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Corvette Generations

Learn more about each generation of Corvette since 1953, from the C1 all the way to the all-new mid-engined C8.

Corvette Special Editions, Concepts, Prototypes & More

The ultimate collection of special edition Corvette models as well as our picks for the best Corvettes ever made.

C1 Corvette Model List (1953 - 1962)

When considering the history of the brand, it is fascinating to look at the “origin story” of Corvette and recognize just how much the first-generation (C1) model evolved in a period of just ten years. For the purposes of this discussion, the C1 Corvette can effectively be divided into four sub-eras (based mostly on the outward physical build of its body): the 1953–1955 Corvette, the 1956–1957 Corvette, the 1958–1960 Corvette and the 1961–1962 Corvette. See our C1 Research Hub.

C2 Corvette Model List (1963 - 1967)

The iconic C2 Corvettes – from 1963 to 1967 – solidified the brand as a serious contender on the world racing stage (even though it was developed in an era when GM was actively participating in the AMA racing ban). The second-generation Corvettes gave us disc brakes, independent suspension, revolutionary engine development, including the introduction of big-block power, and advances in technology on both the interior and exterior of the car. More than that, the design of the C2 Corvettes was simply beautiful “art-in-motion.” See our C2 Research Hub.

1963 Corvette
1965 Corvette
1966 Corvette
1967 Corvette

C3 Corvette Model List (1968 - 1982)

Almost from day one, the third-generation Corvette would fall under the discriminating eye of enthusiasts and critics alike, especially given that the second-generation Corvette had become so revered around the world. Where the second-generation Corvette was an asphalt pounding, straight-line missile that was capable of producing impressive acceleration numbers, there were a number of other cars on the market – including many of Chevy’s own models – that were capable of producing the same straight-line speed for a fraction of the price. See our C3 Research Hub.

1968 Corvette
1969 Corvette
1970 Corvette
1971 Corvette
1972 Corvette
1973 Corvette
1974 Corvette
1975 Corvette
1976 Corvette
1977 Corvette
1978 Corvette
1979 Corvette
1980 Corvette
1981 Corvette

C4 Corvette Model List (1984 - 1996)

In addition to the stagnation of mechanical development that had occurred over the previous two decades, there was a genuine demand from the public that General Motors rethink the design of their “American Sports car.”  After many years of rumors that an “all new Corvette” had been under development, legions of Corvette fans were eager to see something completely new roll out of Bowling Green’s Corvette assembly plant.   In 1984, the faithful would get their wish. See our C4 Research Hub.

1984 Corvette
1985 Corvette
1986 Corvette
1987 Corvette
1988 Corvette
1989 Corvette
1990 Corvette
1991 Corvette
1992 Corvette
1993 Corvette
1994 Corvette
1995 Corvette
1996 Corvette

C5 Corvette Model List (1997 - 2004)

In May, 1989, the C5’s unveiling was rescheduled for 1994 and was then pushed out to 1995 just three months later.  Despite these delays, the design of a 21st century styled, fifth generation Corvette really began in earnest, and even the earliest design drawings alluded to a car that was unlike anything that came before it.  However, by October, 1992, it seemed that nobody within General Motors could accurately predict when the C5 Corvette would actually arrive. See our C5 Research Hub.

1997 Corvette
1998 Corvette
1999 corvette
2000 corvette
2002 corvette
2003 corvette
2004 corvette

C6 Corvette Model List (2005 - 2013)

In some respects, the C6 Corvette could be considered the C5 after an extreme makeover.  The new Corvette has a sleeker, more chiseled appearance, with more horsepower, and noticeably improved levels of quality and refinement.  Unlike any other Corvette before it, the C6 was also the first ‘Vette to be developed in tandem with another GM car – the Cadillac XLR, the suave two seat retractable-hardtop convertible launched for 2004 as the for-sale version of the striking 1999 Evoq concept car. See our C6 Research Hub.

2005 Corvette
2006 Corvette
2007 Corvette
2008 Corvette
2009 Corvette
2010 Corvette
2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
2012 Corvette

C7 Corvette Model List (2014 - 2019)

The arrival of the C7 Corvette was the culmination of months of speculation by enthusiasts, car experts, critics, and countless fans, and was treated with more fanfare and pomp-and-circumstance than a Hollywood blockbuster movie debut. Development of the seventh-generation Corvette began about a year after the introduction of the C6 model in 2005.  Tom Peters, Chevrolet’s Design Director, who had designed the sixth-generation Corvette had been tasked with improving upon the design that had already been considered such a resounding success the world over by car enthusiasts and critics alike. See our C7 Research Hub.

2014 Corvette
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2016 Corvette
2017 Corvette
2018 Corvette
2019 Corvette

C8 Corvette Model List (2020 - Present)

For more than half a century, Zora Arkus-Duntov had dreamed of a mid-engine Corvette. On July 18, 2019, that dream officially became a reality. The official reveal began with retired astronauts Dr. Mae Jemison and Scott Kelly presenting on the main stage with video of the Apollo 11 moon-landing mission, and with General Motors executive vice president Barry Engle talking about how many Mercury and Apollo astronauts owned Corvettes.  Then, as the excitement within the venue reached a climax, the all-new 2020 Mid-Engine Corvette was driven out onto the stage.  It did not disappoint!  See our C8 Research Hub.

2020 Corvette
2021 Corvette
2022 Corvette
2023 Corvette

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In-Depth Research

We go deep into Corvette data. Dive into our research center to find anything you could ever want on any 'Vette.