THE first Chevrolet Corvette, the XP-122 Motorama concept car, and the latest model, the 2013 Corvette 427 Collector Edition convertible, are separated by 60 years of automotive development and advancement. They do not share a single common component, yet the visual connection between the first and sixth generations is obvious.

While the design cues have changed through six generations, it’s their elemental composition that makes a Corvette look like a Corvette.
"Every generation of Corvette has had a signature look, as the Corvette changed to reflect the high-performance technology and design of the times," said Tom Peters, GM performance vehicle design director. "However, each generation of Corvette shares some common elements which create a consistent Corvette theme that is expressive, distinctly American, artful, and passionate."

As Corvette enters its seventh decade, here are a few of the common elements that have helped make each design unique - and each Corvette look like a Corvette.

. Proportion: Each Corvette has similar proportions - from the long "dash to axle" element, to the short tail and small greenhouse.
. Waterfall effect: A powerful, signature cue common among all Corvette generations is the way a part of the exterior bodywork cascades into the passenger compartment between the seat backs, introduced on the first-generation Corvette convertibles.

. Dual cockpit architecture: Another iconic Corvette design cue that was inspired by jet fighters is the dual, wraparound cockpit. Introduced when Americans were obsessed with space flight, the wraparound cockpit instantly conveyed purposeful performance.

. The bodyside cove: While a spear-like chrome feature highlighted the side of the 1953-55 Corvettes, for 1956, a concave cove was sculpted into the bodywork behind the front wheels. Although its form and function have been reinterpreted over the years, a cove or vent has been a signature cue in the Corvette’s bodyside ever since.

. The tail: Another Corvette signature is the design treatment of the car’s tail. Peters notes that it’s not just the use (since 1961) of twinned and rounded tail lamps at either side of the back of the car. – SG