What Sports Car Is Named After A Naval Warship? The answer is Corvettes! Many Corvette enthusiasts have their own theories on the origins of the name, claiming that it has something to do with the body-hugging curves of certain models or that it represents the high speeds at which Corvettes can drive, etc. But does anyone really know where this iconic sports car got its name?
Let’s find out!
Chevrolet Corvette – a sports car named after naval warship is an iconic American muscle car that is still being manufactured. It is a 2-seat sports car and yet there are so many models out on the market. The latest model available in the market is Corvette 2022.
Why is it so popular and still in demand?
Why was it named after the fast naval warship? Let’s explore the history of Corvette in this blog.
Historical Background
The first Corvette was manufactured in 1953. Harley Earl takes pride in introducing the sports car in the market. Fiberglass was used to manufacture the body. The first versions were available in red interior and white exterior. It was among the most expensive cars at that time. It costs $3,500 excluding taxes.
Early, the car was available to VIP customers only. The results were disappointing as only a few cars were sold that year. Taking this into account, GM withdrew the VIP policy and the sale was open to the public. Again, the results were disappointing. Only 3.6k cars were manufactured instead of the planned 10k cars. By the start of 1955, ⅓ of the cars remained unsold.
Due to subsequent disappointing results, it was being planned to discard the model. The competitors launched successful models and it became a challenge to continue with Corvette. Well, GM continued the production and worked on improving the performance.
In the same year, the company appointed a Russian designer Zora as the head engineer of Corvette. He remained successful and transformed it into a legend. The designer was interested in the job after the Corvette was released in 1953. When he was given the opportunity, he worked hard to fulfill his commitments. Old engines were replaced with powerful efficient modern engines. Year by year, he kept upgrading the engines.
The first version released in 1953 offered a 150-horsepower engine, while the 1955 Corvette had a 195-horsepower engine, continuing to 240-horsepower in 1956, and a 283-horsepower engine in the 1957 Corvette. After 1956, Corvette began appearing in the record books for speed efficiency.
Corvette: Facts and Figures
- In the industry for more than 60 years
- 8-design generations
- From 1953 to 2019, the engine was set in the front part, while the latest models have engines in the mid.
- It is the world’s longest-running, continuously manufactured vehicle
- Highest speed is 194 MPH
- Rare models include 1963 (Grand Sport), 1969 (ZL1), 1970 (Baldwin Motion Phase III GT), 1986 (Copper Metallic), 1971 (ZR1) and 1983.
What’s Ahead?
At present, Corvette engines are gas-powered but the company is willing to introduce electric-led engines by 2035. It’s imaginable as the company is working hard to bring this transition idea into reality. The latest models including Corvette Z06, the features are extraordinary. It offers 670-horsepower and a V8 engine that is super-efficient. It is maybe the last model with a gas-powered engine.
Does the US Navy have corvette ships?
Corvette is a term used in the United States Navy to describe warships that are under construction, but not yet commissioned. The term is also used to refer to a class of small warships, based on a design of small, fast warships that were intended for use in the shallow littoral waters of the United States’ harbors and rivers. Corvette is a term used in the United States Navy to describe warships that are under construction, but not yet commissioned. The term is also used to refer to a class of small warships, based on a design of small, fast warships that were intended for use in the shallow littoral waters of the United States’ harbors and rivers. The term “corvette” comes from the French word corvette, which is itself a diminutive of the word Corvus or “crow” (“corbeau”), a large black crow. The French Navy also used the term corvette.
Last words!
In Conclusion, the Corvette has a long history to go. It is a masterpiece of the American automobile industry that still has a lot of potential to mock the competitors in the long run.
