You Want A Convertible Corvette From These Years, Tough Luck - Jalopnik

The Chevrolet Corvette’s convertible availability is a story of long gaps, leaving some model-year wishes unmet. The Corvette debuted in 1953 as a fiberglass-bodied two-seater, with buyers typically choosing between coupe and convertible. However, in 1975 the situation changed as the oil crisis, tighter emissions rules, and rollover safety concerns led Chevrolet to end the convertible body style. The last 1975 convertible left the factory in late July, and for about a decade the only option was a fixed-roof Corvette. The 1986 convertible returned after an 11-year break, but another delay followed when the C5 generation launched in 1997, with convertibles arriving a year later in 1998. For buyers seeking a drop-top Corvette from the missing years, the article notes there is no factory option.