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Corvette: A new look for America's sports car
January 9, 1997Web posted at: 9:10 a.m. EST
DETROIT (CNN) -- The new 1997 Corvette was met with all the fanfare of a Fourth of July celebration.
Some 1,600 automotive reporters showed up when Chevrolet, with the help of real fireworks, finally unveiled the latest version of America's original sports car this week at the North American Auto Show.
But then, it's been 13 years since the Corvette -- the star of everything from a TV show ("Route 66") to a movie ("Corvette Summer") to rock songs ("Dead Man's Curve" and "Little Red Corvette") -- got a face-lift.
"This is an all new design that is as functional as it is dramatic," said John Middlebrook, general manager of a Chevrolet dealership.
Alive and well
To collectors and lovers of these American motoring icons, the thought of change was downright nerve-wracking. That is, until they saw the new 'Vette, dubbed C5 (for Corvette, Fifth Generation).
"Corvette owners, we didn't know what to think. Our Corvette dream was gonna come to an end. But (instead) it's alive and well," said Corvette collector Glenn Sims.
Indeed, since the original Corvette was introduced in 1953 (315 were produced, costing $3,498 each), the look of the low-slung sports car had been tweaked only three other times.
The latest version, which began with artist's sketches in 1988, was originally scheduled as a 1993 model. But financial problems and management changes within General Motors constantly pushed back and even threatened to kill the redesign.
World-class sports car
The wait was worth it, however. The new Corvette is a sleak, road-hugging, muscular machine with 350 horsepower and a top speed of 170 mph. The Detroit Free Press has called it "a stunning combination of performance and civilized driving pleasure that signals the 'Vette's arrival as a true, world-class sports car."
Enthusiasts who've had a chance to get behind the wheel wax rhapsodic about major personality changes both inside and on top.
"You feel a little more macho, (it) feels like my hair's a little thicker," said John Oak.
Hair restoration is one of the few options not available on the new 'Vette. But setting the price at $38,060 -- just $270 more than the '96 price -- may be just be what it takes to keep the legend going strong.
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