The Corvette’s Sometimes Sensational, Sometimes Sloppy History

Before its debut in 1953, no one was asking for the Chevrolet Corvette. It wasn’t even really supposed to happen. A new book by Richard Prince, Corvette 70 Years: The One and Only (Motorbooks, $60), tells the story of how it did. (No, not that Richard Prince.)

After World War II, General Motors was already the largest car company in the world. It churned out more than 13 million vehicles during the 1950s. They were stalwart cars and trucks that earned the GM badge a reputation for affordability and reliability. Then GM designer Harley Earl saw a bunch of sexy European sports cars racing at Watkins Glen, N. Y., in 1951—and noted how lackluster his own LeSabre was in comparison. He decided GM needed a cool car, too. Even if no one wanted it.