Corvette Fifty Years [Hardcover]

Randy Leffingwell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 2002

Officially licensed by General Motors, Corvette: Fifty Years is a colorful, nostalgic and commemorative look at the obstacles and achievements of this classic American sports car, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2003. The book provides new insight into the fascinating story of the beloved Corvette with unpublished stories and previously unseen historical and all-new color photographs. Witness Corvette's 1953 Motorama debut, the fervor generated by the Blue Flame Special, and the excitement surrounding the Indy Pace Cars and the ZR-1. Previously unpublished Corvette stories and never-before seen historical photographs complement 100 stunning, new color photos. From standard production models to such legendary racing models as the Sebring and Grand Sport, Leffingwell details their histories and delivers a full half-century of Corvette history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Classic American (UK), Winter 2006

“An excellent story of one of the world’s most well-loved cars, perfectly packaged and beautifully illustrated.”

                                                                                                                                                                

North Shore News (CAN), Sept. 29, 2006

“Randy Leffingwell provides an in-depth look at this unique piece of automotive history … Throughout the book are beautiful color photographs showing the various models in complete detail. This celebration of 50 years of Corvettes is a visual delight and a fascinating account for those committed fans.”

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

During 2003 Chevrolet's flagship Corvette celebrates it's 50th Anniversary. Since it's introduction the Corvette has forged the reputation as a world class performance automobile priced for the masses. Fitted with independent rear suspension and four wheel disc brakes during the 1960's, Corvette technology was decades ahead of competitors and their beautiful and timeless styling make the Corvette among the most popular and collectible automobiles ever built.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks; First edition (November 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760311803
• ISBN-13: 978-0760311806
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 10.9 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > History

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Corvette Fifty Years, February 12, 2004

By 

"vette_lover2004" (Mount Upton, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Corvette Fifty Years (Hardcover)

I placed this book on reserve 4 months in advance to it's release. That should say something to justify Fifty dollar price. The plain white cover with one lonely Big Block 67 is misleading to what this book really contains. When I first recieved my copy I had to see those photographs, and Leffingwell doesn't disappoint. The book contains many one and two page photos that will have you grinning from ear to ear. With over 350+ pages you can't complain. I especially like the Grand Sport Chapter, as this was the boon to the racing history for Corvette, shortly before Chevrolet's formal ban on Manufacturer-backed racing. As a car modeler and corvette enthusiast, I am a very scrutinizing indvidual and look for perfection and accuracy. The book contains enough information to wet any gearheads appetite, but leaves you asking for more when you get to that last page. I think this is not the intent for the book, but as an enthusiast, you can never have enough of a good thing. I think this books intent is to show you a little of everything from Corvette history without making a series of books, as this is what you would need. I made the 50th anniversary bash for corvette and can honestly say that this book comes close to capturing all those cars in it's own little party bash. The book has excellent photos of cars rarely seen by all and even gives you glimpses into the corvettes future. It dabbles into the corvettes pre-introduction and the events leading to it's intro as well as the many times the corvettes life almost came to an end. This book is a must have for any corvette or car nut, and definitely justifies it's price. Buy two and keep one in the plastic. I did.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Our Sports Car: An American Tale, December 6, 2005

By 

Andy Veo "Andy" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Corvette: Fifty Years (Paperback)

The Corvette reflects America. It has experienced its highs (the 1950s and early '60s) to its lows (the 1970s). Any Corvette fan knows that. So what makes Leffingwell's book special? It is the official (or almost) review of the Chevrolet Corvette for its first half-century. What I enjoyed about this book was that it didn't obsess with technical details like so many others. It never strays from the subject at hand. Leffingwell talks about the history, development, and politics surrounding the Corvette--and there is plenty of hair-pulling and backstabbing to make those aspects interesting. It really helps the context of the material. There are two strikes against this book: (1) The Callaway projects are almost entirely absent and (2) the C6 was not part of book (due to the publication date). That aside, this is a solid (if somewhat outdated) read.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting history-- poor quality photograph printing, February 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Corvette Fifty Years (Hardcover)

This volume is quite interesting for the insight it provides into the times and marketplace that lead to the design & launch of Corvette. The discussion of the relationship between racing and the early production models is also well put together.

However, the photographs, while nicely composed, are NOT well represented in this book. As another reviewer mentioned, many photos appear hazy-- as if they were shot through a filter of some sort. Having seen Newhardt's photography elsewhere, I think this is the result of poor printing, not the original photos. It is a shame given the size and detail of the photos that are included.

Let's face it, this is a coffee table book and I am disappointed that the version as published falls short of what could have otherwise been a beautiful look at Corvettes throughout the make's 49 year history.