1953 Corvette

 Legendary Cars: The Chevrolet Corvette (C1)

Legendary Cars: Top Muscle Cars: 1968 L88 Corvette

The greatness of the original Corvette lies in that it was the very first of its species.

When the first Corvette debuted at the GM Motorama in New York City on January 17, 1953, it was an instant sensation. It wasn't because the mechanical bits were exotic — the engine under the hood was a slightly tweaked, 150-hp version of the Chevy "Stovebolt" inline-6 that had been around since 1941, the transmission was a two-speed automatic and the suspension was lifted straight from the Chevy sedans — but the fiberglass body was gorgeous.

It was a two-seater that exuded confidence without looking European or fragile. It was a robust American at a time when the most popular sports cars of the day were spindly contraptions like the MG-TF.

Based on crowd reaction, Chevrolet immediately ordered the Corvette into production. And 300 examples of the new 1953 Corvette were hurriedly built — all painted Polo White.

A great start. Or at least good enough.