The 1957 Chevy Corvette; a Successful Failure!
The 1957 Chevy Corvette almost didn’t make it to 1957 and all but died a death a few years earlier. Why did this auto, which has won the hearts of many, come within a hair’s breath of meeting its demise?
Chevrolet first presented their two-seat Corvette or ‘Vette’ in 1953. It was the obsession and brainchild of the renowned automobile designer Harley Earl. Mr. Earl had been creating magic for Chevy since the late 1920′s and at long last managed to convince Chevrolet to develop a two seater sports car, to compete against the MGs, Alfas and other European automobiles that were being introduced to the American market by GIs returning from WW2.
While the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette was lauded for its killer looks and fabulous body, its performance under the hood was unquestionably unexciting, unadventurous and somewhat frigid. Ford’s Thunderbird additionally threatened the future of the car that would ultimately go down in the chronicles of American automotive 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 and byways of America, the Chevy Corvette (not yet the 1957 model) was still looking longingly at prospective buyers in the automotive showrooms. It was at this point in time that General Motors was said to have been considering killing the ‘Vette, or in the words of an enthusiast ‘murdering it’. Things were definitely not looking good for the ‘Vette.
Enter the powerful 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 1957 Corvette. The V8 is credited with being the most important modification made to the car up to that point.
Enough of the auto history. Baptized with a new engine the 1957 Corvette zoomed from so-so to strength in performance and was reborn as a true 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 a monopoly on cars in dreams. 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 Corvette through the medium of its plentiful guest TV appearances, where it often achieved its own listing in the credits! How’s that for a comeback?
The 57 Chevy Corvette is coveted and collected by classic car enthusiasts the world over. The 1957 Corvettes are being bought at car auctions for anywhere from $70,000 and up, with apparently no lack of adoring buyers. The automobile world is now waiting with baited breath for the debut of the C7 Chevy Corvette anticipated to come sometime in 2010.
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2002 Chevrolet Corvette for sale – Milford, CT
I dropped out of high school and got a GED. I later went to school at night, while working during the day and got a B.A. and then a J.D (law degree). Lots of people have done similar things.
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Two Englishmen- businessmen in London – were sitting down for a break in their soon-to be new store. As yet, the store wasn't ready, with only a few shelves set up.
One said to the other, 'I bet any minute now some thick tourist is going to walk by, put his face to the window and ask what we're selling.'
No sooner were the words out of his mouth when, sure enough, a curious Scotsman walked to the window, had a peek, and in a broad Scottish accent asked
'What are you selling here?'
One of the men replied sarcastically,
'We're selling ar5e-holes.'
Without skipping a beat, the Scotsman said,
'You are doing well … Only two left!'
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and futhermore I think imma start writing again….i use to be serious but lifes highways and byways have me all mixed up