autoevolution
 

CHEVROLET Corvette Convertible Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 11
First production year: 1953
Engines: Hybrid gasoline, Gasoline
Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
CHEVROLET Corvette E-Ray Convertible photo gallery

On the 17th of February 2023, GM introduced the first electrified Corvette exactly seven decades after the nameplate’s introduction at the 1953 Motorama in New York City.

The Corvette was the most notorious American sports car. Chevrolet made it with a front engine and rear-wheel-drive for almost all those 70 years, but times changed. In 2020, the automaker launched the eighth generation of the Corvette with a mid-mounted engine. It was the most revolutionary change in the model’s history. Then, in January 2023, Chevrolet introduced the E-Ray. It introduced two other significant upgrades: drivetrain electrification and an all-wheel-drive system. This hybrid version not only used an electric motor to improve the vehicle’s performance but also to increase its fuel efficiency.

Throughout its history, the Corvette has always been granted an open-top version, so the eighth generation followed the same principle. Besides the coupe, Chevrolet also made the vehicle with a retractable roof that was available on most engine versions, including the E-Ray. The car’s front featured a lower splitter under the bumper with a center intake and two side scoops that flanked it. The triangular-shaped headlights were adorned by the integrated LED daytime running lights that ran on the upper and outer sides. From its profile, the C8 Corvette convertible featured a short nose followed by a raked windshield. Behind the seats, the automaker placed two bulges that concealed the safety arches and the retractable roof mechanism. Between them, on the engine’s cover, Chevrolet added a set of vents that helped to cool the engine. Behind that, on the deck, the Corvette E-Ray Convertible sported a small spoiler that increased downforce.

With its modern cockpit made for two, the American supercar created a luxurious and sporty environment for its customers. The two high-bolstered seats were separated by a tall center console, while in front of the driver was a digital instrument cluster. In addition, atop the center stack, GM added a touchscreen for the infotainment system, which the driver could control via a turning knob and a few buttons placed next to the gear selector’s buttons. The driver could cover or open the top at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 kph).

But E-Ray’s most significant upgrade compared to its stablemates was found under its skin. Regardless of whether it was in the coupe or roadster shape, the car featured an electrified drivetrain. GM installed the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine that powered the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. At the same time, the front wheels were moved by a 160 hp (162 PS) motor. The total output power obtained reached 655 hp (664 PS). But the E-Ray Convertible could do something more than just help the car get a 2.5-second 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) sprint. It could also cruise in “Stealth Mode” via the electric motor only at speeds of up to 45 mph (72 kph). Still, the battery pack was just 1.9 kWh.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette Stingray Convertible C7 photo gallery

The Stingray Convertible C7 was the last front-engine, open-top Corvette and honored the glorious 1959 Stingray Racer.

Chevrolet unveiled the C7 Stingray at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in both shapes as a convertible or a coupe with a removable top. The canvas-top version featured a power-operated roof that folded down behind the seats and protected by a tonneau cover.

Its silhouette was easy to recognize. It had the same sharp nose, a long hood, and an aerodynamic greenhouse. In the rear, the short overhang amplified the sport look. Even with the roof-up, the 2013 Stingray C7 looked good. GM made the canvas-top from a three-ply fabric, including sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window. The carmaker used carbon fiber for the hood to make the vehicle lighter, enhancing the weight distribution.

Inside, there was a significant improvement over the C6, which wasn't that good on materials quality. The dashboard features a mixed instrument cluster with analog dials and a TFT display which could have been customized to show the information needed by the driver. There was one rotary knob for the drive-mode selector on the central console with a big, round "ESP-off" button in the middle. Another noticeable improvement was the infotainment system that featured an 8" touch-screen display. GM kept the head-up display but with improved functions.

Under the hood, the C7 featured a new, 6.2-liter engine that offered 455 hp and 610 Nm (450 lb-ft) of torque. Chevrolet paired it either with a six-speed automatic transmission or a 7-speed manual. The carmaker upgraded the adaptive dampers with Magnetic ride control and, on the C7, offered more settings than on the C6. It was the last front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Corvette Stingray.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition photo gallery

The 60th Anniversary model Corvette 427 was the fastest model from the American sports-car model. It was a model that could embarrass some European sports cars.

There were not too many models on the market to be produced for 60 years. The closest competitor was the Porsche 911. There was no Ferrari or Lamborghini to be produced for such a long time. But the Corvette remained true to its American customers and Chevrolet engineers worked hard to develop something they were proud to have: the 2012 Corvette 427.

For starters, the 427 Convertible was white with a blue top. In the back, there was a small wing, which was a carry-over from the Corvette ZR1. Special badges with the 60th logo were installed on the wheel center caps. The sleek, aerodynamic body of the open-top version of the Corvette 427 featured the same badge on the “waterfall” panels.

Inside, the 60th badge was seen on the steering wheel, embossed on the seats and inside the instrument cluster. The rest of the interior featured a higher attention to detail and carefully crafted leather seats with contrast stitching.

The 427 model was developed with the same engineering team that prepared the Corvette GT1 for the 24h of LeMans race. To reduce its weight, the anniversary model featured a carbon-fiber raised hood, carbon-fiber Z06-style fenders, carbon-fiber floor panels, and carbon-fiber front splitter and rocker panels. The latter was fitted as standard only for the Anniversary Edition, but those were on the options list for the 427. The LS7 (7-liter) engine featured titanium connecting rods and intake valves. The 505 hp engine was mated to a 6-speed manual.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette Convertible Grand Sport photo gallery

By the time someone will spell this roadster's complete name, the car already hit the 60 mph (97 kph) barrier. It was that quick—the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Grand Sport.

Take anyone involved in the motoring industry and ask which is the fastest American sports car, and 9 out of ten would say Corvette. The other one would say the Chevrolet Corvette. While in the beginning, the "Vette" was not the quickest on the drag-strips, later on, it evolved and became a legendary sportscar. It entered in all kind of races against the top of the European supercars. Some times it won, sometimes it lost. But it was there, among the world's finest.

The 2009 Corvette Convertible Grand Sport featured air-vents at the front wider fenders to extract the wheel-well air. On the rear ones, which were widened as well, the carmaker placed an air-intake to cool the gearbox and the rear brakes. To make a clear statement, the designers put silver badges with the "Grand Sport" lettering on both front fenders.

Inside, the high-bolstered bucket seats were embroiled with the unique model version on the incorporated headrests. Depending on the options, the carmaker installed a new infotainment unit with sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity. For the vehicles fitted with an automatic transmission, the carmaker installed paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel.

Chevrolet installed a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine that provided up to 436 hp with the optional, two-mode exhaust system. In the standard version, it offered six hp less. The carmaker fitted a magnetorheological fluid to enhance the cornering speed to keep the car planted on the road.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette Convertible photo gallery

When talking about American sports cars, the Corvette name comes first. In 2008, the C6 Corvette was offered as a coupe and convertible as well.

While Chevrolet made the Corvette coupe for high-performance driving, the convertible version was designed for leisure driving. But beware, that convertible was not the usual shopping car. It could outpace many other vehicles on the road, but with an enhanced view of the sky.

The long and slim silhouette of the Corvette was always fascinating for car enthusiasts all over the world. It represented one of the quickest and fastest cars for the buck spent. Its lines and the new exposed headlights were a big step forward for its design. At a glance it didn't look so much different than the C2 Vette (apart from the pop-up headlights). The slim vents behind the front wheels and the four exhaust in the back warned the bystanders that the car could run in a split of a second. The four, round, taillights were as emblematic as those found on a Ferrari.

The interior was fit for two passengers, with enough legroom and a low seating position. The power-roof helped the driver to open or close the top. On the center stack, Chevrolet offered a 6.5" touch-screen display for the infotainment unit. As an option, a Bose sound system was installed. Like its predecessor, it offered a complex, head-up display, which could show various information, including the lateral acceleration.

Under the hood, the 2008 model featured a new, 6.2-liter engine able to provide 430 hp. It was paired with a new 6-speed manual. A 6-speed automatic was on the options list.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette C6 Convertible photo gallery

The C6 Corvette roadster was introduced in the fall of 2004 and it was well received by the market. It was considered more of a roadster than a classical convertible. It was a mix of old and new technology.

Even if the C6 was not 100% new, an important difference was on the headlights. The front headlights deleted the traditional "pop-up" headlights, for the first time since 1963, since the second generation was launched. The bodywork was made out of fiberglass.

The 2005 Corvette featured an optional power-operated soft top. An easy-to-operate manual top remained standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car's aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

The interior was covered in plastic and leather of higher quality compared to the previous C5 Corvette. An infotainment system with a 6.5” touchscreen was placed on the center console, tilted toward the driver. A head-up display showed the driver information about speed, revs and lateral acceleration.

Under the hood, there was a new LS2 engine that featured a 6.0-liter displacement and offered 400 hp. It was mated either with a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. For the suspension, it still had leaf-springs in the back but featured magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces for better ride control.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette C5 Convertible photo gallery

It was the last Corvette with pop-up headlights and it brought the 50-50 weight distribution to the range. The C5 generation was a big improvement for the well-known American sports-car.

The Corvette, along with the Mustang, was the only American sports-car continuously produced since its first generation, but it appeared a decade before the “Stang” showed to the party. It was constantly improved and survived all the oil crises of the XX-th century.

Sleek, low, and with a stance that couldn't be mistaken with any other sports-car on the market, the Corvette kept its promise to offer exhilarating performance at a bargain price. There was no other car on the market to sprint as fast as it, and have the same price. The convertible version was offered with a hard-top, which couldn't be carried along and had to be left in the garage.

Inside, the Corvette didn't offer the same high-quality materials or fittings. But the low seating position and the high center console were typical for a sports-car.

Due to the new hydroformed chassis, the C5 Convertible was lighter than its predecessor, and it didn't add too much weight when compared to its coupe sibling. The drivetrain was transaxle with the engine in the front and the gearbox in the back. Unlike its predecessors, the differential was integrated into the gearbox instead and not as a separate unit as before. The LS1, small-block 5.7-liter V8 was upgraded, but it still featured a push-rod configuration, which was considered outdated for most of the European cars. It offered only 345 hp, but due to its high torque at low revs and the light, plastic, bodywork, it could outrun most of the cars on the market. It was offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette C4 Convertible photo gallery

Chevrolet introduced the fourth generation of the Corvette in 1983 and offered it either as a targa-top or a convertible version.

Chevrolet had the difficult task of replacing the beloved C3 Vette, which had been in production for 14 years. Even in its final stint, in 1982, it managed to sell more than 25,000 units. That might not sound a lot, but it was excellent for a sports car. But the bow-tie brand knew that it had to replace it, and it did it in 1983 with the introduction of the C4. Moreover, since the first generation of the Corvette was offered exclusively as an open-top vehicle, the carmaker considered it a must to continue the same rag-top version in the offer.

Designed by Jerry Palmer, under Dave McLellan's guidance, the C4 was a clear departure from the lines imagined by the Corvette's spiritual father, Zora Arkus-Duntov. Gone were all the shapes imagined by the Mako Shark. Yet, the pop-up headlights remained; thus, the front side of the car looked very sharp. Still, the parking lights and the blinkers were left exposed, mounted inside the bumper. Also, unlike its predecessor, the C4 featured plastic bodywork panels instead of the fiberglass ones used on the C3.

The cockpit was enough for two passengers seated in high-bolstered seats facing a flat, wedged-shaped dashboard. Chevrolet installed a tall center console between the two occupants, dividing the cabin into two distinct areas. Thus, the driver could feel like they were in a fighter jet, mainly due to the standard digital instrument panel with a liquid crystal display.

In its 13 years career, the C4 went from a mere 205 hp (207 PS) for the L83 engine to the mighty ZR1 from the 90s. An important upgrade for the car was the transverse spring, lighter than the coil springs used on the C3.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette C1 V8 Convertible photo gallery

In 1958, Chevrolet introduced the most significant visual upgrade for the C1 Corvette, and besides these, it also improved the car’s interior and, most importantly, the drivetrain.

After the upgrades made for the 1956 Corvette, sales started to pick up speed and exceeded 6,000 units in 1957. But still, some top brass from GM’s headquarters were not fully convinced by the car’s potential success. Then, Duntov and his team pushed harder to implement other technological upgrades, including a fuel-injection system. But that was not enough, so for the 1958 model year, the C1 received a new update, with an improved design. In addition, the car’s front fascia was completely improved.

The 1958 Corvette looked clearly different from its predecessors thanks to its twin-headlights system. In addition, Chevrolet reduced the number of chromed vertical slats on the grille from thirteen to nine. Furthermore, the hood received two longitudinal bulges, emphasizing the V8 underneath it. Another upgrade was for the bumper, which was thicker and covered a wider area of the car’s front.

On the profile, the automaker added more chromed elements on the front fenders and on the doors’ sculptured areas. Furthermore, customers could enter the Corvette more easily thanks to the new door handles. Out back, on the trunk, Chevrolet added two longitudinal chromed stripes resembling those installed on British sports cars. Like its predecessors, it was available with a retractable rag top or a removable fiberglass hard top.

Inside, the Corvette got the radio as a standard feature, just in time for people to enjoy Chuck Berry’s song “Sweet Little Sixteen,” which dominated the charts in 1958. There were new upholsteries starting with the 1959 model year and an upgraded design for the dashboard, which housed a storage compartment. The vinyl-covered bucket seats started to be shaped with some bolstered areas to match the car’s performance. Fronting the driver was now a tachometer marked up to 8,000 rpm, a feature that those looking for competitive sports cars greatly appreciated. The Corvette’s sales exceeded 9,000 units for the rest of the production years, thanks to all these additions.

But the most significant changes happened under the skin. Duntov knew that the fuel injection should improve the car’s performance. As a result, he installed such a system on the C1’s V8, and the result was stunning. The 4.6-liter powerplant produced up to 290 hp (294 PS). Still, that was offered as an option, and many customers still went for the carbureted version. Duntov also developed a special set of camshafts that raised the engine performance. The standard gearbox was a three-speed manual, while a four-speed manual became available. Another significant option was the Positronic rear differential, which greatly improved the car’s cornering abilities.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette C1 Roadster V8 photo gallery

After the launch of the Corvette, GM noticed that its customers were not very happy with the white roadster that it produced, so it prepared an upgraded version for it for the 1955 model year.

After it hired Zora Arkus-Duntov, Chevrolet's big brass listened to what the race-car driver and engineer had to say and promoted him to work closely on the Corvette project. Even though he wasn't even employed by General Motors when the car was launched in 1953 at Motorama, he became known by many as the father of Corvette. His ideas kept the car on the assembly lines when many others believed that the little white roadster was a failure. He thought differently, and his ideas saved the car that became the most legendary American sports car.

While Duntov wasn't completely satisfied with the car's look, Harley Earl, who led the styling department, was. But still, he understood that it wasn't possible to sell the car in only one combination of white body and red interior. In addition, he added the option for a fiberglass greenhouse, which could be used for the winter season and left on the garage floor when the weather was warm.

Another significant improvement was the retractable fabric roof that could provide some cover during rainy days. Moreover, the 1955 Corvette featured side windows, which were unavailable for the previous model. However, the fiberglass bodywork remained, and GM started to master the art of shaping the body panels. Still, one of the car's aesthetic problems was its rear end. The fin-like rear fenders sported rocket-type round taillights, which Duntov considered to be inappropriate for a sportscar. Unfortunately, he couldn't change that, at least not yet.

The cabin couldn't get bigger since there was not enough room, but the automaker found ways to make its customers' rides more comfortable. Besides the heather and the stereo, the Corvette featured bucket seats separated by the thin transmission tunnel that crossed the vehicle from front to back. On the dash panel, the Corvette had the same shape for the speedometer in front of the driver as the 1953 model year. While that didn't change, the customers were able to choose different upholsteries for the car's interior.

But the most significant change happened under the hood. Duntov understood that the car lacked performance and that the Blue Flame straight-six engine couldn't satisfy sports car enthusiasts. As a result, he urged GM's management to install a V8 under the little roadster's hood. The car became an instant hit. While some customers still bought the six-cylinder unit, most of them opted for the V8. Moreover, besides the two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, a three-speed manual became an option, and the sales took off.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Corvette C1 Roadster photo gallery

GM unveiled at the 1953 Motorama event held in New York the concept of a two-seat roadster that became America’s sports car: the Corvette.

Harley Earl was leading GM’s styling department and had a few ideas about how a sports car should look. The British MGs and Jaguars inspired him, so he thought Chevrolet could create such a vehicle. Moreover, he convinced the top management to fund the concept, and the result was stunning. Everyone praised it, so the American automaker dared to launch the concept into production. Robert F. McLean, GM executive, had only one objection: to use off-the-shelf parts to keep the costs down. Later that year, Zora Arkus-Duntov joined Chevrolet. He was a race car driver and an engineer, so he knew what the Corvette needed to be a successful sports car and convinced GM’s management to hire him.

Production started just six months after the model’s unveiling. The automaker used fiberglass-reinforced plastic materials for the bodywork, which was different from the steel panels used by Chevrolet for the rest of its vehicle range back then. Its round headlights were fitted inside scoops. Its grille sported thirteen chromed vertical slats and one horizontal that united them behind the flimsy so-called bumper in front of it. That was merely protection against a crash.

From its profile, the 1953 Corvette was different from anything else Chevrolet produced at that time. The low stance, raked windshield, and open-top design made it fit for those looking for a sporty, hot-looking vehicle. Still, the car didn’t even have door handles. Passengers could step inside by using the levers installed on the door cards. That was easy to do since there were no side windows. At the back, the era of fin-tails was on the rise, so Harley Earl added them when he penned the car. At the back, the tiny round taillights and the sloped-down trunk lid were a mix between U.S. and British styling. At least, there was some sort of a bumper in the back, in the shape of a chromed horizontal element. All 300 cars produced in 1953 were white, so Mr. McLean could be happy with the cost-cutting measures.

All 1953 Corvettes had red interiors featuring bucket seats separated by the transmission tunnel. Later, the car became available with other color combinations, which made more customers happy. The dashboard sported most of the gauges and dials in the mid-section, while in front of the driver was only the speedometer. A radio and a heater were also offered. Since the car was a roadster, Chevrolet mounted the rearview mirror on the dash, not on the windshield’s rim.

Under the hood, Earl installed the Blue-Flame inline-six engine that was carried over from GM’s parts bin. The 150 hp (152 PS) 3.9-liter engine sent its power to the rear axle via a two-speed automatic transmission. This combination was not convincing for those looking for a sports car.

full description and technical specifications