Customer Reviews

Corvette Fifty Years

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I have the hardcover(White 67 L88,black stinger Hood/1st ed,MBI,Motorbooks Version 2003), Beautiful L-88 On the Cover, Lots of pics and history. some pics looked familiar. but the book is pretty good, and at the time a great addition. If you like Corvettes Get this Hardcover.

I have the hardcover, Beautiful L-88 On the Cover, Lots of pics and history. some pics looked familiar. but the book is pretty good, and at the time a great addition. If you like Corvettes Get this Hardcover.

I have the hardcover, Beautiful L-88 On the Cover, Lots of pics and history. some pics looked familiar. but the book is pretty good, and at the time a great addition. If you like Corvettes Get this Hardcover.

THIS IS AN AMAZING BOOK!!! ...RANDY L. IS AN AWSOME PHOTOGRAPHER!!! ... I LLLLOOOOOOOOOOVVVEEEE CORVETTES!!THEY ARE MY FAVORITE CARS!!! ... PERIOD!!! ...

I never got the book. I got an email saying it was shipped, but it never came. Now Brilliant Books is trying tell me I will get an email when it is shipped. I have already been down that road. I just want my money back at this point.

I have been looking for this book. My 1954 Corvette is featured in several pictures. What a thrill to see my car in print.

Thanks Amazon

I REALLY HAVE ENJOYED THIS BOOK OVER THE YEARS. GOOD WRITING AND GOOD PICTURES AND I AM SURE I WILL ENJOY IT FOR YEARS TO COME