1960 Chevrolet Corvettes
Toward the end of the 1960 calendar year, the Corvette brand got a huge boost when the TV show Route 66 premiered on CBS, on the evening of October 7th. The show featured two young guys, Tod and Buzz, searching for adventure and themselves. Their cross-country odyssey was mobilized by a 1960 fawn beige Corvette. The progressive show, which launched the careers of many actors, was a hit. Its themes of alienation and extra-judicial righteousness resonated with many viewers.
Chevrolet reaped huge benefits in its showrooms, also supported by Chevy’s ad sponsorship of the show, starring All-American girl-next-door Doris Day. Physically, the ’60 model, of which 10,261 were made, was basically unchanged from the ’59 model. The exterior was the same except for wheel colors, while inside, seat upholstery pleating was stitched front to back, providing the easiest way to distinguish a ’60 model from a ’59. Base and optional engines and transmissions were also the same as for the ’59 model, although 270 hp and 290 hp motors were cooled by aluminum radiators. Color combinations were modernized and included: Body colors: Tuxedo Black, Tasco Turquoise, Horizon Blue, Honduras Maroon, Roman Red, Ermine White, Sateen Silver and Cascade Green. Interior colors were: Black, Blue, Red, Tan, White and Turquoise. Soft Top colors were: Black, White and Blue.
The racing brakes and suspension package was ordered on 119 ’60 Vettes. By this time, many Corvettes were raced by pros and amateurs across the country, and around the world. Indeed, a ’60 Corvette driven by American legends John Fitch and Bob Grossman won the GT5.0 class at the 24 Hours of LeMans, burnishing the Corvette brand even before Route 66 debuted months later.
