brassplyer

A '53 and a '62 seem very different - why are those years classified in the same generation?

Frankie the Fink

First off - they aren't by many.....even though they share large numbers of components and systems....frames, solid axles, etc....

The generational segmentation is more about what makes the cars different than the same; the second generation introduced the coupe, independent rear suspension, hidden headlights and options like power steering and air-conditioning...

Wayne88

If I recall, some used to divide those years into two categories. But, yes, the '53 has no resemblance to the '62 [IMHO].

emccomas

Chassis.

crosskeystv

Solid axle and front suspension, all the same,

AZDoug

A C2 and C3 share the exact same frame and suspension...

Though yes, C1s have basically the same frame, but totally different bodies and in same cases, motors.

I always thought you should have C1(a), C1(b),a nd C1(c). Or, as Tom P says you have 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, etc...
Doug

68hemi

Robert61

kenba

I like to use the combination of chasse & body style. 53to 57. 58 to 62 because of 2 headlights. 63 to 67 for chasse change & different than later ones mostly for body style. 68 to 72 for the same reason as 63/67. 73to82 plastic bumper.

GTOguy

In my head, I don't classify these cars as C1's. I see the '53-'54 as the early cars, the '55 as a stand-alone year with the first V8, the '56-'57 as the first serious performance cars, world-class, and the '58-'60 a heavier, more comfort, more loaded down versions of the cosmetically perfect '56-'57 cars. The '61-'62 were end-of-the-line place-holders until the Sting Ray came out, which, without doubt, is every bit as sexy as the '56-'57 cars As a car crazy kid in the '60's, I knew that they'd blown it when the '68 came out...and I haven't wanted a '68 or later Corvette since. The '61-'62 Corvette used to be my least favorite, until I bought, resurrected, and drove my '61. I now prefer the '61-'62's over the '58-'60 models, as the tail end is much cleaner, IMO. Again, I never called these cars C1's, C2's, etc. back then, and probably shouldn't now. Better to go by model year.

White Monster

Duck916

I could be wrong, but I don't think the terms "C1," "C2," etc. came into use until the C5 came out. Until then I always thought of "solid axles," "midyears," and "sharks."

scotty t

How about just using the year instead of C1, C2, C3 etc? 57, 66, 82 = The same amount of typing!

DZAUTO

I have finally given up on getting the Corvette community to do away with the C-categories. I personally do not use the C-1, C-2, etc, etc terms, I simply refer to them by year model because there is so many differences from year to year. Even cars that LOOK the same to many people, still have various differences. Thus, I feel referring to a Corvette by year model is more appropriate.
For example the 52-55 or 58-60 cars APPEAR the same-----------------------but they are not! The 68-72 LOOK the same to many people-------------------------but they absolutely are NOT! And so on and so on. The C-categories just do not work for me!!!!!

One quick example. If I asked someone to help me locate a rear axle bearing for a C-1, what bearing would be recommended to me????? Well, guess what, from 53-62 there were a total of FIVE rear axle bearings. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, the YEAR MODEL and rearend type would need to be known!
Again, labeling these cars by a C-category just DOES NOT WORK!

Nowhere Man

or just go back to the old days and call them solid axle, mid year, sharks and late model

fyreline

I agree that the C1, C2, C3 etc. designations are arbitrary and came late to the game. However, it's very doubtful that anything is going to change things at this point. I have a 1962 (which I love, and personally consider to be the "ultimate" sold-axle year - but I'm prejudiced) and I usually try to refer to it as - guess what? - a 1962. Then there is no doubt which Corvette I am talking about. But again, good luck on doing away with the "C" designations. Ain't gonna happen.

Dan Hampton

Like anyone would want to...….

65hihp

call them whatever you want to. In 15-20 years no one will want them, and no one will care. 99% of Americans don't care already.

65GGvert

C1= fixed headlights
C2= roll over electric headlights, separate switch from lights
C3= pop up vacuum headlights
C4= faster electric rollover headlights that come on and off with headlight switch
C5= pop up electric headlights
C6= fixed integrated headlights
C7= hockey stick shaped headlights and non-round Camaro style tail lights.

65GGvert

"No one" is a gross overstatement and 98.4% of all statistics are made up