Corvette c6

1953 Corvette

Redesigning Perfection: Obsessed With The Corvette Concept Car

It all started in 1953, when the first Corvette "rolled" out of production in Flint, Michigan- An unassuming convertible was about to change the way the world dreamed. After a few years with very little change, the first major overhaul of the Corvette occurred in 1963 when design changed to resemble the more recognizable sports car styling. From this point on, fans fantasized not of what the Corvette was, but what it could be – and the obsession with the Corvette concept car began.

The original Corvette Stingray concept car was designed as a non-commercial race car. The sleek look included major changes to the body to increase aerodynamics. The hood and rear were "pinched" down to to make the car more oblong and the twin side-by-side headlights were hidden in an electrically-operated panel. All of these exciting changes influenced the design of the commercial Corvette and forever altered the expectations of the consumer.

The practice of design, outside influence, concept car creation, then redesign has been the norm since the 1963 Stingray was built. Not only has the auto industry pined over novel futuristic ideas for the Corvette, car enthusiasts, designers, artists, and gear-heads have been fascinated with conceptualizing seductive new versions of their dream car as well.

In 2009, Chevrolet introduced a modern version of the Stingray Concept car for the 50th anniversary of the original Stingray. But there's a twist- this one was fabricated to play the role of Sideswipe in the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and would never be available to the public. "The Corvette Stingray Concept represents both the iconic legacy and an exciting future for Corvette" states Chevrolet at a press release.

Close attention is being paid to industrial designer Ugur Sahin who has devoted his time and passion to reinterpreting the design of classic automobiles. Last year Sahin became well-known for his take on the Audi Locus and Ferrari Dino, which still remain drafts. But once he entered the realm of the Corvette concept car his designs were accelerated into production and high acclaim. The Z03 is similar in production to the Z06 and is in development right now.

Another promising designer, Ivan Luccion, created a mid-engine corvette concept car inspired by the cheetah. And South African designer Idries Noah came up with his version of the Stingray Corvette, Gillet Vertigo, and Shelby Daytona rolled together called the Fireblade.

And it goes on and on. Each new design influences another generation of car enthusiasts, designers, artists, and/or gear-heads to dream about what the future of Corvette will look like.

About the Author

Heidi Petcher is a contributing writer for Maxie Price Chevrolet and Atlanta Corvettes Blog.

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