The 1950s were Chevrolet’s formative years for the Corvette, as the car moved from a handbuilt showpiece into a production sports model. Across the decade you can trace clear changes in styling, performance and production that collectors and enthusiasts still study.
There are 7 1950s Corvette Car Models, ranging from the 1953 Corvette to the 1959 Corvette. For each entry the data is organized as Year,Engine(s),Production so you can compare powertrains and output across the lineup — you’ll find below.
How did Corvette engines change through the 1950s?
The Corvette started the decade with an inline-six and shifted to Chevrolet V8 power by the mid-1950s, which increased displacement options and horsepower; later models added more engine choices and performance-oriented options that shaped each model year’s appeal.
Which 1950s Corvettes do collectors prefer?
Collectors often target low-production early cars like the 1953 Corvette and late-decade examples with desirable engines or original option packages; rarity, condition, originality and documented provenance are the key factors that affect value.
1950s Corvette Car Models
| Model | Year | Engine(s) | Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 Corvette | 1953 | 3.9 L I6 (150 hp) | 300 |
| 1954 Corvette | 1954 | 3.9 L I6 (150 hp) | 3,640 |
| 1955 Corvette | 1955 | 4.3 L V8 (195 hp) | 6,339 |
| 1956 Corvette | 1956 | 4.3 L V8 (170–225 hp) | 3,467 |
| 1957 Corvette | 1957 | 4.3 L V8; 4.6 L V8 (up to 283 hp, FI option) | 6,339 |
| 1958 Corvette | 1958 | 4.6 L V8 (carbureted and FI, up to ~290 hp) | 9,168 |
| 1959 Corvette | 1959 | 4.6 L V8 (carbureted and FI, high-output options) | 10,261 |
Images and Descriptions
1953 Corvette
Convertible-only first-year Corvette with fiberglass body, chrome trim, and hand-built fit. Minor mechanicals and I6 engine; only 300 produced. Highly collectible for historical significance, styling, and rarity; early examples command strong restoration interest and high auction values.
1954 Corvette
Mostly carryover from 1953 with improved fit, trim, and expanded colors; still convertible-only. Retained 3.9 L I6 (150 hp). Production increased to 3,640, improving parts availability. Collectors prize early 1954 examples for incremental improvements and reasonable restoration costs compared with 1953 rarity.
1955 Corvette
Landmark year introducing Chevrolet small-block V8 (4.3 L 265 cid) to Corvette, transforming performance. Convertible-only with revised styling and transmission options. Production rose to 6,339. Highly desirable to collectors as the first V8 Corvettes, strong restomod and original restoration interest.
1956 Corvette
Mid-cycle revisions including first-year optional removable hardtop, refined interior, and updated suspension. Continued 4.3 L V8 engines with multiple outputs. Production about 3,467. Collectible for its hardtop rarity and transitional role between early and later small-block Corvettes.
1957 Corvette
Introduced the 4.6 L (283 cid) V8 and optional Rochester mechanical fuel injection, achieving famed 1 hp per ci 283 hp example. Styling refinements and performance focus. Production ~6,339. Highly collectible, especially fuel-injected 283s and factory options.
1958 Corvette
Major styling and equipment updates, including revised front-end and improved brakes. Continued 4.6 L (283 cid) V8 with carbureted and fuel-injected options up to ~290 hp. Production about 9,168. Collectible for performance variants and late-1950s styling exuberance.
1959 Corvette
Styling refresh with more chrome, revised rear and interior improvements; performance-oriented 4.6 L (283 cid) V8s with high-output carbureted and fuel-injected options. Production about 10,261, highest of the decade. Popular with collectors for performance options and late-50s styling.
