Noland Adams
Corvette American Legend: The Beginning
Author Noland Adams is highly regarded within the
Corvette community for his carefully researched and meticulously detailed reference books
about 1953 through 1967 Corvetts. The Complete
Corvette Restoration & Technical Guide Vol 1. 1953-1962 and The Complete
Corvette Restoration & Technical Guide Vol 2. 1963-1967 are serious reading for
serious restorers and enthusiasts.
In his latest book, Corvette American Legend : The Beginning, Adams tells the story of the 1953 Corvette. Though just as detailed and thoroughly researched as his Restoration and Technical Guides, this book is much easier to read. In fact, Adams perhaps takes a cue from M.F. Dobbins, another well respected Corvette author. The Beginning is filled with black and white archive photographs showing step-by-step details of the assembly process and introduction of the 1953 Corvette. Each photograph is paired with a descriptive caption, many of which are lengthy and contain wonderful tidbits of useful information.
The Beginning contains 18 chapters, which trace the 1953 Corvette from its conception through its development and production, all the way to its formal introduction to the public. The last chapter is devoted to the advertisements and promotional photos GM used to launch its new sportscar to the public.
This hardbound book is approximately 8½ x 11 inches in a horizontal format, and is approximately 1-inch thick. List priced at $24.95, Corvette American Legend : The Beginning competes with the many coffee-table books about Corvette, but offers a whole lot more than most in the way of detailed historical information. This is an excellent book for any Corvette enthusiast's library.
The large red number 1 in the lower right corner of the cover suggests that Adams may be planning to add other titles in the future. Let's hope he does!
Corvette American Legend : The Beginning is available online from Amazon Books for $17.47, a 30% discount off list.
Reviewed by Yankee Lady
Copyright 1996 Barbara Spear
