Chevrolet Introduced the Corvette in 1953
Chevrolet introduced the Corvette in 1953 with a 235ci engine. It was capable of 150 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque. The Corvette came with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. For more information on the 1953 Corvette see the 1953 Corvette research center.
| MODEL: | 1953 Chevrolet Corvette |
| BODY STYLE: | Two-door convertible, front engine, rear wheel drive |
| MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | Flint, Michigan |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, steel frame with steel and chrome structural & chassis components. |
| VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): | E53F001001 thru E53F001300 |
| VIN PREFIX: LAY: | 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER |
| ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: | 3701481: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER (FIRST DESIGN), 3835911: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER (SECOND DESIGN) |
| HEAD NUMBER: | 3836066: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER |
| CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | CARTER 2066S #3706151: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER, FIRST DESIGN, CARTER 2066S A #3706989: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER, SECOND DESIGN |
| DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1112314: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER |
| GENERATOR NUMBER: | 1102793: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER |
| STARTER NUMBER: | 1107109: 235 CUBIC INCH, 150 HORSEPOWER |
| PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | JUNE, 1953: 001002 (PROTOTYPES 1 & 2), DECEMBER, 1953: 001300 |
1953 Corvette Engine & Transmission
| ENGINE: | 3.8 OHV I-6 “Blue Flame”, Normally Aspirated, Water Cooled |
| BLOCK MATERIAL: | Cast Iron |
| VALVE TRAIN: | OHV, 2 valves per cyl. |
| TORQUE: | 223 lb-ft @ 2.400 rpm |
| MAX. ENGINE RPM: | N/A |
| DISPLACEMENT: | 3.85 Litre/235.5 Cubic Inches |
| CYLINDER HEAD MATERIAL: | Cast Iron |
| FUEL DELIVERY: | Three Carter Sidedraft Carbs. |
| RECOMMENDED FUEL: | N/A |
| BORE: | 3.56 x 3.95 inches |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 8.00:1 |
| HORSEPOWER: | 150 HP @ 4200 RPM |
| EST. MPG: | N/A |
| TRANSMISSION: | 2-SPEED POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC |
| STANDARD AXLE RATIO: | 3.55:1 |
1953 Corvette Exterior/Interior Color Templates
1953 Corvette Car Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions | Interior Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase: | 102 Inches | Headroom: | N/A |
| Overall Length: | 167 Inches | Shoulder Room: | N/A |
| Total Body Width: | 72.2 Inches | Hip Room: | N/A |
| Overall Height: | 51.3 Inches | Leg Room: | N/A |
| Front Track Width: | 57 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 58.8 Inches | ||
| Capacities | Specs |
| Passenger Capacity: | 2 Passengers |
| Curb Weight (LBS/KG): | 2,851/1,293 |
| Cargo Volume (CU.FT/LITERS): | 22.4/634.4 |
| Fuel Capacity (GALLONS/LITERS): | 18/68 |
| Engine Oil Capacity (QTS./LITERS): | 5.5 |
1953 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes
| Wheels/Tires | Coupe & Convertible |
| Front Tires: | 6.0 x 15 inch, 22 psi. |
| Rear Tires: | 6.0 x 15 inch, 22 psi. |
| Front Wheels: | Steel disc with safety rims. 15 x 5k |
| Rear Wheels: | Steel disc with safety rims. 15 x 5k |
| Suspension | |
| Front: | Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers. |
| Rear: | Live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Brakes | |
| Front: | Hydraulic Drum Brakes. 11 inch drums |
| Rear: | Hydraulic Drum Brakes. 11 inch drums |
1953 Corvette Performance
| Published Performance Results | |
| 0-30 MPH: | 3.6 Seconds |
| 0-60 MPH: | 11.2 Seconds |
| 0-100 MPH: | 39.0 Seconds |
| Quarter Mile: | 17.90 Seconds @ 77.0 mph |
| Top Speed: | 108 MPH |
