Most Popular Sports Cars

The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette almost didn’t make it to 1957 and nearly died a death a few years prior. Why did this auto, which has won the hearts of many, come close to being canceled?

Chevrolet first introduced the two-seat Corvette or ‘Vette’ in 1953. It was the obsession and brainchild of the prominent designer Harley Earl. Earl had been creating magic for the company since the late 1920′s and at long last managed to persuade Chevy to build a two seater sports car, to compete against the MGs, Alfas and other European cars that were being brought over to the American market by GIs returning from the war.

While the 53 Chevrolet Corvette was hailed for its killer good looks and terrific body, its engine performance was unquestionably unexciting, unadventurous and somewhat frigid. Ford’s Thunderbird further threatened the future of the car that would in due course 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 — that must have hurt!

While the Thunderbird was looking great on the highways of America, the Chevy Corvette (not yet the 57 model) was still looking hopefully at prospective buyers in the showrooms. It was at this point in time that GM was said to have been considering killing the ‘Vette, or in the words of an enthusiast ‘murdering it’. Things were not looking good.

Enter the powerful V8 engine and Zora Arkus-Duntov. Zora, who somewhat 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 important alteration made to the car up to that point.

Enough of the auto history. Given a new engine the 57 ‘Vette zoomed from so-so to muscle in performance and was re-christened as a true sports car.

While the 1957 Chevrolet is as synonymous with the American dream as Mama’s home-made apple pie, the US does not have a monopoly on autos in dreams. The Chevy Corvette started appearing in the dreams of car-lovers all over the world and started attracting fans all over the globe. The unsuspecting public was introduced to the 1957 Corvette through the medium of its many guest TV appearances, where it often achieved its own listing in the credits! How’s that for a comeback?

The 57 Corvette is coveted by classic car enthusiasts all over the globe. They are selling at car auctions for anywhere from $70,000 and up, with no lack of adoring collectors. The automobile world is now anxiously awaiting for the unveiling of the C7 Chevy Corvette projected to appear sometime in 2010.

Find Out More About the 57 Chevys! FREE Info!

Now that you know something about this great auto, want to know more? Want to see photos? What about actual 57 Corvettes for sale? Click on over to 1957 Chevys for Sale and see all the great cars available!