1957 Corvette Feulie

The first generation started in 1953 and ended in 1962, with the noteworthy additionof optional fuel injection in 1957. This new induction system first saw regularuse on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" roadster. Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester fuel injection system used a constant flowstyle fuel injection system as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering systemof the Mercedes' six cylinders, the system nevertheless produced about 290 hp (220kW). The number was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283HP/283in³ (4.6 L) one hp per in³ slogan, making it one of the firstmass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in³. In 1962, the GM Small-Blockwas enlarged to 327 in³ (5.4 L) and produced a maximum of 360 hp (268kW). Other early options included Power windows (1956), hydraulically operated powerconvertible top (1956), four speed manual transmission (mid 1957), and heavy dutybrake and suspension options (1957).