The 1957 Chevy Corvette

The 1957 Chevy Corvette almost didn't make it to 1957 and nearly died a death a few years earlier. Why did this American icon almost stop before it got out the starting gate?

In the Beginning

Chevrolet first introduced their two-seat Corvette or 'Vette' in 1953. It was the passion and brainchild of the renowned designer Harley Earl. Earl had been designing for the company since the late 1920's and finally managed to convince them to build a two seater sports car, not unlike the MG's, Alfa's and other European cars that were being introduced to the American market by returning GIs.

Killer Looks!

While the 53 Chevy Corvette was hailed for its killer looks and great body, its performance under the hood was decidedly unexciting, unadventurous somewhat frigid. The Ford Thunderbird further threatened the future life of the automobile that would eventually go down in the annals of American automotive history as 'the only true American sports car', outselling the Corvette by 24 to 1.

While the Thunderbird was looking great on the roads of America the Chevy Corvette (not yet the 57) was still looking longingly at potential buyers in the showrooms. It was at this time that GM were said to have been considering killing it off, or in the words of an enthusiast 'murdering it'.

Enter the v8 engine and Zora Arkus-Duntov. Zora, who rather mistakenly became known ever after as the father of the Corvette, inspired the V8 design and spec for the 57 Corvette. The V8 is credited with being the single most important change made to the car to date.

The 1957 Corvette, Reborn

Enough of the history. Baptised with a new engine the 57 Corvette went from strength to strength in performance and was reborn as a serious sports car.

While the 57 Chevy is as synonymous with the American dream as Mama's home made apple pie, the Americans do not have the monopoly on automobiles in dreams. The Corvette started appearing in the dreams of sleepers all over the world and began attracting a pan global fan base, introduced to the car through the medium of its numerous guest TV appearances, where it often achieved its own listing in the credits!

The 57 Corvette is coveted and collected by car enthusiasts from Asia to Antarctica. They are selling at car auctions for anywhere from $70,000 upwards with no shortage of adoring buyers. The automobile world is now waiting with baited breath for the debut of the C7 Chevy Corvette expected to arrive sometime in 2010.

And There's More!

You didn't think that the 1957 Corvette was the only famous Chevy, did you?

Of course not, and you can find information on other models, like the 57 Bel Air convertible, at http://www.1957chevyforsale.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Nettles