1960 Chevrolet Corvette - C1

The Chevrolet Corvette C1 is the first generation of the Corvette. The car was built from 1953 to 1962 and underwent several aesthetic and technical revisions during this period. Since its launch, many of its features have been largely retained right up to the 7th generation, the Corvette C7. These include, amongst others, the ‘small-block’ V8 engine introduced in 1955, the fibreglass body and the four distinctive round rear lights, which were introduced in 1961. The first Corvette was unveiled to the public at the ‘Motorama’ at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York in January 1953. The public response was positive, and mass production began six months later. Initially, the engine was a only slightly modified ‘Blue Flame’ six-cylinder in-line engine from a lorry, with a displacement of 3.8 litres. Higher compression and three Carter single-barrel carburettors increased the power output to 150 bhp initially, and from 1954, thanks to a modified camshaft, to 155 bhp. Depending on the source, the Corvette C1 thus accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 8 to 11 seconds. The top speed was reported as between 172 and 180 km/h. However, even by the standards of the time, these performance figures did not match those of a sports car. Consequently, Ed Cole and Zora Arkus-Duntov put the Corvette C1 on a performance programme: Instead of the previous six-cylinder engine, they opted for a ‘small-block’ V8 with an initial displacement of 4.3 litres (265 cui) and 195 bhp. The first Chevrolet ‘small-block’ V8 engine – and thus the first Corvette V8 engine – was launched in 1955. In 1957, a new engine was introduced in the C1. The V8 engine, increased to 4.6 litres (283 cui), now delivered up to 283 bhp thanks to the new fuel injection system. By 1958, the engine range ultimately stretched from a 230 bhp V8 to the most powerful engine, producing 290 bhp with fuel injection. The Chevrolet Corvette C1 offered here was first registered in the USA in 1960. Imported into Switzerland many years ago, this sporty convertible – with its 230 hp 4.6-litre V8, automatic gearbox and optional hardtop – was acquired by the current owner in 2006 and added to his small collection. Since then, the Vette has been enjoyed for occasional drives and participation in historic rallies, although over the last two years it has covered only around 500 km. This is also the reason why the owner wishes to part with the C1. The Corvette is currently in good to very good condition and, apart from the fitted 15-inch American Racing alloy wheels and the retro radio with USB and mini-SD, is largely in its original state, with signs of wear and tear in the paintwork and interior that are typical for its age. The last veteran MOT took place in September 2025.