February Corvette History

• February 2, 1993:  The term "STINGRAY" is registered as a trademark to General Motors.



• February 9, 1995:  The first alpha test C5 Corvette enters public roads for the first time.



• February 11, 1962:  At the Daytona Continental race, Dick Thompson and Don Yenko race a 1962 Corvette of the Gulf Oil racing team to first in A/Production class, and seventh overall.



• February 19, 1994:  Reeves Callaway decides to produce a modified Corvette to race at Le Mans, the first time for a Corvette in almost 20 years.



• February 20, 1954:  The Ford Motor Company shows the Thunderbird two-seat convertible in Detroit. The Thunderbird is a major part of General Motors' decision to continue production of the Corvette.



• February, 1955:  The basic design of the 1956 model Corvette is completed.



• February, 1966:  At the Daytona Continental endurance race, Roger Penske's 1966 Corvette with 427 ci engine finishes first in GT class.



• February, 1968:  At the 24-hour Daytona Continental race, Sunray DX Oil Company enters three Corvettes.  Jerry Grant and Dave Morgan race a 1967 L88 Corvette (car No. 31).  Revson/Yenko race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 29).  DeLorenzo/Thompson race 1968 L88 Corvette (No. 30).  This is the racing debut of the 1968 model Corvette.  The Grant/Morgan car finishes first in GT class and 10th overall.



• February, 1993:  General Motors Powertrain Division decides to discontinue development of the Gen II engine as a small-block, and create a new medium-displacement V-8 engine.



• February, 2000:  The Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is held in Florida. Chevrolet enters its two C5-R Corvette race cars. One places second, 31 seconds behing the winner. The other places 24th.

Corvette history compiled by Ken Pollson.