The 57 Chevy Corvette; a Successful Failure!

The 57 Chevrolet ‘Vette almost didn’t make it to 1957 and nearly did a crash and burn a few years prior. Why did this auto, which has won the hearts of many the world over, come within a hair’s breath of meeting its demise?

Chevy first introduced the two-seater Corvette (or ‘Vette’ as it’s affectionately known) in 1953. It was the obsession and brainchild of the celebrated automobile designer Harley Earl. Earl had been designing for the company since the late 1920′s and at long last managed to convince them to build a two seater sports car, rather like the MGs, Alfas and other European autos that were being brought over to the US market by GIs returning from the war.

While the 53 Chevy ‘Vette was hailed for its killer looks and fabulous body, its engine performance was distinctly unexciting, unadventurous and somewhat frigid. Ford’s Thunderbird further threatened the future life of the car that would eventually go down in the annals of American auto history as ‘the only true American sports car’, by outselling the Corvette by 24 to 1. Ouch!

While the Thunderbird was looking great on the highways of America, the Chevy Corvette (not yet the 1957 model) was still looking hopefully at prospective buyers in the showrooms. It was during this point in time that General Motors was said to have been considering killing the Corvette, or in the words of an enthusiast ‘murdering it’. Things were not looking good for the ‘Vette.

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 specifications for the 57 Corvette. The V8 is recognized with being the single most valuable alteration made to the car up to that point.

Enough of the auto history. Baptized with a new engine the 57 Corvette went from so-so to power in performance and was reborn as a serious sports car.

While the 57 Chevrolet is as synonymous with the American dream as Mama’s home-made apple pie, the Americans do not have the monopoly on automobiles in thoughts. The Corvette started appearing in the dreams of sleepers all over the world and started attracting fans all over the globe. The unsuspecting public was introduced to the car through the medium of its plentiful guest TV appearances, where it often achieved its own listing in the credits! How is that for a comeback story?

The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is coveted by car enthusiasts from Asia to Antarctica. These beauties are being bought at car auctions for anywhere from $70,000 on up, with no lack of adoring buyers. The automobile world is now waiting with baited breath for the debut of the C7 Chevrolet Corvette expected to come sometime during 2010.

Find Out More About the 57 Chevys! Here’s FREE Info!

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