The End of an Era 1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1 The 1961 Corvette was the last of the "C1" generation which are popularly and fondly known as the "Straight Axle" Corvettes since they used a live rear axle. Another change: a generator as a electrical charging system would be replaced by alternators, which everyone agrees is an improvement. A conventional trunk would not be part of the Corvette story until the 1998 convertible. Also disappearing: exposed headlights, which would reappear 43 years late