The Corvette was first introduced in 1953 as Chevrolet's answer to European sports cars such as Jaguar and MG. However, early models with a six-cylinder engine and automatic transmission were criticized for lacking performance. Chevrolet responded by introducing a V-8 engine in 1955, transforming the Corvette into a serious competitor. By 1957, the Rochester Ramjet fuel injection system was introduced, making the Corvette one of the first production cars to feature fuel injection.

The 1959 Corvette 'Fuelie' Roadster was part of a continued evolution, refining both performance and styling. This model featured a 283-cubic-inch small-block V-8 engine with the optional fuel injection, which significantly increased horsepower and efficiency compared to carbureted versions. The highest-output Fuelie variant produced 290 horsepower, making the 1959 Corvette one of the fastest American cars of its time. The Fuelie, a nickname for fuel-injected Corvettes, was a game changer for Chevrolet an