Tough act to follow
The first Corvette Black Book was published in 1978. Two years later a new edition added 1979 and 1980. A bigger edition came along in 1984 and updated books continued each year through 1990. In 1992, the book was rewritten from cover to cover and resized for the addition of 40% more data for each model year. New editions were published each year through 1999. In 2000, height and page count increased. Page count increased again in 2003 to the current 160 for the addition of even more material. The beauty of the Corvette Black Book lies, like the car itself, in its constant evolution. These are pocket-sized marvels with literally thousands of Corvette facts, options and option codes, exterior and interior colors and codes, production figures, serial numbers for body, engine, and component parts, original “window sticker” prices, and a compilation of the details that make each model unique. By categorizing all this data in a precise year-to-year format, the Corvette Black Book puts phenomenal expertise at your fingertips. And the latest 1953-2009 edition is the best yet.

Improved yet again
This 2009 edition includes comprehensive 2009 facts and specifications, but not build quantities. It does have finalized build numbers for 2008 models. Overall 2008 production decreased about 5,000 units to 35,310. An Indy Pace replica and a special edition Z06 were added mid-year. For 2009, the ZR1 has its own VIN sequence. In fact, there were three ZR1 serial number 1s. In addition to regular production, there were the pilot cars and a special one-off auction build. There are ten distinct 2009 wheel design/finishes available, a Corvette record. Count on the Corvette Black Book to condense all this complexity into a quickly comprehendible format. Our usual nitpicking resulted in subtle changes to 1965, 1984, 2001 and 2007 data sections. In all, twenty-six pages have text revisions, updates, clarifications, design changes...all part of an endless effort to maintain the Corvette Black Book’s reputation for detail and accuracy. Not only does it have the information you want, the book is designed so you can find what you’re looking for quickly.

Authenticity
No one’s perfect, but after three-plus decades of attention to detail, the Corvette Black Book has become the enthusiast’s bible. Next time you visit a top quality Corvette restoration shop, see if there isn’t a you-know-what lying around. Notice which book is stuffed into enthusiasts’ pockets at Corvette events around the world. It is Mike Antonick’s Corvette Black Book from Michael Bruce Associates. Period.

Specs
160 pages, softbound, 4.375” x 9.125” vertical, 115 b/w photos, uncountable facts. .$17.99

Buy 2009 Edition Now

1953-2008 Corvette Black Books still available
2008 was the Corvette Black Book’s 30th year. So in addition to the standard paperback edition, a bonded leather hardbound edition was offered. Distribution of the hardbound edition was from the publisher only, with just 1,000 copies produced for sale. The content of the two editions was the same.

Note that the 2008 editions were printed in October, 2007. So if your interest is in 2008 and 2009 models, (or the specific years cited above), we recommend the new 2009 book. Of course, the hardbound’s limited production and superb bind quality make it a nice keeper regardless.

Specs
Standard paperback edition: 160 pages, softbound, 4.375” x 9.125” vertical, 113 b/w photos, uncountable facts. $17.95 retail, SPECIAL $12.95

30th Anniversary hardbound edition: 160 pages, flexible bonded black leather cover with gold stamping, sewn pages, 4.5” x 9.375” vertical, 113 b/w photos, uncountable facts. $27.95

Buy 2008 Edition Now

Notices

(1) This publication is not in any way connected with the “Black Book” published by National Auto Research Division of Hearst Media Publications. (2) Michael Bruce Associates, Inc., and the Corvette Black Book are not associated with or sponsored by General Motors or its Chevrolet Motor Division.