We often remember exactly where we were and what we were doing, when something out of the ordinary came our way. We recall the moment we noticed in vivid detail; we stopped that instant and it changed how we forever see the world.
The Chevy Corvette can and does illicit these moments. Larry Edsall documents it as such in Corvette Stingray: The Seventh Generation of America’s Sports Car.
Original Origins
In 1953, the Corvette Convertible captured the hearts and minds of a generation when it unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. It reflected a bold new era for American automobiles, be it as a weekend cruiser or track warrior. At the time, it could hit 60 in 8.5 seconds. Today, the Corvette Z06, with the available Z07 package, does it in 2.95 seconds, while running a quarter-mile in 10.95 seconds.
Looking back and contrasting to today, it may seem as if the Corvette had humble beginnings. Call it how you see it, but one thing is for sure: it was destined for greatness, never to be matched, never to be duplicated because it was, and still is, an original.
GM granted Edsall exclusive access to engineers, designers, and photographic archives to tell the Corvette story from day one to the current, seventh generation. The book features over 300 amazing photographs that truly capture the essence of the Corvette.
Edsall, a former newspaperman, went on to serve as Managing Editor of Autoweek. He now lives in Phoenix, Arizona where he helped launch iZoom.com. Edsall still contributes to several automotive and lifestyle publications.
The depth of his experience is played out masterfully through this book. Be it your lifelong obsession or your first introduction to the Corvette, this one is worthy of setting on the coffee table. Corvette Stingray: The Seventh Generation of America’s Sports Car is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Corvette Stingray Gallery
Last week on Automoblog Book Garage, we examined the story behind American Motors Corporation.
