Page 22 August 15, 2010 THE MILITARY PRESS

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Remember when . . .

Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette is an American sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. The fi rst model was designed by Harley Earl and introduced in 1953. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after the corvette, a small, maneuverable warship.It has been produced in six generations in coupe, convertible, t-top coupe, and targa coupe body styles. Originally built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri, it is currently built at a GM assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The National Corvette Museum, also located in Bowling Green, documents the car’s worldwide history and hosts an annual National Corvette Homecoming. In 2003, the Corvette became the fi rst and only American sports car to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Chevrolet Corvette is often marketed as, and quoted as being “America’s Sports Car”. The Corvette is the offi cial Sports Car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The fi rst generation Corvette was introduced late in the 1953 model year and ended in 1962. These cars are often referred to as the “solid-axle” models since the independent rear suspension did not debut until the 1963 Sting Ray. 300 hand-built polo white Corvettes were produced for the 1953 model year, making it the rarest and one of the most sought after of all Corvettes. The 1955 model saw the introduction of the 265 cu in (4.34 L) V8 engine offered as an option, however the fi rst seven off the production line featured the standard “Blue Flame” Inline-6.

A new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a new “face” and side coves; the taillight fi ns were gone. An optional fuel injection system was made available in the middle of the 1957 model year. It was one of the fi rst mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 bhp (0.75 kW) per cubic inch and Chevrolet’s advertising agency used a “one hp per cubic inch” slogan for advertising the 283 bhp (211 kW) 283 cu in (4.64 L) Small-Block engine. Other options included power windows (1956), hydraulically operated power convertible top (1956), four speed

manual transmission (late 1957), and heavy duty brakes and suspension (1957).

The 1958 Corvette received a body and interior freshening including quad headlights, bumper exiting exhaust tips, and a new steering wheel and dashboard, with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver. Exclusive to the 1958 model were hood louvers and twin trunk spars. The 1959-60 model years had few changes except a decreased amount of body chrome and more powerful engine offerings.

For 1961, a complete redesign

was made to the rear of the car; a “duck tail” with four round lights. The light treatment would continue for all following model year Corvettes. In 1962, the Chevrolet 283 cu in (4.64 L) Small-Block was enlarged to 327 cu in (5.36 L) and produced a maximum of 340 bhp (250 kW) making it the fastest of the C1 generation. 1962 was the last year for the wrap around windshield, solid rear axle, and convertible-only body style. The trunk lid and exposed headlights did not reappear for many decades.

The redesigned Corvette!

Welcome to the fi rst of many new regular features here in the Military Press - ‘Remember when . . .’ Each issue we shall be exploring a different year in our history . . . we look forward to you joining us.

Dr. No: That’s a Dom Perignon ‘55, it would be a pity to break it James Bond: I prefer the ‘53 myself...

It doesn’t get much sexier than this!

West Side Story causes a stir.

For advertising information call: (858) 537.2280 August 15, 2010 THE MILITARY PRESS Page 23

Remember when . . .1962

Events that happened in 1962

Cuban Missile Crisis when USSR plans to deploy Missiles in Cuba brings the world to the brink of world war, the US blockades Cuba and the USSR agrees to dismantle Soviet Silos Begins On October 15th ends on November 20thU.S. embargo ordered by President Kennedy goes into effect on all imports from Cuba including tobacco, seafood, fruits and vegetables.

The fi rst US rocket Ranger IV lands on the moon on April 26th.

The First Wal-Mart discount store is opened by by Sam Walton in Bentonville Arkansas.

The United Nations General Assembly passes a resolution condemning South Africa’s racist apartheid policies and calls for all UN member states to cease military and economic relations with the nation. East German Border Guards shoot attempted escapee Peter Fechter and leave him to die on the Berlin Wall.

The fi rst Kmart department store opens in Garden City, Michigan.

Popular Culture

Beverly Hill Billies is on TVThe Dick Van Dyke show on TVJohnny Carson begins as presenter for The Tonight Show.

Popular Films

West Side Story, Spartacus, El CidLawrence of Arabia, To Kill a Mockingbird

Popular Singers

The Beatles, Bob Dylan,Chubby CheckerFrankie Valli & The Four SeasonsNeil Sedaka, Roy OrbisonShirley Bassey

Technology

Telstar relays the fi rst live trans-Atlantic television signal.US Airforce investigates using lasers to intercept missiles.90% of US households own a Television Set.Britain and France agree to develop the Concorde.The fi rst use of silicone breast implants by Houston plastic surgeons.

The iconic Sophia Loren stars in El Cid.

Cost Of Living 1962

Yearly infl ation rate USA 1.20% Average cost of new house $12,500.00 Average Income per year $5,556.00 Average monthly rent $110.00 Tuition to Harvard University $1,520.00 All Wheel Drive Scout off road $2,150.00 Average cost of a new car $3,125.00 Eggs per dozen 32 cents Gas per Gallon 28 cents

Marilyn Monroe is found dead on August 5th after apparently overdosing on sleeping pills.

John H. Glenn, Jr., becomes fi rst American to orbit the earth during Friendship 7 orbit.

Andy Warhol’s famous painting of a can of soup shocks the art world.

Beatles turned down by Decca Records

Dr. No starring Sean Connery, the fi rst James Bond fi lm is released.

Dr. No: That’s a Dom Perignon ‘55, it would be a pity to break it James Bond: I prefer the ‘53 myself...

West Side Story causes a stir.John Fitzgerald “Jack” Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.