IN THIS FEATURE Quintessential American sports car C1: Early days C1 revisions: 1956-62 C2: Corvette SS and Sting Ray C3: Sharks and Stingrays C4: Revitalisation C5: Up to date

In 1953, General Motors launched the Corvette, a car that has been a design icon, a racing champion and a symbol of the fortunes of both Chevrolet and the American motor industry. We salute 50 years of the 'Vette.