Stingray

Chevrolet Corvette

by John Reardon

The Chevrolet Corvette, often called "America’s Sports Car," has a rich history spanning over seven decades. Here’s a breakdown of its evolution from its inception in 1953 to today.

About The Book

The Chevrolet Corvette, often called "America’s Sports Car," has a rich history spanning over seven decades. Here’s a breakdown of its evolution from its inception in 1953 to today.

Early Development and First Generation (C1) – 1953-1962
• Origins: GM designer Harley Earl envisioned an American sports car to compete with Eu-ropean models.
• Debut: The first Corvette was unveiled as a concept car at the 1953 GM Motorama in New York.
• Production: Chevrolet produced 300 hand-built Corvettes in 1953, all in Polo White with a Blue interior and powered by a 3.9L "Blue Flame" inline-six engine with a two-speed au-tomatic transmission.
• Key Innovations: The first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.
• Performance Growth: In 1955, the Corvette got its first V8 engine (4.3L, 265 cu in) and a manual transmission.

Second Generation (C2) – 1963-1967 ("Sting Ray")
• Major Redesign: The Corvette became more aggressive, featuring hidden headlights, an independent rear suspension, and the famous "Split-Window" coupe in 1963 (only for one year).
• Engine Power: The Corvette got powerful big-block V8 engines, including the 427 cu in (7.0L) L88, making over 500 hp.
• Racing Influence: Chevrolet introduced performance options like the Z06 package.
• End of C2: The 1967 Corvette is often considered one of the best classic Corvettes ever made.

Third Generation (C3) – 1968-1982
• Dramatic Styling: Inspired by the Mako Shark II concept, the C3 Corvette had a long, swooping body with T-top removable roof panels.
• Power and Performance:
• Early models (1968-1972) had high-horsepower big-block engines.
• Due to the 1973 oil crisis and emission regulations, power dropped significantly.
• C3 Milestones:
• 1978: 25th Anniversary Edition and the first Indy 500 Pace Car Corvette.
• 1981: Corvette production moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, its current home.
• 1982: First use of fuel injection in years and the last model with the "Stingray" name until 2014.

JC Reardon

Born in 1950, John has written over 200 books on various subjects. (With more to come) https://books.by/reardon

About the author: Born in 1950, John is a pioneer in Australia’s technology landscape with decades of experience shaping the industry. As a trailblazer, he founded one of the country’s first Internet Service Providers, enabling Australians to connect to the digital world during its formative years. He also operated Australia’s first domain name provider, playing a crucial role in establishing the nation’s online presence. Always ahead of his time, John was one of the first in the country to adopt satellite Internet technology, showcasing his forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation. Beyond technology, John has a deep passion for genealogy, amateur radio, and writing. His dedication to genealogy reflects a strong interest in uncovering and preserving family histories. As an amateur radio enthusiast, he continues to explore and engage with this classic form of global communication. Additionally, John is an accomplished author, blending his technical expertise and personal interests to craft books that educate, inspire, and share his wealth of knowledge. With a career defined by innovation and a life enriched by varied interests, John’s contributions span far beyond his professional achievements, embodying a relentless curiosity and passion for discovery.

More Books by JC Reardon

The WWW

World Wide Web

by John Reardon

The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of interconnected web pages and resources, accessible through the internet. It allows users to access and share information using web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

The Childrens Crusade

In the Year 1212

by John Reardon

The Children’s Crusade of 1212 was a religious movement during the Middle Ages in which thousands of European children, mostly from France and Germany, set out to peacefully reclaim the Holy Land (Jerusalem) from Muslim control. The crusade is often described as a tragic and misguided event, though details about it are unclear, and the historical accounts vary.
Here's a summary of what is believed to have happened:

Lassiter's Reef

The Story of Harold Lassiter

by John Reardon

Who Was Harold Lasseter?
Lewis Harold Bell Lasseter was an Australian prospector and adventurer. In 1929, he claimed that, as a young man in 1897, he had discovered a rich gold reef.

The HMAS Melbourne

HMAS Melbourne

by John Reardon

HMAS Melbourne was conducting night time exercises with the destroyer HMAS Voyager. Voyager’s role was to act as a plane guard — positioned behind the carrier to rescue any airmen who might crash during takeoff or landing.
During a maneuver to reposition, Voyager unexpectedly turned across Melbourne’s bow. Despite efforts to avoid a collision, Melbourne struck Voyager at high speed. The massive carrier sliced the smaller destroyer in two.

The Passover

by John Reardon

Passover (Pesach) - The Jewish Festival of Freedom
Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach (פֶּסַח), is one of the most significant and widely observed Jewish holidays. It commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the biblical Book of Exodus (Shemot).

Terrorists

The World's Worst

by John Reardon

The Battle of Okinawa

WW2 History

by John Reardon

What Was It?
The Battle of Okinawa (April 1 – June 22, 1945) was the last and bloodiest major battle of World War II.

Antarctica

The Frozen Continent

by John Reardon

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles), making it the fifth-largest continent.

Ireland

A Short History

by John Reardon

The Indian

Indian Motor Cycle

by John Reardon

The Indian Motorcycle Company is one of the most iconic and oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1901.

Diabetes

All about Diabetes

by John Reardon

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces.

Roman Catacombs

City of the Dead

by John Reardon

The Roman Catacombs are an extensive network of underground burial sites outside the ancient city of Rome, used primarily by early Christians and Jews

Lost Cities

Worldwide

by John Reardon

Lost cities are ancient settlements that were once thriving but have since been abandoned, buried, or forgotten due to natural disasters, war, climate change, or shifting trade routes.

Missing Aircraft

Worldwide

by John Reardon

Missing aircraft cases are some of the most intriguing mysteries in aviation history.

The 747

Jumbo Jet

by John Reardon

The Boeing 747, often called the Jumbo Jet, is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history.

Transylvania

An Overview

by John Reardon

Transylvania is a historical region in central Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains on three sides. It is the most famous region of Romania, known for its forests, mountains, medieval towns, and association with Dracula.

AI

Artifical Intelligence

by John Reardon

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad field of computer science focused on building systems or machines that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.

Columbian Drug Cartels

Drugs into The USA

by John Reardon

Drug cartels in Colombia are a significant and complex issue, deeply rooted in the country's history, politics, and socio-economic fabric.

William Wallace

Braveheart ?

by John Reardon

The story of Braveheart is a mix of history and legend, centered on the life of William Wallace, a Scottish knight and national hero who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence against England in the late 13th century.

Washington Sq. Park

The Ghosts Of

by John Reardon

The Ghosts of Washington Square Park
Beneath the lively rhythm of street performers, dog walkers, and NYU students lounging on benches, Washington Square Park hides a much darker past — one of death, disease, and executions. While today it’s one of Greenwich Village’s most beloved green spaces, this iconic park sits atop what was once a potter’s field, where over 20,000 bodies were buried in mass, unmarked graves.

Devils Island

A Penal Settlement

by John Reardon

The Penal Colony of Cayenne, also known as French Guiana’s penal colony or Devil’s Island penal system, was one of the most notorious and brutal penal colonies in history.

The Lancaster

WW2 Bomber

by John Reardon

Avro Lancaster Bomber - World War II
The Avro Lancaster was one of the most famous heavy bombers used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Commonwealth forces during World War II.

History of Computing

Big Blue

by John Reardon

The history of computers from UNIVAC to the personal computer is a fascinating journey of innovation and technological breakthroughs. Here’s a detailed look at the major milestones:

Tunnels of London

The Underground

by John Reardon

The London Underground (The Tube)
Not exactly a mystery, but the oldest metro system in the world (opened in 1863) has plenty of secrets:

Climate Change

What can be done

by John Reardon

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. These activities release greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) into the atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to global warming.

Rocket Man

Kim Jong Un

by John Reardon

North Korea’s president, officially referred to as the Supreme Leader, is Kim Jong Un, who has held power since 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. Kim Jong Un is the third leader in the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea (formally known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK)

NATO

What is NATO

by John Reardon

What is NATO?
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance of 31 countries from North America and Europe. It was founded on April 4, 1949, with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty).

Lord Lucan

What Happened to Lord Lucan

by John Reardon

Lord Lucan (Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan)
• Disappearance: 1974
• Background: Lord Lucan was a British peer and professional gambler.

The AFL

Australian Football League

by John Reardon

Australian Rules Football, commonly known as "Aussie Rules" or "footy," is a fast-paced, contact sport that originated in Melbourne, Victoria, in the late 1850s. It is played between two teams of 18 players on an oval-shaped field, typically a modified cricket ground.

The Mary Celeste

What happened to her

by John Reardon

The Mary Celeste: The Ghost Ship Legend
What was the Mary Celeste?

RAMADAN

What is Ramadan

by John Reardon

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, observed by over a billion Muslims around the globe. The month holds deep religious significance as it is believed to be the time when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad

Ancient Symbols

What do they mean

by John Reardon

Ancient symbols are powerful visual representations used by cultures throughout history to convey complex ideas, beliefs, and values. They often appear in religious, political, magical, and artistic contexts and are frequently found in carvings, manuscripts, architecture, and artifacts.

Launceston Tasmania

An Overview

by John Reardon

Launceston, Tasmania, is one of Australia’s oldest and most charming cities, known for its unique blend of natural beauty, colonial heritage, and vibrant modern culture. Located at the junction of the North Esk and South Esk rivers, which meet to form the Tamar River, the city is surrounded by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and dramatic river gorges.

Putin

An Overview

by John Reardon

Vladimir Putin's history:

Zelenskyy

Of Ukraine

by John Reardon

Volodymyr Zelensky is a Ukrainian politician, former actor, comedian, and the sixth president of Ukraine. He was born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, then part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union.

Ukraine

Conflict

by John Reardon

The Ukraine conflict is a complex and ongoing war that began in 2014, with deep historical, politi-cal, and geopolitical roots.

The Bismarck

Battleship

by John Reardon

The Bismarck was the most powerful battleship in the German navy and among the largest ever built by any European power.

The Rise of Space X

The Elon Musk Story

by John Reardon

SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Its primary mission is to reduce the cost of space travel and ultimately make life multiplanetary.

The Druids

by John Reardon

Druids were the priests of the Celtic peoples, responsible for conducting religious rituals, including sacrifices (sometimes human), festivals, and veneration of natural elements like trees (especially oaks), rivers, and celestial bodies.

Battle of Villers-Bretonneux

24th - 25th April 1918

by John Reardon

The Battle of Villers-Bretonneux took place during the German Spring Offensive (Operation Michael) in World War I. Villers-Bretonneux, a town in northern France, was strategically crucial as it overlooked Amiens, a key transport and logistical hub for the Allies. If Amiens fell, the German forces could potentially break through the Western Front.

Australian Cricket

In Memory of Sir Donald Bradman

by John Reardon

Australian cricket holds a proud and influential place in the nation’s sporting identity, celebrated for its rich history, competitive spirit, and remarkable achievements on the world stage. Since the late 19th century, cricket has been deeply woven into Australia’s cultural fabric.

Monaco

The City State

by John Reardon

Monaco, a tiny sovereign principality on the French Riviera, is one of the most famous and glamorous states in the world. Covering just over two square kilometres, it is the second-smallest country on Earth, yet it boasts a global influence far beyond its size. Ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century.

Ford Australia

The History

by John Reardon

Ford Australia has a rich history that spans over a century, playing a significant role in the country's automotive industry.

The Great Wall of China

by John Reardon

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic and extensive architectural feats in human history. Built over centuries to protect Chinese states and empires from northern invasions, it stretches across northern China and embodies the ingenuity, labor, and strategic thinking of successive Chinese dynasties.

Outback Australia

by John Reardon

Outback Australia is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Stretching across most of the country’s interior, the Outback is a vast, remote, and often harsh environment that embodies the true spirit of Australia.

The Holy Grail

Fact or Fiction

by John Reardon

At its core, the Holy Grail is typically described as a sacred vessel—most commonly a cup or chalice—that is associated with Jesus Christ. In Christian tradition, it's believed to be the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper,.

Johnny Cash

The Man in Black

by John Reardon

The Man in Black: The Legend of Johnny Cash
Long ago, in the cotton fields of Arkansas, a boy was born with the weight of sorrow in his voice. His name was J.R. Cash, but the world would come to know him as Johnny Cash—The Man in Black.

Big Ben

London's Big Ben

by John Reardon

Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower itself but the nickname for the Great Bell inside the tower at the Palace of Westminster.

Robin Hood

Fact or Fiction

by John Reardon

The Legend of Robin Hood:
Robin Hood is a legendary outlaw known for: "Robbing from the rich and giving to the poor"

Tasmanian Railways

A History

by John Reardon

Tasmania, Australia’s island state, has a rich railway history that reflects the region’s economic and social development. Railways played a crucial role in shaping Tasmania's industries, particularly mining, logging, and agriculture.

The Melbourne Cup

Race that stops a nation

by John Reardon

The Melbourne Cup, known as "the race that stops a nation," is Australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred horse race. It has been held annually on the first Tuesday of November since 1861 at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria.

Dracula

Fact or Fiction

by John Reardon

Dracula: The Legend
Most people associate Dracula with Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula, which tells the story of a centuries-old vampire from Transylvania who moves to England to spread the undead curse.

The Catholic Church

For Good or Evil

by John Reardon

History of the Catholic Church
The history of the Catholic Church spans nearly two millennia and is deeply intertwined with the history of Western civilization. Below is a comprehensive overview of its key phases:

The Illuminati

Fact or Fiction

by John Reardon

Purpose: The group aimed to promote Enlightenment ideals—reason, secularism, liberty, and opposition to religious and political oppression. They wanted to combat superstition and abuses of state power, sometimes working in secret to spread their views.

Mars and Beyond

Space Travel

by John Reardon

Mars has captivated human imagination for centuries, appearing in ancient myths, early telescopes, and modern scientific research. Known as the Red Planet due to its iron-rich surface, Mars represents both a scientific frontier and a symbolic destination for humanity’s desire to explore.

The Mole People of New York City

The Homeless

by John Reardon

Homelessness in New York City remains one of the most visible and complex social challenges facing the nation’s largest metropolitan area. Every night, tens of thousands of people sleep in shelters, temporary housing, or on the streets, in subway stations, and beneath the city’s towering infrastructure.

Battle of Hastings

1066

by John Reardon

The Battle of Hastings, fought on October 14, 1066, was a pivotal moment in English history. It marked the Norman conquest of England and dramatically reshaped the country's culture, language, and ruling elite.

Radio Telescopes

Parkes

by John Reardon

Radio Telescopes and How They Work
What is a Radio Telescope?
A radio telescope is a specialized type of telescope used to detect and study radio waves emitted by celestial objects.

The Crusades

First to Eighth

by John Reardon

The Crusades were a series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church during the medieval period, mainly between the 11th and 13th centuries. The most well-known were the campaigns in the Eastern Mediterranean aimed at recovering the Holy Land from Muslim rule, but there were also Crusades in Europe

Immigrating to Australia

Travel

by John Reardon

Skilled Migration
Australia runs a points-based immigration system for skilled workers. Key visa types include:
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – For highly skilled individuals not sponsored by an employer or relative.

Wind Energy

by John Reardon

A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity through a generator.

QANTAS

The Spirit of Australia

by John Reardon

Qantas, founded in 1920 in outback Queensland, is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic airlines. Originally established as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, it began as a small mail-delivery and passenger service using simple biplanes along remote routes. Over the decades, Qantas grew into Australia’s national carrier.

John Glenn

First American Astronaut

by John Reardon

John Glenn was a pioneering American astronaut, military aviator, and statesman whose achievements helped define the early era of human space exploration. Born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio, Glenn developed a passion for aviation at a young age.

The Suez Canal

Construction and History

by John Reardon

The Suez Canal is one of the most important and strategic waterways in the world, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and providing a direct maritime route between Europe and Asia. Completed in 1869 after ten years of construction, the canal represented a monumental engineering achievement of the 19th century

What Happened to Yuri Gagarin

The First Man in Space

by John Reardon

Yuri Gagarin was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut who became one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century when he became the first human to journey into outer space. Born on 9 March 1934 in the small village of Klushino, Russia.

The Atomic Bomb

History and Development

by John Reardon

The atomic bomb represents one of the most significant and unsettling turning points in modern history. Developed during World War II under the United States–led Manhattan Project, the bomb was the first weapon to use nuclear fission

The SDR Radio

What Is an SDR Radio

by John Reardon

At the core of an SDR is a high-performance analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that captures radio frequency signals and converts them into digital data. Once in digital form, powerful processors or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) apply modulation, demodulation, filtering, and decoding algorithms.

The ALP

The Australian Labor Party

by John Reardon

The ALP was born out of the trade union movement in the late 19th century, responding to worsening conditions for workers during the economic depression of the 1890s. Strikes like the Maritime Strike (1890) and Shearers’ Strike (1891), particularly in Queensland and New South Wales, were pivotal.

Australian Voting System

How it Works

by John Reardon

Australia’s electoral system is democratic and relatively complex, designed to ensure fair representation across its federal, state, and local levels. Here's a clear breakdown of how it works, particularly focusing on the federal level (which elects the national government):

The Internet

How it works

by John Reardon

The Internet is a vast global network that connects millions of computers, devices, and servers, allowing people around the world to communicate, share information, and access digital services. At its core, the Internet is a massive infrastructure made up of physical cables, data centers, wireless technologies, and networking equipment that work together to move data from one point to another at incredible speeds.

SPACE - Voyager 1 and 2

Their Story

by John Reardon

The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft are twin robotic space probes launched by NASA in 1977. Their primary mission was to study the outer planets of our solar system, and they have since become humanity's farthest-reaching explorers.

FIRE - The Notra Dame Story

The Facts

by John Reardon

The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral on 15 April 2019 was one of the most shocking cultural tragedies of the modern era. As evening fell over Paris, flames were first noticed rising from the roof, quickly spreading through the ancient wooden framework known as “the forest,” some of which dated back to the 12th century.

Hobart Tasmania

A Full Guide

by John Reardon

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is Australia’s second-oldest city, founded in 1804 as a British penal settlement. Lieutenant-Governor David Collins established the colony at Sullivans Cove on the western shore of the River Derwent, chosen for its deep harbour and strategic position.

Knights Templar

The Rise and Fall

by JC Reardon

The Knights Templar are among the most iconic and enigmatic figures of the medieval period, remembered for their wealth, military prowess, and tragic downfall. Their story spans nearly two centuries, from their founding during the First Crusade to their dramatic dissolution in the early 14th century.

A Master Craftsman.
A Sacred Temple.
A Secret Worth Dying For.
When the renowned artisan Hiram Abif is summoned from Tyre to Jerusalem, he steps into the greatest building project of the ancient world—King Solomon’s Temple. With unmatched skill and unwavering integrity, Hiram leads a team of elite craftsmen to create a structure that will stand as a symbol of faith, unity, and divine purpose.
But behind the beauty of stone and bronze lies a hidden world of sacred knowledge, understood only by a chosen brotherhood. As Hiram teaches the deeper meaning of the Temple’s design—its symbols, proportions, and spiritual truths—envy grows among those left outside the circle.
Whispers become threats.
Ambition turns to conspiracy.
And in the shadows, three men plot to force from Hiram the one secret he can never reveal.
Blending biblical history, Masonic tradition, and dramatic fiction, this novel explores the life, trials, and legacy of a man whose name became legend. A story of craftsmanship, courage, loyalty—and the timeless struggle between light and darkness.
The Temple stands in stone, but its true power is built within the soul.

Papal Murder!

The Facts

by John Reardon

The papacy, an institution steeped in centuries of religious, political, and cultural significance, has witnessed numerous dramatic and often violent episodes throughout its long history. Among the most intriguing and unsettling of these are the deaths of several popes under suspicious circumstances.

MURDER in Hobart Town

The Story of Reardon & Tydey 1824

by John Reardon

Murder in Hobart Town is a detailed narrative reconstruction of the 1823 killing of John Street, a stonemason in early colonial Hobart. Blending documented historical fact with carefully crafted fiction, the book recreates the volatile atmosphere of a young settlement struggling with crime, poverty, and a fragile legal system.

The First Fleet

Journey To Australia

by John Reardon

The Australian First Fleet marks one of the most significant events in the nation’s early history, representing the beginning of European settlement on the continent. Comprising 11 ships—two naval escorts, six convict transports, and three supply vessels—the fleet set sail from Portsmouth, England, on 13 May 1787

The Freemasons

An Overview

by John Reardon

The Freemasons—often simply called Masons—are one of the world’s oldest and most enduring fraternal organisations. Their origins can be traced back to the stonemasons’ guilds of medieval Europe, where craftsmen built cathedrals, castles, and great public works.

Who is Pope Leo

An Overview

by John Reardon

His early acts have included continuing the Vatican’s accord with China over bishop appointments, and initiating new safeguarding efforts aimed at clergy abuse. He speaks multiple languages (including English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese and some German) and brings to the papacy both deep pastoral experience in Latin America and a global perspective.

Holden Cars

A Full History

by John Reardon

The story of the Holden Motor Company is a remarkable chapter in Australian industrial history, symbolizing innovation, resilience, and the rise and fall of an automotive icon. Here’s an overview of Holden’s journey:

JAGUAR

The Worlds Most Iconic Car

by John Reardon

Jaguar is one of the most iconic names in the automotive world, renowned for its blend of British elegance, powerful performance, and distinctive design. Founded in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company, Jaguar initially produced motorcycle sidecars before evolving into a manufacturer of luxurious and sporty automobiles.

What is Genealogy

Where do I start ?

by John Reardon

Genealogy is the study of family history, lineage, and ancestral connections. It involves tracing a person’s family tree back through previous generations to understand where they come from and how different family members are related. People explore genealogy for many reasons—some want to preserve family stories, others hope to connect with lost relatives, and many simply enjoy the detective work involved in uncovering the past.