The History of the Chevrolet Corvette in 28 Images: From the C1 to the C8 We welcome the transformed new Corvette with a look back at the ways it was in years past

15. 1977 Corvette

While most agree that the Corvettes produced in the latter half of the 1970s don’t constitute the most spectacular editions in the model’s history, it’s important to remember the context of those times. Moreover, in a straight-up comparison with its peers and rivals from today’s perspective, the Corvette doesn’t come off badly at all. The problem was that it lacked muscle for a muscle car; the 350-cc engine it ran on generated all of 165 hp in the base configuration.

16. 1979 Corvette

It should be noted that as of 1976 Chevrolet produced no more convertible versions of the Corvette. In 1979, however, a version with a T roof was made. That year, the company built 53,807 Corvettes that sold for $10,220 USD, before options.