Zora Arkus-Duntov and Chevrolet Engineering dramatically altered the Corvette’s personality with a new focus on performance, including a growing line of powerful small-block V-8 engines and vastly improved handling. In turn, by 1959, Corvette production neared 10,000 units, proof positive that Chevrolet had carefully developed the car into a winner both on and off the track. 4-speed transmission.