PONI ETR

A version of this is on the C1 and C2 Forum, but with limited views. Thought I'd spread it a little farther.
GM/Chevrolet got the inspiration for the Vette from GI's returning from WWII and buying Austin Healys, MG's, and TR 3's--two seater sports cars.
They introduced the Vette in 1953. It wasn't a very good car with an under-powered straight six, and poor braking and handling. It was more boulevard cruiser than sports car.
After 2 years, sales were so poor they were ready to cancel production. Then came the seminal moment in Corvette history which really had nothing to do with the Vette.
In 1955, Ford introduced the Thunderbird. It had the handling qualities of the Vette, but at least it had a V8. And from there, the race was on. Of course, the two cars went in completely different directions, the Vette taking the right one. It's been the longest running, continuous production, passenger car in America.

CQRT

nice . . kinda preachin' to the choir here . . .

roadbike56

True about the T-Bird's importance in keeping the Corvette alive, but without Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette would have gone in an entirely different direction. It's possible it's greatest claim to fame might have been "the first four door American sedan with a floor shifting automatic". We all know how he took the mediocre performing cruiser and turned it into the fire breathing monster that the Europeans had to take seriously.

Vetteman Jack

Thanks for reminding those of us that really enjoy the Corvette just how close it came to being a footnote in history during the early years. Thanks to the forward vision of a few key people it was thankfully saved and now is an American car icon.