Designer vs. engineer is how i would describe the evolution of the C-1 series solid axle Corvette.  The very first ones, 315 or so hand built were examples all polo white with red interiors, 2 speed powerglide transmissions and all sporting the “blue flame” special inline six cylinder engine.  A testament to Harley Earl, Ed Cole and the designers of the motorama show car,  the car entered production and was available for sale in virtually the same form as the show car.  This spoke volumes about the positive reaction GM recieved from the public.  But how functional is the 1953 today?  Is it still roadable?  Sure, but with snap in side curtains and a clumsy top that greatly reduces visibility, it is definetly a collector’s car and not something to use as an everyday means of transportation.  Still, it is a lot of fun to tool around in on a clear and sunny day.   Enter: Zora Arkus-Duntov, the man responsible for putting together some of the finest Corvettes ever built and the recognized “true” father of the Corvette.  His vision and engineering expertise brought the car from gadget/curiousity to flat out boulevard-performer.  1955 was met with the introduction of the V-8 and a manual transmission.  The redesigned and cleaner exterior along with fuel injection were intorduced for 1956-1957.  The massive chrome bumpers and dual headlights of the ‘58 model eliminated the “washboard” and hood for 1959.  Cleaning up the exterior in 1960 and finally grafting on the rear end of the soon to appear stingray in 1961, ended the solid axle run in 1962 with probably the cleanest sportiest car of the early sixties.  Zora did a remarkable job keeping the car alive during these early days and brought back to Chevolet the title “America’s Sports Car” after losing it briefly to the Ford Thunderbird.  A rough start to be sure, but what an ending to the serie’s run!

Being on the east coast (in eastern Pennsylvania) I am fortunate enough to have seen first hand the world’s oldest “living” Corvette EX-122 the Waldorf-Astoria GM 1953 Motorama show car which is currently owned by and displayed at Kerberck Chevrolet in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  This car does get around as the Kerbeck dealership takes it on “tour” from time to time.  A very interesting car to see in person, it is quite a testament to the longevity of the Corvette!   I have seen this car personally at Corvettes @ Carlisle and also at the annual Kerbeck “toys for tots” run/ cruise-in which is held every fall and sponsored by Kerbeck Chevrolet. This dealership advertises themselves as the “world’s largest” Corvette dealer and i can not verify that claim, but i will say not only are they a dealer but also an enthusiaist!  If anyone is close enough I can not more strongly recommend participating in one of their annual “toys for tots” runs!! and if you are in the market for a new Corvette you’d be foolish not to check out their inventory and discount programs.  I mention this strictly out of courtesy as one enthusiaist to another given the “Kerbeck collection ” and some of the really fine cars that they have in their stable most notably EX-122!