What year did Chevy not make a Corvette?
Chevrolet has not skipped a Corvette model year; the Corvette has been produced in every model year since its 1953 debut.
Behind that straightforward answer lies a history of continuous production punctuated by generational transitions and occasional limited runs. Some readers may recall a year that seemed “missing,” but in practice GM kept the Corvette in production every calendar year, even if volumes were unusually low during transitions.
What the production timeline looks like
Below is a concise timeline highlighting key moments in Corvette production that are often cited in discussions of model-year availability.
- 1953: The Corvette makes its debut as Chevrolet's two-seat sport car; initial production focused on a small launch batch.
- 1954–1962: Ongoing Corvette production expands as the model evolves from its original design to a more refined roadster.
- 1963–1967: The C2 generation introduces the “Sting Ray” styling, with uninterrupted production through 1967.
- 1968–1982: The C3 generation spans more than a decade, maintaining continuous Corvette output amid emissions and performance changes.
- 1983: A low-volume transitional year as GM prepared the move to the fourth generation; production occurred, but in limited numbers.
- 1984: Launch of the C4 generation, marking a major redesign and a return to fuller production volumes.
- 1997–2004: The C5 generation brings modern engineering and continues production through the early 2000s.
- 2005–2013: The C6 generation delivers updated performance and features with steady yearly output.
- 2014–2019: The C7 generation further evolves the sports car, maintaining regular production.
- 2020–present: The C8 mid-engine era begins, representing a significant shift in design and production logistics for the Corvette.
In short, while production volumes have fluctuated during major transitions, Chevrolet did not skip a model year; the Corvette nameplate has appeared in every calendar year since 1953.
The year 1983: context and myths
Why 1983 is often misunderstood
The year 1983 is frequently cited because it featured a notably low-volume run as GM prepared to move to the fourth generation. The Corvette was produced in 1983, but the numbers were unusually limited, which some readers misinterpret as a missing year.
Summary
Conclusion: There has never been a calendar year without Corvette production. The line has persisted from 1953 to today, with 1983 serving as a transitional, low-volume year rather than a true gap. The Corvette’s evolution across generations demonstrates a continuous commitment to keeping the model in Chevrolet’s lineup.
