1960 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Convertible (LHD)

Description

The first Corvette rolled off the production line in 1953 and today, more than six decades on, American's only sports car is regarded as a bone fide automotive legend. Key to its success, the Corvette has always remained true to the original concept of combining affordable sports car performance with stunning looks. The earliest Vettes employed a tuned version of the 'Blue Flame' six but in 1955 the small-block V8 was introduced, elevating performance of the lightweight sports roadster to levels that were little short of sensational. Meanwhile each season Chevrolet restyled the Corvette, adding distinctive side coves, a toothy grille then quad headlamps and a profusion of chromed vents and louvres. 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. For 1960 the Corvette was little changed externally but under the skin one significant improvement appeared in the form of a standard rear stabiliser bar and stiffer stabiliser bar up front, which significantly tightened up the suspension. Inside the seat pattern was changed, along with the door panel design and revised tacho. The list of options was further extended, including fuel injection, stronger brakes and other performance mods. Although some pundits 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. Indeed, sportsman Briggs Cunningham entered a three-car team of Corvettes at Le Mans in 1960 and one of the trio survived to finish a creditable eighth overall. In total some 10,261 Corvettes were built in 1960 (the first time production hit five figures) and each is now regarded as a genuine American classic.