1953 Chevrolet Corvette part of the Precision Model collection.

Scale:  1:20

Die Cast by Franklin Mint.  Previously owned Franklin Mint model car. #19

This model represents the first of the Corvettes manufactured in America by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors from 1953. The idea for the Corvette came from General Motor's head of design, Harley Earl, a sports car enthusiast who wanted his firm to offer something comparable to the Jaguar XK120.

The Corvette began as a "dream car" shown at GM's Motorama in 1953 and was named after the small, maneuverable warship. The car was initially built at Flint, Michigan. The first model featured a then revolutionary fiberglass body but the running gear was from a 1952 Chevrolet. Most of the first production run of 315 cars went to GM executives!

This car was the first of the so-called first generation or C1s which ran from 1953 until 1962 and were differentiated by a solid-axle, as independent rear suspension was not available until 1963.