1958 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster (RHD)

The first Corvette rolled off the production line in 1953 and has gone on to achieve automotive legend status, remaining in production today - more than five decades later - and is still true to the original values of providing high performance, stunning looks and plenty of luxury at a reasonable price. For 1958 the Corvette was mildly restyled, the main difference being the addition of an extra pair of headlights, bonnet louvres and chrome vents inside the coves. Inside the interior was revised with the instruments now grouped together in a binnacle positioned in front of the driver along with a centre console and passenger grab-bar. Powering the Corvette was Chevrolet's legendary small-block V8, displacing 283-cid and developing 230hp in standard tune with a three-speed manual gearbox (though buyers could opt for either a four-speed 'box or Powerglide automatic transmission for an extra cost). Although some refused to concede that the Corvette was a genuine sports car, it certainly managed to take the fight up to the Europeans on the racetracks of America in the late 1950s. In total some 9,168 Corvettes were built in 1958 and each is now regarded as an American classic.