The Automobile - November 2014

Book Reviews

There can be few people better qualified than Karl Ludvigsen to write the definitive history of America's first true sports car. Not only is he one of the most studious and dedicated automotive historians of our time, but he was heavily involved with General Motors during the Corvette's golden years, and is perfectly placed to relate first-hand the ups-and-downs of Chevrolet's innovative and ultimately world-beating two seater. Ludvigsen's proximity to his subject does not preclude him from honesty. He pulls no punches in describing the cars's early development issues, his obvious passion never causing him to gloss over their faults.

Those readers familiar with Ludvigsen's earlier volume of this book, published in 1973, might be surprised at the wealth of new material contained in this updated edition. Not only has the book's remit been extended to include all Corvettes up to 1982, the chapters covering the earlier models have been expanded. The book has been totally redesigned, with hundreds of rare factory photographs and drawings included.

What has remained consistent with the previous volume is Ludvigsen's informative voice, which pushes the text along with his usual verve and enthusiasm. He skips between in-depth technical analysis and historical overview, never getting bogged down by verbosity. Like the cars themselves, the text is charming and earnest with just enough humour and brashness to keep you engaged.

The titular description of the Corvette as America's Star-Spangled Sports Car might seem a little crude to European eyes but, as this book perfectly illustrates, these cars are wholly emblematic of the American way of life in the post-war era. Following their development, we glimpse the wide-eyed optimisim of the early 1950s, the search for new technology and innovation that saw designers overcome by the quest for modernity. So too can we follow the car's progress through the darkest days of the Cold War when any American symbol of wealth took on new meanings across the world. The later cars, not yet envisaged when the original volume was published, show America and its businesses in post-Watergate malaise, struggling for an identity. No doubt the next volume will include the Corvette's rebirth in the 1990s, an old familiar finding a niche in a new global world.

Ludvigsen's book puts this most American of American cars perfectly into context. The product of a decades-long love affair, guided by diligent research and historical accuracy and bolstered by glorious illustrations, there is little doubt that it will remain the definitive work on this subject.

Review from and courtesy of The Automobile - November 2014

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