When you say performance you say Corvette. You can define Corvette in a single word: "style" in automotive design. Chevrolet introduced the Corvette C1 in 1953 at Motorama, event hosted by the Waldorf Astoria in New York. Over 20,000 visitors have assured the people at GM that would definitely buy a sports car like the Corvette. Neither Ford nor Chrysler would not plan a sports car. Even Ford Thunderbird which was expected to go into production, could not be classified as a sports car.
Corvette C1 entered in production in late June, just six months after the Motorama show. Discussions predicted sales of 20,000 units per year, although later estimates have been reduced to 12,000.
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Ed Cole and Tom Keating decided that all Corvette chassis would be fiberglass. This decision not only affected Corvette C1 but all future generations. The model name was proposed by Myron Scott after the one of a small warship appreciated for maneuverability and speed.
In 1956 Corvette debuts in automobile competitions, with a tuned V8 engine which developed 255 hp. In addition to an automatic gearbox, a manual gearbox with three gears is available.