Exactly 60 years ago today, January 17, 1953, Chevrolet presented the world with the first-ever Corvette at the General Motors Motorama car show in New York City, where soon after it sold for $3,498. That’s cheaper than some options on a BMW (probably).
To celebrate the anniversary, Chevrolet rolled out the latest Corvette in the Big Apple once again today, commemorating the original unveiling… though we expect it to go for a little more than $3,498 when it goes on sale. Maybe $3,500, and standard AM radio, if we’re lucky.
Photo Credit: Steven Pham
Comments
The price of a new Corvette in 1953 is nearly nothing compared to those German options.
Look no further than the option list for just about any Porsche. The power & leather seat option package on a 911 Carrera is $3,875. Automatic transmission (PDK) $4,080. Ceramic brakes – $8,520, Dynamic chassis control – $3,160. Sports exhaust – $2,950. Adaptive cruise control & collision warning – $2,490. How about a Carrera S Powerkit? Only $17,800 – that’s the price of a modest 2013 Kia.
I’m sure if you peruse the BMW, Mercedes and Audi check list, you’ll find more egregious examples too.
Remember though, $3500 in 1953, due to inflation, is about $30000 today. You’d have to go to the Lamborghini options list to find something around that price. Pagani and Koenigsegg would make an option that price too easy.
Off the top of my head, carbon ceramic brakes and matte paint are typically the big money options.