick Belfatti
Triple Trouble 66 Nova Tommy Stringfield
Valvoline 86 GMC George Tuers
Wagonmaster 80 Vega Chet Smith
Wagonmaster 84 Astre Chet Smith
Wax Shop 86 GMC George Tuers
Wells Cargo 91 Jimmy Roy Trevino
Wheelie Man91 Jimmy Tom Sheils
Wheelie Wagon04 Radio Flyer KC Jones
Wheelstang65 Mustang Bill Darr
Wichita Warrior 69 Corvette Clayton Willard
Wichita Warrior 95 Lumina Wagon Clayton Willard
Wichita Warrior 95 Lumina Wagon Tommy McNeely
Wild Thang 67 Coronet Greg Raines
Wind Jammer 66 Falcon Jim Barillaro
Wind-Up Pickup 89 RangerDanny O'Day
Wind-Up Pickup 89 RangerBob Hall
Wind-Up Pickup 89 Ranger---- Sotashi
Wind-Up Pickup 90 Ranger Danny O'Day
Windwalker 84 Mustang Mike Wilson
Wind Walker 89 Beretta Toby Ehrmantraut
World's Wildest Corvair66 CorvairScotty Scott
Young American 76 Monza Mark Hildonen
Photo from ethelkilledfred at Two Guys Garage Forum
As the Sixties drew to a close, the social upheaval seen in other spheres of society influenced drag racing as well. In the wake of the 1965 Watts riots, legendary street racer Big Willie Robinson figured out a way to use drag racing to change society. An imposing, muscular 6'6" Vietnam vet with a badass Hemi Daytona Charger and trademark bowler hat, Big Willie was the undisputed king of the late '60s- '70s East L.A. street racing scene. In response to the growing influence of drugs and street gangs, Big Willie and his wife Tomiko organized the 'Brotherhood of Street Racers' as a way to channel the energy of South Central youth away from crime and violence -- "peace through racing," as he put it. Working with local officials and police, Big Willie was the driving force behind the building of Brotherhood Raceway Park on L.A. harbor's Terminal Island. Before it closed in 1995, BRP was a popular destination for young South Cental racers and is widely regarded as the birthplace of import drag racing -- the 'Fast and Furious' scene. Efforts are now underway to reopen BRP, hopefully extending Big Willie's legacy to another generation of L.A. gearheads of every ethnicity.
article from iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2006/02/black_history_m.html
The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the Corvette sports car produced by Chevrolet. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year, and produced through 1962. It is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray. The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled. Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car's early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet would ultimately stay the course.
HISTORY
ORIGIN 1951
In 1927 General Motors hired designer Harley Earl who loved sports cars. GIs returning after serving overseas in the years following World War II were bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, and the like. In 1951, Nash Motors began selling an expensive two-seat sports car, the Nash-Healey, that was made in partnership with the Italian designer Pinin Farina and British auto engineer Donald Healey, but there were few moderate-priced models. Earl convinced GM that they needed to build a two-seat sports car, and with his Special Projects crew began working on the new car, "Project Opel" in late 1951. The result was the hand-built, EX-122 pre-production Corvette prototype, which was first shown to the public at the 1953 General Motors Motorama at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on January 17, 1953. Production began six months later. The car is now located at the Kerbeck Corvette museum in Atlantic City and is believed to be the oldest Corvette in existence.
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
To keep costs down, GM executive Robert F. McLean mandated off-the-shelf mechanical components, and used the chassis and suspension design from the 1949–1954 Chevrolet passenger vehicles. The drivetrain and passenger compartment were moved rearward to achieve a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. It had a 102-inch wheelbase. The engine was a 235 cu in (3.85 L) inline six engine that was similar to the 235 engine that powered all other Chevrolet car models, but with a higher-compression ratio, three Carter side-draft carburetors, mechanical lifters, and a higher-lift camshaft. Output was 150 horsepower (110 kilowatts). Because there was currently no manual transmission available to Chevrolet rated to handle 150 HP, a two-speed Powerglide automatic was used. 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time was 11.5 seconds.
During the last half of 1953, 300 Corvettes were to large degree hand-built on a makeshift assembly line that was installed in an old truck plant in Flint, Michigan while a factory was being prepped for a full-scale 1954 production run. The outer body was made out of then-revolutionary glass fiber reinforced plastic material. Although steel shortages or quotas are sometimes mentioned as a factor in the decision to use fiberglass, no evidence exists to support this. In calendar years 1952 and 1953 Chevrolet produced nearly 2 million steel bodied full-size passenger cars and the intended production volume of 10,000 Corvette for 1954 was only a small fraction of that.
The body engineer for the Corvette was Ellis James Premo. He presented a paper to the Society of Automotive Engineers in 1954 regarding the development of the body. Several excerpts highlight some of the key points in the body material choice:
The body on the show model was made of reinforced plastic purely as an expedient to get the job done quickly.
Although we were going ahead with the building of an experimental plastic body in order to get a car rolling for chassis development work – at the time of the Waldorf Show, we were actually concentrating body-design-wise on a steel body utilizing Kirksite tooling for the projected production of 10,000 units during the 1954 model year. It was some time later that we decided to produce this quantity in reinforced plastic.
About this time, some doubt was expressed that we should build the 1954 model of steel. People seemed to be captivated by the idea of the fiberglass plastic body. Furthermore, information being given to us by the reinforced plastic industry seemed to indicate the practicality of fabricating plastic body parts for automobiles on a large scale.
A 55 degree raked windshield was made of safety glass, while the license plate holder was set back in the trunk, covered with a plastic window. Underneath the new body material were standard components from Chevrolet's regular car line, including the "Blue Flame" inline six-cylinder engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and drum brakes. The engine's output, 136 hp (101 kW), was increased however from a Carter triple-carburetor system exclusive to the Corvette, but performance of the car was decidedly "lackluster". Compared to the British and Italian sports cars of the day, the Corvette lacked a manual transmission and required more effort to bring to a stop, but like their British competition, such as Morgan, was not fitted with roll-up windows; this would have to wait until sometime in the 1956 model year. A Paxton centrifugal supercharger became available in 1954 as a dealer-installed option, greatly improving the Corvette's straight-line performance, but sales continued to decline.
The Chevrolet division was GM's entry-level marque. Managers at GM were seriously considering shelving the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history, and would have done so if not for three important events. The first was the 1955 introduction of Chevrolet's first V8 engine since 1919. Late in the model year, the new 195 hp (145 kW) 265 small-block became available with a Powerglide automatic transmission, until the middle of the production year when a manual 3-speed became available, coupled to a 3.55:1 axle ratio, the only one offered. The engine was fitted with a single 2218S or 2351S WCFB four-barrel (four-choke) Carter carburetor. The combination turned the "rather anemic Corvette into a credible if not outstanding performer". The second was the influence of a Russian émigré in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov. The third factor in the Corvette's survival was Ford's introduction of the 1955 two-seat Thunderbird, which was billed as a "personal luxury car", not a sports car. Even so, the Ford-Chevrolet rivalry in those days demanded GM not appear to back down from the challenge. The original concept for the Corvette emblem incorporated an American flag into the design, but was changed well before production since associating the flag with a product was frowned upon.
1953–1955
The 1953 model year was not only the Corvette's first production year, but at 300 produced it was also the lowest-volume Corvette. The cars were essentially hand-built and techniques evolved during the production cycle, so that each 1953 Corvette is slightly different. All 1953 models had Polo White exteriors, red interiors, and black canvas soft tops. Order guides showed heaters and AM radios as optional, but all 1953 models were equipped with both. Over two-hundred 1953 Corvettes are known to exist today. They had independent front suspension, but featured a rigid axle supported by longitudinal leaf springs at the rear. The cost of the first production model Corvettes in 1953 was $3490.
The quality of the fiberglass body as well as its fit and finish was lacking. Other problems, such as water leaks and doors that could open while the car was driven, were reported with the most severe errors corrected in subsequent units produced, but some shortcomings continued beyond the Corvette's inaugural year. By December 1953, Chevrolet had a newly equipped factory in St. Louis ready to build 10,000 Corvettes annually. However, negative customer reaction in 1953 and early 1954 models caused sales to plummet.
In 1954, only 3,640 of this model were built and nearly a third were unsold at year's end. New colors were available, but the six-cylinder engine and Powerglide automatic, the only engine and transmission available, were not what sports car enthusiasts expected. It is known that 1954 models were painted Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black, in addition to Polo White. All had red interiors, except for those finished in Pennant Blue that had a beige interior, and beige canvas soft top. Order guides listed several options, but all options were "mandatory" and all 1954 Corvettes were equipped the same.
In the October 1954 issue of Popular Mechanics there was an extensive survey of Corvette owners in America. The surprising finding was their opinions in comparison to foreign sports cars. It was found that 36% of those taking the survey had owned a foreign sports car, and of that half, they rated the Corvette as better than their previous foreign sports car. Ninteen percent rated the Corvette as equal to their foreign sports car and 22% rates the Corvette as inferior. While many were well pleased with the Corvette, they did not consider it as a true sports car. The principal complaint of the surveyed owners was the extensive body leaks during rain storms.
Chevrolet debuted its 265 cu in (4.34 L) small-block, 195 hp (145 kW) V8 in 1955 and the engine found its way into the Corvette. At first 1955 V8 Corvettes continued with the mandatory-option Powerglide automatic transmission (as did the few 6-cylinder models built), but a new three-speed manual transmission came along later in the year for V8 models only. Exterior color choices were expanded to at least five, combined with at least four interior colors. Even soft-tops came in three colors and different materials. Despite all this, only 700 1955 Corvettes were built, making it second only to 1953 in scarcity. Very few six-cylinder 1955 models were built, and all documented examples are equipped with automatic transmissions. The "V" in the Corvette emblem was enlarged and gold colored, signifying the V8 engine under the hood and 12 volt electrical systems, while 6-cylinder models retained the 6-volt systems used in 1953-54. Rare option estimate: Manual transmission (75).
Although the C1 Corvette chassis and suspension design were derived from Chevrolet's full-size cars, the same basic design was continued through the 1962 model even after the full-size cars were completely redesigned for the 1955 model year. This was due to the combined factors of the relatively high re-engineering and re-tooling costs for this low-volume production vehicle, the continued potential for cancellation of the car, and the increased size and weight of the all-new suspension design for the full-size cars, which made it unsuitable for use in the lighter weight Corvette.
1956–1957
There was no doubt Chevrolet was in the sports car business with the release of the 1956 model. It featured a new body, a much better convertible top with power assist optional, real glass roll up windows (also with optional power assist), and an optional hardtop. The 3-speed manual transmission was standard. The Powerglide automatic was optional. The six-cylinder engine was gone. The V8 remained at 265 cubic inches but power ranged from 210 to 240 hp (160 to 180 kW). The volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary standard and still less than 1954s 3,640, meaning this was the third lowest-volume model in Corvette history. Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking (hybrid) car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956 option). Rare options: RPO 449 special camshaft with the 240 hp engine (111), RPO 426 power windows (547).
Visually the 1957 model was a near-twin to 1956. Engine displacement increased to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel injection became optional, and a 4-speed manual transmission was available after April 9, 1957. Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing". Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system, as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', the Corvette's engine nevertheless produced about 290 bhp (220 kW). This was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 small-block V8 "One HP per cubic inch" (1 hp (0.75 kW) per 1 cu in (16 cc)) slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in³. Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by Zora Arkus-Duntov who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special options. Fuel injection was in short supply and 1,040 Corvettes with this option were sold. Rare options: RPO 579E 283 hp engine with fresh air/tach package (43), RPO 684 heavy-duty racing suspension (51), RPO 276 15 by 5.5 in (380 by 140 mm) wheels (51), RPO 426 power windows (379), RPO 685 4-speed transmission (664).
1958–1960
In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette succumbed to the look of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grills, but a faux-louvered hood and chrome trunk spears were unique to 1958. The interior and instruments were updated, including placing a tachometer directly in front of the driver. For the 1958 model, an 8000 rpm tachometer was used with the 270 hp (200 kW) and 290 hp engines, rather than the 6000 rpm units used in the lower horespower engines. Optional engine choices included two with twin carburetors (including a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB four-barrels) and two with fuel injection. Power output for the highest rated fuel-injected engine was 290 hp. Displacement remained 283 cid. For the first time, seat belts were factory-installed rather than being dealer-installed as on previous models. Rare options were RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (144), RPO 579 250 hp engine (554), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (404).For the 1959 model, engines and horsepower ratings did not change. Interiors were revised slightly with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with "T" handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered,[9] and all 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 could not be ordered with convertible tops due to inadequate space for the folding top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (214), RPO 426 power windows (547), RPO 473 power convertible top (661).Last features to appear in 1960 models included tailamps molded into the rear fenders and heavy grill teeth. New features include aluminum radiators, but only with 270 hp and 290 hp engines. Also for the first time, all fuel-injection engines required manual transmissions. The 1960s Cascade Green was metallic, unique to the year and the rarest color at 140 made. Rare options: RPO 579 250 hp engine (100), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (119), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (246), RPO 473 power convertible top(512), RPO 426 power windows (544)
1961–1962
Four taillights appeared on the 1961, a treatment that continues to this day. Engine displacement remained at 283 cubic inches, but power output increased for the two fuel-injected engines to 275 and 315 hp (205 and 235 kW). Power ratings for the dual-four barrel engines did not change (245 hp and 270 hp) but this was the last year of their availability. This was the last year for contrasting paint colors in cove areas, and the last two-tone Corvette of any type until 1978. Also debuting in 1961 was a new boat-tail design later used on the C2. Rare options: RPO 353 275 hp engine (118), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (233), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (357), RPO 473 power convertible top (442).
The 1962 model year was the last Corvette with a solid-rear-axle suspension that was used from the beginning. With two new engines it was also the quickest. Engine displacement increased with the indroduction of the 327 cu in (5,360 cc) engine, but dual 4-barrel carburetor engines were no longer available. Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the base 250 hp and optional 300 hp (220 kW) engines, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 hp and fuel-injected 360 hp (270 kW) versions. Rocker panel trim was seen for the first time, exposed headlights for the last, until 2005. This was the last Corvette model to offer an optional power convertible top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 488 24-gallon fuel tank (65), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (246), RPO 473 power convertible top (350), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (561).
1956–1957
There was no doubt Chevrolet was in the sports car business with the release of the 1956 model. It featured a new body, a much better convertible top with power assist optional, real glass roll up windows (also with optional power assist), and an optional hardtop. The 3-speed manual transmission was standard. The Powerglide automatic was optional. The six-cylinder engine was gone. The V8 remained at 265 cubic inches but power ranged from 210 to 240 hp (160 to 180 kW). The volume was 3,467, a low number by any contemporary standard and still less than 1954s 3,640, meaning this was the third lowest-volume model in Corvette history. Delco Radio transistorized signal-seeking (hybrid) car radio, which used both vacuum tubes and transistors in its radio's circuitry (1956 option). Rare options: RPO 449 special camshaft with the 240 hp engine (111), RPO 426 power windows (547).
Visually the 1957 model was a near-twin to 1956. Engine displacement increased to 283 cu in (4.6 L), fuel injection became optional, and a 4-speed manual transmission was available after April 9, 1957. Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing". Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system, as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', the Corvette's engine nevertheless produced about 290 bhp (220 kW). This was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp (211 kW) 283 small-block V8 "One HP per cubic inch" (1 hp (0.75 kW) per 1 cu in (16 cc)) slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in³. Pushed toward high-performance and racing, principally by Zora Arkus-Duntov who had raced in Europe, 1957 Corvettes could be ordered ready-to-race with special options. Fuel injection was in short supply and 1,040 Corvettes with this option were sold. Rare options: RPO 579E 283 hp engine with fresh air/tach package (43), RPO 684 heavy-duty racing suspension (51), RPO 276 15 by 5.5 in (380 by 140 mm) wheels (51), RPO 426 power windows (379), RPO 685 4-speed transmission (664).
1958–1960
In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette succumbed to the look of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grills, but a faux-louvered hood and chrome trunk spears were unique to 1958. The interior and instruments were updated, including placing a tachometer directly in front of the driver. For the 1958 model, an 8000 rpm tachometer was used with the 270 hp (200 kW) and 290 hp engines, rather than the 6000 rpm units used in the lower horespower engines. Optional engine choices included two with twin carburetors (including a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB four-barrels) and two with fuel injection. Power output for the highest rated fuel-injected engine was 290 hp. Displacement remained 283 cid. For the first time, seat belts were factory-installed rather than being dealer-installed as on previous models.[9] Rare options were RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (144), RPO 579 250 hp engine (554), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (404).For the 1959 model, engines and horsepower ratings did not change. Interiors were revised slightly with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with "T" handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered, and all 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 could not be ordered with convertible tops due to inadequate space for the folding top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (214), RPO 426 power windows (547), RPO 473 power convertible top (661).Last features to appear in 1960 models included tailamps molded into the rear fenders and heavy grill teeth. New features include aluminum radiators, but only with 270 hp and 290 hp engines. Also for the first time, all fuel-injection engines required manual transmissions. The 1960s Cascade Green was metallic, unique to the year and the rarest color at 140 made. Rare options: RPO 579 250 hp engine (100), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (119), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (246), RPO 473 power convertible top(512), RPO 426 power windows (544)
1961–1962
Four taillights appeared on the 1961, a treatment that continues to this day. Engine displacement remained at 283 cubic inches, but power output increased for the two fuel-injected engines to 275 and 315 hp (205 and 235 kW). Power ratings for the dual-four barrel engines did not change (245 hp and 270 hp) but this was the last year of their availability. This was the last year for contrasting paint colors in cove areas, and the last two-tone Corvette of any type until 1978. Also debuting in 1961 was a new boat-tail design later used on the C2. Rare options: RPO 353 275 hp engine (118), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (233), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (357), RPO 473 power convertible top (442).
The 1962 model year was the last Corvette with a solid-rear-axle suspension that was used from the beginning. With two new engines it was also the quickest. Engine displacement increased with the indroduction of the 327 cu in (5,360 cc) engine, but dual 4-barrel carburetor engines were no longer available. Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the base 250 hp and optional 300 hp (220 kW) engines, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 hp and fuel-injected 360 hp (270 kW) versions. Rocker panel trim was seen for the first time, exposed headlights for the last, until 2005. This was the last Corvette model to offer an optional power convertible top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 488 24-gallon fuel tank (65), RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering (246), RPO 473 power convertible top (350), RPO 276 15"×5.5" wheels (561).
Zora Arkus-Duntov
Although not a part of the original Corvette project, Zora Arkus-Duntov made available late in the 1955 model year the 265 cu in (4.3 L) engine with a three-speed manual transmission. Duntov improved the car's positioning and image and helped the car compete with the new V8—engined Ford Thunderbird, and turned the Corvette from decidedly "lackluster" into a "credible performer". In 1956 he became the director of high-performance vehicle design and development for Chevrolet helping him earn the nickname "Father of the Corvette."
WIKIPEDIA
GEN-U-WINE THREAT ,1965 Chevy Malibu . Don't hate Me....Hate the Game.
A message from Daryl Orange a.k.a. BIG LURCH : " Hey if you a racer or race car builder from my home town and stomppin' grounds of Ferris ave. & any other part of White Plains / Westchester County, New York or you are just an average Joe Racer looking for an engine builder give me a call @ Lurch County Racing (323) 291-3835 L. A. SoCal. "
In lovely winter sunshine, 73139 passed Stratford on Friday January 11th 1991 with 5O19, the 1347 from Ilford EMU Depot to Selhurst Depot, which was conveying 312716 for repairs.
ED's (at Stratford) were not as common as "Cromptons", due to their limited horespower on diesel, but on that day there was two, with 73126 working 7Z37 from Tonbridge to Ripple Lane earlier.