1962 Chevrolet Corvette

Rivalries between auto manufacturers are not a recent phenomenon. Like early race car rivals Mercer and Stutz, Ford and Chevrolet competed with the Thunderbird and Corvette.

The Corvette was based on a 1952 show car and went into production virtually unchanged the following year. Designed by noted automobile stylist Harley Earl, the Corvette was created as an economical sports car for young adults. Although the initial public response was strong, sales figures remained low. Production was almost discontinued in 1955, but Ford came out with its two-passenger Thunderbird, forcing Chevrolet to continue production to remain competitive.

Even though this car is from 1962, it carried a 1950-era Chevrolet suspension, with no power steering or brakes. The following year the entire car was re-engineered and released as the Sting Ray. Improvements to the car continued, eventually transforming the Corvette into America’s legendary two-seat sports car.

Generous gift of Dr. Paul Kechijian, Manhasset, New York

More from our automobile collection:

In our current exhibit, From Carriage to Classic: How Automobiles Transformed America, we present the origin story of the American automobile through 23 cars from Heritage’s permanent collection of antique and classic automobiles. Come along for a ride from the late 1800s to the 1960s and watch the car evolve from a horseless carriage to a streamlined symbol of freedom and independence.