Automobiles

Automobiles is a series that chronicles America's love affair with the car. The story of the manufacture and development of the automobile and its social and cultural impact is one of the principal historical narratives of the twentieth century. Each episode of Automobiles presents a different vehicle and the historical story and impact of that vehicle. Automobiles would be useful for classes on American History, The History of Science and Technology, Cultural History and Economics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

The Corvette

It is the sleek icon of the sporty and serious driver, an American personification of the enduring sports car. The Corvette is one of the most recognizable vehicles of the second half of the twentieth century. America's love affair with this car continues to endure and grow. Its sleek lines and high performance make this car the ultimate dream car of motor enthusiasts across the country.

Discussion Questions

  1. The automobile is more than just a mode of transportation in America. America has conducted a century-long love affair with the automobile. Explain why Americans have had, and continue to have a love affair with their cars, particularly cars such as the Corvette.

  2. Although the Corvette is a post-World War II automobile, it can trace its origins to the war. How is the Corvette a product of World War II?

  3. In reality, sports cars are very impractical automobiles. Usually there is only room for two passengers, rendering the cars unusable for families. Comfort is usually sacrificed for performance, and they can be difficult to get into and out of, especially for older persons. Given all these inconveniences, why do sports cars like the Corvette continue to sell? What is the appeal of these cars?

  4. Harley Earle was the chief designer at General Motors during the 1950s. What was his contribution to American culture and the American landscape?

  5. The first production Corvettes appeared in the 1953 model year. What were some of the problems with these first Corvettes? How did General Motors rectify these problems?

  6. The Corvette is a unique blend of styling and engineering. How do these two elements define the Corvette? What is the role of each? How do styling and engineering depend on each other in order to make the Corvette the car that it is?

  7. How did Bill Mitchell save the Corvette?

  8. What was the dilemma of the Corvette during the 1970s?
Extended Activities

  1. Design your ultimate dream car. What features would you include to make your dream car the ultimate driving machine?

  2. Create a timeline that illustrates the evolution of the Corvette from its prototype to the Vettes available today.
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