Beschreibung:

Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled fiberglass coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5 cubic inch overhead-valve straight six and, unusually for a sports car, there was a two-speed automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time. Sales were sluggish initially and the model came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird and the diligent work (and persuasive abilities) of a young GM engineer, Zora-Arkus Duntov. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical restyle for '56 consolidated the 'Vette's position in the market, the model going on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sports car. The Corvette in its second (1956-onwards) incarnation evolved slowly, gaining a four-headlight front end for '58 and a re-styled 'duck tail' rear, featuring a quartet of tail lights and an enlarged trunk, for '61. The 'Vette was face-lifted and improved annually, more and more options becoming part of the car's standard inventory in the process; in 1962 a stock Corvette came with electric clock, rev counter, seat belts and outside rear-view mirror. Major chassis engineering changes were few. 1960 was a watershed year for the Corvette. With some power under the hood, the ‘Vette was now selling swiftly and 1960 was the first year in which over 10,000 were produced. Briggs Cunningham also chose to enter three 1960 Corvettes in that year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, finishing a respectable eighth overall with one of his entries. The example offered here, produced about through 1960, is a numbers matching, date code correct survivor that is as it left the factory, barring a single high quality repaint in its original white and silver. Showing 47,750 miles, which are believed to be original, only two owners, both Californians, have enjoyed this car for the past 25 years—the second of the two only driving the car about 3,000 miles over the span of 10 years. Powered by the reliable 283/230hp V8, this car is one of just 1,766 equipped with a Powerglide transmission. Ease of operation and comfort is further ensured by its power windows, which only 544 examples were equipped with. A lovely interior, finished in a striking red, has been well kept. This Corvette is reported to start easily, run smoothly, and offers an enjoyable driving experience. Few cars have captured the attention and imagination of both collectors and casual motorists as the Corvette. With a laundry list of options and presented here as it was when it left St. Louis in mid-1960, it would be difficult to find an easier car to enjoy.