When Chevrolet introduced the stylish “polo white” convertible with a “sportsman red” interior in 1953, few people believed it would become one of the most successful sports cars in the world and one of Chevy's best models. The innovative fiberglass body of the C1 Corvette powered by a lackluster 235-cubic-inch, inline 6-cylinder engine resulted in poor performance and disappointing sales in 1954 and prompted Chevrolet to consider scrapping the project.

UPDATE: 2023/10/03 By Ron FP

15 Of The Best Corvettes Ever Made

The 8th-generation Chevrolet Corvette is now in its 4th model year, and Chevy has quieted the qualms of plenty of nay-sayers with the C8's controversial rear mid-engine transformation. As the Corvette has revitalized its position in the automotive scene, it's worthwhile to explore C8's predecessors - the ones that have made the nameplate an icon in the industry.

We've cross-referenced vehicle specifications, press releases, reviews, and performance figures from manufacturer websites, Corvette owners' forum sites, Corvsport, Zero To 60 Times, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), and J.D. Power to give you 15 of the best Corvettes of all time.

The year 1955 could be considered a turning point for the car even though still in its infancy. The addition of a new 4.3-liter, small-block V8 with 195 hp not only enabled it to compete with the new Ford Thunderbird but improved the Corvette’s marketing and image as well. The Corvette had begun its timeless formula of producing a car that is not only extraordinarily attractive but consistently outperforms its competitors.

For the past sixty-five years, Chevrolet has refined the Corvette’s appearance and performance by introducing innovative technologies, some more successful than others. From the original “rolling bathtub,” so nicknamed when introduced at the General Motors Motorama in 1953, to the 2020 Corvette C8, a machine with supercar characteristics that rival the highest-performance V8 sports cars in the world today, its history has always been colorful.

15 1955 Chevrolet Corvette V8

Parked 1955 Chevrolet Corvette C1 In Gypsy Red Paint
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Although the 1953 Corvette started a legend that continued for more than 65 years, most car enthusiasts would agree that it became a true sports car in 1955 with a V8 under the hood. It was the model that saved the line after poor quality and performance from the ’53 and ’54 Corvettes nearly prompted Chevrolet to discontinue production permanently.

Chevy equipped their now-iconic fiberglass-bodied sports car with an optional 265-cubic-inch (4.3-liter) V8 engine, making the 1955 Corvette competitive with traditional high-performance sports cars from Europe.

Armed with a three-speed manual transmission, acceleration from 0-60 mph improved from a lackluster 11 seconds with the inline-6 to 8.5 seconds with the V8. The performance upgrade can be credited with saving the Corvette from being axed from the Chevy stable.

Engine Displacement, liters

4.3 (265 cu. in.)

Engine Configuration/s

Naturally-aspirated V8

0-60 MPH

8.5 sec

Top Speed

118 MPH

Power

195 hp

Torque

260 lb-ft

Curb Weight

2,910 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

14 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel Injected

1957-Chevrolet-Corvette-Fuelie-(Orange)---Front
Mecum Auctions

After its introduction in 1953, the Corvette received its first V8 in 1955. To make things even better, the 1957 model debuted with the first fuel injection system in a Corvette. Nicknamed the "Fuelie" Corvette, the 1957 model was exceedingly rare, as most Corvettes were still sold without this option.

When it debuted, it was the fastest American car on the market. And thanks to the fuel injection option, it developed an impressive 283 horsepower with its small 283-ci engine, which was an impressive feat. Of course, this isn't anything special by today's standards, but this car is over 60 years old and its rarity alone makes it incredibly valuable.

Engine Displacement, liters

4.6

Engine Configuration/s

Naturally-aspirated, fuel-injected V8

0-60 MPH

5.7 sec

Top Speed

132 MPH

Power

283 hp

Torque

290 lb-ft

Curb Weight

2,985 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

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13 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Callaway Sledgehammer

1988 Chevrolet Corvette Callaway SledgeHammer
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In October 1988, Callaway’s Corvette Sledgehammer super-coupe hit 254.7 MPH - a world record top speed for a road-legal car. The record stood until 2010 when Bugatti hit 267.8 mph with the Veyron Super Sport.

To achieve the record-setting speed, Callaway made suspension improvements including lowering the ride height by one inch, repositioning the lower control arms, using Koni shock absorbers, and mounting 17-inch Dymag magnesium wheels wrapped by unique Goodyear tires.

On the outside, the Sledgehammer became the first Corvette with the Callaway Aerobody package, giving it a reshaped body that was essential to achieving record speeds. Finally, the Sledgehammer powered to the record speed with a pair of Turbonetics T04b turbochargers, fed through a pair of relocated intercoolers, providing 22 PSI of boost, resulting in an estimated 898 horsepower and 772 pound-feet of torque.

Engine Displacement, liters

5.7

Engine Configuration/s

Twin-turbo V8

0-60 MPH

3.9 sec

Top Speed

254.7 MPH

Power

880 hp

Torque

772 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,400 - 3,672 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

12 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Grand Sport

1963 Chevrolet-Corvette-GrandSport- 1920x1080
Chevrolet

In response to the racing success of the Ford Cobra, Chevrolet initiated a program led by the Belgian-born American engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, nicknamed the "Father of the Corvette," to produce a lightweight version of the second-generation Corvette. The Corvette Grand Sport was conceived as a race car with the intention of producing 125 units to go on sale for the 1963 model year.

The program had been a well-kept secret. When GM executives discovered the Chevy project it was canceled, but not before five cars were built.

The five Corvette Grand Sports competed in several races and were even successful with some victories. Famed race car drivers such as Jim Hall, A.J. Foyt, and Roger Penske drove these race cars that were powered by V8 engines rated at up to 550 horsepower.

Engine Displacement, liters

5.35, 6.2

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

4.3 - 4.5 sec

Top Speed

175 MPH

Power

360 - 550 hp

Torque

550 lb-ft

Curb Weight

1,900 - 2,150 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

11 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray "Split-Window"

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Rear
Mecum Auctions

Many car enthusiasts would argue that the second-generation Corvette, featuring the famous split-window coupe, is one of the most beautiful American cars of all time. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray was the first Corvette coupe made, and the split window design was available only that year. The design was discontinued for the following model year due to visibility issues.

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The 1963 Stingray boasted a 327-cubic-inch V8 that produced 360 horsepower (or more when ordered with optional fuel injection) and included a four-speed manual transmission. The “Split-Window” benefited from improved handling provided by a spherical joint independent coil suspension up front, and an all-new three-link independent with transverse multi-leaf spring suspension in the rear. The brakes were 11-inch hydraulic with fade-resistant bonded linings.

Engine Displacement, liters

5.3

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

5.8 sec

Top Speed

130 MPH

Power

360 hp

Torque

352 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,037 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

10 1967-1969 Chevrolet Corvette C3 L88

Blue 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe on the road
Mecum Auctions

In 1966, the L36 was the first 427 cu. in. engine offered by Chevrolet in the Corvette. It produced 390 hp. The L68 and L72 followed with improved performance options that boosted the horsepower to 400 and 425 respectively. Even more power came from the 427 cu. in. L71 and L89 versions which were each rated at 435 hp.

However, many consider the Holy Grail of the ‘60s Corvettes to be the very rare L88, which can be found in only 216 Corvettes produced from 1967 through 1969. GM rated the L88 engine at 435 hp. However, tests showed it was closer to 550 hp.

The limited production of the L88 from the '60s made it one of the most sought-after Corvettes today, with sales prices of more than six figures.

Engine Displacement, liters

7.0

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

4.7 - 5.2 sec

Top Speed

170+ MPH

Power

435 hp

Torque

460 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,250 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

9 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1

1969 Corvette ZL1
Mecum Auctions

The 1969 Corvette ZL1 is one of the rarest production Corvettes ever built. Only two were made and sold through Chevrolet dealerships.

Offered only for the 1969 model year, the 1969 Corvette ZL1 featured an all-aluminum version of the already fearsome L88 7.0-liter big-block which was developed primarily for racing. Chevy officially rated the engine 430 hp, but testing revealed that output was closer to 460 hp. The ZL1 accelerated from 0-60 mph in a nimble 3.9 seconds and was quick enough to run the quarter-mile in 12.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 193 mph. However, all that power didn’t come cheap. It added a whopping $4,700 to the base price of the Corvette.

Engine Displacement, liters

7.0

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

3.9 sec

Top Speed

193 MPH

Power

430 - 460 hp

Torque

460 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,250 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

8 1990-1995 Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1

1990 chevrolet corvette zr1 in black
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The Corvette ZR-1, introduced in 1990, was genuine competition for the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Ferrari Testarossa. The LT5 engine, designed by Lotus, was the first and only twin-cam Corvette engine in history. An aluminum block, 32 valves, four overhead camshafts, and an exclusive air management system, helped the V8 generate 375 hp. In 1993, an upgraded 5.7-liter V8 engine generated 405 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque.

When the ZR-1 was first released, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in only 4.4 seconds and achieved a top speed of more than 180 mph. The ZR-1 coupe set several world records, including 175.5 mph at the 12 Hours Endurance,175,8 mph at the 24 Hours Endurance, and running for 5,000 miles at 279.6 mph.

Engine Displacement, liters

5.7

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

4.4 sec

Top Speed

~180 MPH

Power

405 hp

Torque

385 lb-ft

Curb Weight

~3,360 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

7 2000-2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06

2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition
Chevrolet

The C5 Corvette was a significant improvement over the C4 when it arrived in 1997, and the best was the Z06. Although the exterior was similar to the standard model, it was equipped with a different drivetrain. The new LS6 engine developed 385 horsepower which was less than the ZR-1, but the Z06 with its aluminum chassis and rear transaxle, was much lighter, giving it a superior power-to-weight ratio.

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For the 2002 model year, the Z06 Chevrolet increased the power to 405 hp, which resulted in a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds. In fact, the C5 Corvette is one of the most thrilling sports cars you can buy for cheap. Production of the Z06 ended in 2004 when Chevrolet began work on the C6-generation Corvette.

Engine Displacement, liters

5.7

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

3.9 sec

Top Speed

171 MPH

Power

385 - 405 hp

Torque

400 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,118 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

6 2009-2013 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1

2012-Chevrolet-Corvette-Japan-ZR1 1920x1080
Chevrolet

The first ZR1 Corvette was created with a specific goal: “Shock and Awe,” and the Corvette design team responded by producing the most powerful Corvette ever made at the factory. The C6-generation ZR1 was unveiled with a supercharged, 6.2-liter LS9 V8 that generated 638 hp, 133 hp more than the Z06.

It was also the quickest Corvette, reaching 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph, another record for a Corvette.

The ZR1 made extensive use of carbon fiber. The lightweight material was used to construct the engine hood, roof, front splitter, fenders, and rocker moldings. It also boasted the largest wheels ever used on a production Corvette, as well as carbon-ceramic brakes.

Engine Displacement, liters

6.2

Engine Configuration/s

Supercharged V8

0-60 MPH

3.4 sec

Top Speed

205 MPH

Power

638 hp

Torque

604 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,353 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

5 2011 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 Carbon Fiber Edition

2011 Chevrolet-Corvette_Z06_Carbon_Limited_Edition- 1920x1080
Chevrolet

The 2011 Corvette offered the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition variant, and the Z07 Performance Package was a cool addition in the succeeding years. These were done to celebrate Corvette’s 50th anniversary at Le Mans. The carbon fiber raised hood, splitter, and rockers with headlights in black, with finishing in Supersonic Blue or Inferno Orange, made it look very striking indeed.

Engine Displacement, liters

7.0

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

3.8 sec

Top Speed

198 MPH

Power

505 hp

Torque

470 lb-ft

Curb Weight

~3,160 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

4 2016 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06

2016-Chevrolet-CorvetteZ06
Chevrolet

Just one glance at the C7 Corvette Z06 is enough to tell of its significance and greatness in every detail. Its sleek, low-slung, aerodynamic appearance, balanced proportions, and powerful sculpture embody the sportiness we've come to associate with this high-performance car.

Meanwhile, the C7 Corvette Z06's 650-hp, 6.2-liter V8 gives drivers the perfect scenario to enjoy this beast and feel that agility. The engine provides 0-60 mph acceleration in as little as 3 seconds and a top speed of up to 195 mph.

Engine Displacement, liters

6.2

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

3.0 sec

Top Speed

195 MPH

Power

650 hp

Torque

650 lb-ft

Curb Weight

~3,558 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

3 2019 Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1

 Front Driving 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1
Chevrolet

While the latest model of any car brand isn’t necessarily the best version ever made, in the case of the Corvette one could argue that the 2019 ZR1 is the culmination of over 65 years of development and refinement and therefore “the very best Corvette ever made.” However, even if the 2019 ZR1 is not the very best it clearly deserves to be on the list.

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The ZR1 includes the most comprehensive aerodynamic package Chevy has ever designed for a road car. Under the hood, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 develops 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque, sending the 2019 Corvette ZR1 from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.1 seconds, topping out at more than 210 mph. The Corvette grips the road with race-car intensity utilizing an optional wing that provides up to 950 lbs of downforce.

Engine Displacement, liters

6.2

Engine Configuration/s

Supercharged V8

0-60 MPH

3.1 sec

Top Speed

210+ MPH

Power

755 hp

Torque

715 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,560 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

2 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8

2020 Chevrolet-Corvette_C8_Stingray- 1500x750
Chevrolet

For some sports car fans and enthusiasts, the Chevrolet Corvette may be the most visually-appealing American car on the road today. The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette is the pioneer model year of the highly-acclaimed C8 or 8th-generation Corvette. For 2020, the Chevy Corvette Stingray's appeal comes from its striking 8th-generation exterior design, potent 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 (495 hp, 470 lb-ft), mid-engine layout, and 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Engine Displacement, liters

6.2

Engine Configuration/s

V8

0-60 MPH

2.9 sec

Top Speed

194 MPH

Power

495 hp

Torque

470 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,366 lbs

Layout

Front mid-engine, RWD

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1 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

2023 Chevrolet-Corvette_Z06- 1500x750
Chevrolet

Since its launch in 2020, the 8th-generation (C8) Chevrolet Corvette has received plenty of praise due to its ability to match the power and handling of much pricier sports cars. This 2023, Chevrolet launched the more potent Corvette Z06 – not as a performance package, but as a trim by itself. The 2023 Chevy Corvette C8 Z06 is America's first mid-engine Z06, and its 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 (670 hp, 460 lb-ft) is one of the most powerful naturally-aspirated production V8 engines in the world today. From a standstill, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 can dash to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, making it a match not just for more expensive sports cars, but for top-dollar supercars as well.

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette earned a "best" 93/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power, a "great" 8.5/10 verdict from Edmunds, and a laudable 4.7/5 rating from KBB's expert reviews.

Engine Displacement, liters

5.5

Engine Configuration/s

Flat-plane crank V8

0-60 MPH

2.6 sec

Top Speed

195 MPH

Power

670 hp

Torque

460 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,500 lbs

Layout

Rear mid-engine, RWD