On this date in 1953, GM officials never imagined their little fiberglass concept car would one day become a world-class sports car and GM’s technological flagship automobile!

Dateline: 1.17.18 – Story by Mike Waal, Images GM Archives – On this date in Corvette History, Harley Earl‘s prototype Corvette (EX-122) was introduced to the public at the GM Motorama at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in Manhattan, NYC, on January 17, 1953.

I was born and raised in Manhattan. My Dad was working for Cadillac at their show room dealership on 57th Street and Broadway, in Manhattan. Dad had access to all the car shows. While I didn’t attend this event with him, I was about to turn 6, some time between this date and 1955 I attended my first car show with my Dad. What a thrill!

My Mom got me dressed in a suit with a white shirt and tie, and put me on the subway train to meet my Dad, who was waiting for me. This is how I saw, in person, my first Corvette!

Here’s a fun Promotional film for the 1953 Corvette.

And here’s the first Corvette being built at the impromptu Flint, Michigan Corvette assembly plant. (actually a converted garage.)

There’s no sound, but it’s interesting none the less. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Corvette! – Mike Waal

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PS – Visit Kerbeck Corvette’s presentation about the 1953 EX-122 Corvette, HERE.

And Vette Magazine contributor, Jerry Heasley wrote this nice story about the 1953 EX-122 Corvette that you can read, HERE.

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Editor’s note: Mike Waal and his wife regularly take long trips in their 1980 Corvette. The matching 25 cubic-foot trailer makes grand touring in their Corvette a pleasure. The Waal’s Corvette has the optional L82 engine with plenty of low-end torque to easily handle the trailer. Yes, the Waals “See the USA in their Chevrolet CORVETTE!” – Scott

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The below 1953 Corvette art print is available in our Amazon store, HERE.

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The below 1953 Corvette art print is available in our www.IllustratedCorvetteSeries.com website, HERE.

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