Like Ford and many of its competitors, Chevrolet was busy during the mid-1900s — working feverishly to develop the “hottest car.” In 1953, two years after the Automotive Service Association's founding, the Corvette was introduced at the Motorama show. Chevrolet was inundated with requests for a production version, although many skeptics were sure that Chevrolet would not offer such a radical design for mass production. As it turns out, the Corvette was highly successful and was the first series-production car with a fiberglass body.

A slogan that's still around today, “See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet,” was created in 1954. If you were to take your Chevrolet on a cross-country drive today, you would certainly encounter several ASA shops along the way. ASA has member shops in all 50 states across the country.

In 1957 and 1958, Chevrolet released two cars that would make a huge impact on the automotive industry for years to come. In fact, one car (in a modified version) is still on the new car market today. 1957 brought about the introduction of the Bel Air. The Bel Air was built with new tail fins and a Ramjet, fuel-injected 283 CID V8 engine that provided horsepower for every cubic inch. A year later, Chevrolet introduced the Impala. Designed to provide a Cadillac “big-car” look at a more affordable price, the Impala became an instant hit.

The Chevrolet Web site (www.chevrolet.com) says that, by the 1950s, one in every six businesses in the United States had been connected, directly or indirectly, with the automobile. Today, we all recognize the impact that the automotive industry has on our culture, our economy and our everyday lives. As ASA celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are pleased to be part of this industry and look forward to what tomorrow will bring.

History Quiz:

What was the first corporation to attain more than one million stockholders?

See the May issue of AutoInc. for the answer.

History Quiz answer for February:

What Ford model concept car bearing the name of a Ford classic car, was introduced at the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) in December 2000? Hint: The car will be released in 2002, and was featured on NBC news in January 2001.

Answer: Ford Thunderbird

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES