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54 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE FALL 20241960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE ADVENTUROUS GOOD LOOKSOften and rightly referred to as %u201cAmerica%u2019s Sports Car%u201d by legions of collectors and enthusiasts today, Chevrolet%u2019s iconic Corvette debuted to acclaim in 1953 as a stylish but relatively tame cruiser. While not as ferocious a performer as its transatlantic archrivals from England and continental Europe, the initial Corvettes most importantly served as rolling showcases of General Motors%u2019 incomparable design and engineering might. Relentless development, soon led by renowned European engineer and international racer Zora Arkus-Duntov, brought substantial revisions and ever-growing V8 power and performance. During the latter 1950s, new speed records, performance options and regular styling updates reflected the Corvette%u2019s maturation and drew crowds into Chevy dealer showrooms. On the fast-growing American racing circuit, Corvettes propelled growing numbers of driving legends to victory, particularly in SCCA Production classes. Among them were Jim Jeffords and his %u201cPurple People Eater,%u201d Dick %u201cthe Flying Dentist%u201d Thompson driving GM design chief Bill Mitchell%u2019s Stingray, plus scores of other greats. By 1960, the Corvette was endowed with a wide array of competition options from the factory and ready to challenge the world%u2019s best cars and teams on the international stage, with entries at Havana, Sebring, the N%u00fcrburgring and Le Mans. %u201cLucky%u201d Casner%u2019s Camoradi racing team and Briggs Cunningham%u2019s Team Cunningham led the Corvette%u2019s international charge with factory backing, and the Corvette%u2019s first Le Mans class victory (GT 5.0) and 8th Overall was scored by veteran Cunningham drivers John Fitch and Ed Hugus in 1960. With its historic racing heritage and adventurous good looks, the 1960 Corvette is favored by today%u2019s restorers and customizers and made even better than when new with today%u2019s performance technologies, luxury amenities and impeccable build quality. This