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Corvette: The American
Dream Machine
In the early '50s, it was only a designer's dream.
Today the Corvette stands alone as America's dream
car
-- a testament to its unmistakable charisma and
the excitement it inspires. Unique styling, powerful
performance and an undeniable panache have made
Corvette one of the most celebrated sports cars in
the world.
In 1953, Corvette produced 300 new lightweight
fiberglass roadsters. A handful went to project
engineers, General Motors managers, and a select group
of movie stars and celebrities. With a two
-speed
Powerglide automatic transmission, Blue Flame
six
-cylinder engine, and gleaming Polo White exterior,
the Corvette began its drive into the heart of America.
Designers freshened up the 'Vette in 1956 by adding a
removable hardtop and the famous Corvette ªcoves.º
The sculptured body enhanced its sporty look, and a
standard 210
-horsepower Chevy V8 engine solidified
Corvette's reputation as a production race car.
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In 1963, Corvette hit the road with an eye-catching new
look
-- the Sting Ray coupe. An instant success, the
now
-classic Sting Ray featured concealed headlamps
and a unique split rear window. The split window would
only be offered in 1963, making this model among the
most prized Corvettes ever built.
Restyled inside and out for 1968, this 'Vette sported a
lean and hungry shape, creating a sense of motion even
when standing still. And for the first time, Corvette
offered removable roof panels.
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For its 25th anniversary, the 1978 Corvette paced the 62nd Annual Indianapolis 500 and received a new fastback
roofline with a wide expanse of glass that wrapped around the sides.
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x
In 1984, the fourth generation of America's favorite
sports car anticipated the future with a sleek look and
advanced technology that provided superior handling
and performance. Windshield angle was the sheerest of
any domestic vehicle, cornering ability the tightest of
any production car. In short, the 1984 redesign enhanced
the Corvette's reputation as a leader in the world sports
car market.
After 44 years of production, Corvette only got better.
The fifth
-generation Corvette arrived in 1997, featuring
a completely restyled body and a new, all
-aluminum,
5.7 Liter, 345
-horsepower LS1 V8 engine.The structure of the fifth
-generation redesign is
the stiffest ever developed in 44 years of Corvette
production, resulting in unparalleled ride quality and
outstanding handling. Also unique to the new Corvette
is a rear
-mounted transmission.
Available as a Coupe for 1997, the new Corvette offered
such standard features as extended
-mobility tires, a
Bose audio system, and a new, latch-operated roof
designed for easy removal.
With many design cues inspired by the classic models
of the 1960s, the new fifth-generation Corvette is an
impressive combination of sleek styling and world
-class
sports car performance. For 1998, in addition to the
Coupe, a convertible was reintroduced. The
fifth-generation Corvette rollout was completed in 1999
with the introduction of the hardtop model.
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Corvette Assembly Plant
The Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green,
Kentucky is one of the most sophisticated and
computerized automobile assembly facilities in
the world. To build your 2000 Corvette, over
1,025 employes teamed up with the 58 high
-tech
robots that assist in a variety of processes, from welding
to painting.
The Bowling Green facility is Corvette's third home
since 1953. Since beginning production in June
of 1981, it has become one of Kentucky's most
popular tourist attractions.
Corvette Assembly Plant tours are available. For
dates and times, call (502) 745-8228. Reservations
are required for groups of 10 or more.
The new National Corvette Museum, located near the
assembly plant, opened its doors in September of 1994.
It is also attracting tourists to the area. For more
information, call 1-800-53-VETTE (83883)
or (502) 781
-7973.
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CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Y ou will also find a circle
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xiii
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
In the notice area, we tell you about something that
can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage
would not be covered by your warranty, and it could
be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help
avoid the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
You'll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
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For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.