Automobiles

Few automobiles of any stripe have mustered enough appeal to survive 50 years of production. But only one sports car has endured for half a century. America's pride, the Chevrolet Corvette, marked its golden anniversary for 2003, desirable as ever and packed with more heart- pounding performance than at any point in its storied past. And what a past! Come along for the ride as Corvette: 50th Anniversary brings to life the adventure of a 1950s dream machine that grew into a world leader in speed, style, and sophistication. More than 1,000 photographs, many never before published, follow every generation of Corvette from the secret studios of the designers to the world's most challenging roads. Fast- paced text illuminates the people, trends, and technology that shaped America's most-desired car. And lavish color sections celebrate in detail top examples of every important Corvette model. There's no more captivating automotive saga. Corvette, surprisingly, nearly died of slow sales at the tender age of three. But a landmark V-8 engine and superb new styling saved it, while racing success proved it the equal of any rival. By 1962, it had secured its place in Chevrolet's lineup and in America's heart. With a brilliant new chassis and futuristic styling, the 1963 Sting Ray turned up the heat. Improved each year through 1967, the Sting Ray is considered by many the most desirable Corvette of all. Born of the Sting Ray in 1968 and plagued by teething troubles, the shark-inspired generation faced hazards unknown to its predecessors. But it soldiered on through a remarkable 15 years of tightening regulations and frustrating gas shortages. Along the way, Corvette matured into a well-balanced speed machine. Unveiled as a 1984 model, the sleek fourth-generation Corvette proved another tough survivor, enduring 13 years of unprecedented competition. It hosted the return of the Corvette convertible and the birth of a whole new legend—the mighty "King of the Hill" ZR-1. A small-block Chevy V-8, two-seat cabin, and luscious fiberglass body secured the fifth-generation Corvette's role in a proud 50-year tradition. But the 'Vette introduced in 1997 was in reality so fresh it contained more new components than the original 1953 model. Its advanced chassis design and world-class powertrain rocketed the legend into the 21st Century. Its ultimate expression was the fire-breathing, 405-horsepower Z06. No car's history is more stimulating, and it's all right here, in Corvette: 50th Anniversary. Dive into the engines and the advertising, the road tests and the engineering behind the world's best high-performance value. Get the inside story in exclusive interviews with towering figures in the annals of not only Corvette, but of the auto industry: Harley Earl, William "Bill" Mitchell, Zora Arkus-Duntov, and Chuck Jordan, among others. A half-century of thrills is coming boldly to life, and anyone who has ever admired a Corvette plays a part! Corvette's complete story, from 1953 to today, comes alive in a fascinating ride through automotive history! More than 1,000 photographs, insightful analysis, detailed specifications, and rare advertising art help tell the tale. Come along for the ride as Corvette: 50th Anniversary bring to life the adventure of a 1950's dream machine that grew into a world leader of speed, style and sophistication.