”And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to inform you that GM has, for the first time, produced 10,000 Corvettes in one year!”

Yes, you read that right. In 1960, GM produced 10,261 Corvettes. This landmark achievement happened in the same year that America’s youngest President was elected to office, the 50 Star American Flag was unveiled, and To Kill a Mockingbird was released.

Interestingly, in 1960, Chevrolet did not allow automatic transmissions to be paired with either of the available fuel-injected engines. Some of the most popular options added to 1960 Corvettes were: a heater, a signal-seeking AM radio, windshield washers, and whitewall tires.

The most popular engine in 1960 was the base model, which still produced 230 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor. The second most popular engine in 1960 was the dual four-barrel carbed 283, which made 270 horsepower.

The base price for the Corvette in 1960 was $3,872: essentially the same as the previous year. On average, a base model 1960 Corvette sold today goes for around $62,000, but in mint condition, the 290 horse FI model sells for upwards of $165,000.